Striking a Balance between Studies and Sport at a High Level
Homayoun Kamkar-Parsi
3/2/2005

A question often arises: Is it possible to pursue higher education while training and competing in sport at a high level? It is very difficult and also very stressful and demanding, but I believe it is achievable with some give and take (i.e., sacrifices). However, it depends to a great extent on the individual involved and the level of determination and commitment the individual has to make it work.

If, for example, you are pursuing graduate studies in any field, you have to spend many hours doing research and also preparing for exams. Being involved in sport at a high level requires several hours of practice, as well as participation in numerous competitions (often involving international travel for several weeks at a time). This may mean missing classes, as well as deadlines, and having to postpone exams.

It can be quite stressful when the examination period is near, the research paper is due, and a competition is coming soon. Is it then time to panic, to give up, or just hope for the best? Those encountering this situation for the first time may give in to panic and be inclined to give up, while those who have more experience may not. As in so many other areas of life, experience is the greatest teacher. One has to learn to make careful and wise choices and learn from any error in judgment that may occur, so that the same mistake will not happen again. It is important to remain positive and to accept and learn from the experience and move on.

One has to be organized, disciplined, structured, manage time efficiently, set priorities, and be willing to make sacrifices in order to excel. Although the calendar may be full of events, and deadlines and timelines seem to be short, one has to learn to take one day at a time and make the best possible use of each day. This may involve working long hours with a minimum amount of sleep and leave extremely little time for social and leisure activities. One has to be dedicated to be willing to make it work, no matter what the cost. Of course, some of the time, it is very difficult to strike a perfect balance and get the best possible results in both areas. However, this does not mean that one gives up. Ideally it should make one examine the reason for any imbalance. It is also very important to try to maintain a positive attitude when so many demands are being made upon you, seemingly from all directions. This is where determination, time management, and organization become very important. Although one may feel overwhelmed at times, it is imperative to take one assignment, one practice, one exam, and one competition at a time.

If one is able to strike a balance between school and sport, the rewards, sense of pride, and incredible feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction, as well as the boost given to one’s self-confidence and esteem, make all the sacrifices seem minuscule in comparison.

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