Midterm Stress? Our Student-Athletes Have Some Advice

Midterm Stress? Our Student-Athletes Have Some Advice

Written by Ms. Nacar

With Midterm Exams underway, many students are feeling the pressure to balance studying, completing assignments, and meeting expectations. For student-athletes, who juggle the demands of both academics and sports, the challenge is even greater. We spoke to some of our school’s athletes to hear their strategies for success. Here’s what they shared:

Plan Your Week to Stay Ahead​

Jacky, a 12th-grade golfer, stresses the importance of mapping out his week in advance. “It’s hard to keep up with both school and sports, but if you plan your week, things get easier,” he shares. Despite just returning from a tournament, Jacky stays on top of his schoolwork with the help of his teachers and classmates. “It’s a little stressful, but their support makes all the difference.”

FOREsight and focus: Jacky knows that having a 'Game Plan' keeps you moving forward.
FOREsight and focus: Jacky knows that having a 'Game Plan' keeps you moving forward.
Staying ‘cool’ under pressure, Young has mastered the art of balance on and off the ice!
Staying ‘cool’ under pressure, Young has mastered the art of balance on and off the ice!

Use Every Spare Moment Wisely​

Young, a 10th-grader who balances ice hockey, squash, and racquetball, believes that staying calm is key to managing both academics and athletics. “If you’re not calm, you won’t finish your work correctly,” he says. He has also found that squeezing study time into his breaks and lunch periods makes a big difference. “I use break times and lunch to study—it helps to recap what I’ve learned.”

Set Goals and Be Realistic​

Kousuke, an 8th-grade tennis player, emphasizes setting specific, achievable goals for each subject. “I don’t give myself too much pressure. I set a goal that’s not too difficult, like reaching the average in every subject,” he explains. This approach keeps him motivated without overwhelming himself. He also uses alarms to remind him of what to tackle next, especially after tiring practices.

Hitting his stride on the court and in class, Kousuke’s goal-setting game is on point!
Keeping her head in the game and the classroom is how Yen stays on top of things.
Keeping her head in the game and the classroom is how Yen stays on top of things.

Stay Disciplined and Focused​

Yen, a 12th-grade golfer, believes self-discipline is essential. “After practice, there’s less time for homework, so you have to stay focused and disciplined,” she says. Yen blocks out distractions to maximize her productivity, getting her work done as efficiently as possible. Her tip: prioritize tasks to stay on track.

Be Patient and Persistent​

Tzuhsuan, an 11th-grade karate athlete, has learned the importance of patience and persistence. He allocates specific times for homework, studying, and rest to maintain balance and avoid burnout. “Even when it gets tough, staying on schedule makes a big difference,” he says, reminding others that resilience pays off in the long run.

From karate chops to study blocks, Tzuhusan knows resilience wins the day!
From karate chops to study blocks, Tzuhusan knows resilience wins the day!

A Few Final Tips​

What can we learn from our student-athletes? They agree on a few key ideas: plan ahead, stay disciplined, and use your time wisely. There’s no single formula for success, but with a bit of organization and persistence, anyone can learn to balance their responsibilities.

Their final piece of advice? “Keep going—it’s tough, but the rewards are worth it.” Let’s take inspiration from their hard work this exam season.

加油!