Balancing a rigorous engineering course load with the high demands of collegiate athletics may sound like an impossible feat, but it is completely achievable with the right mindset and strategies. As someone navigating both worlds, I’ve learned that excelling in the classroom and on the track is entirely attainable.
I am a biomedical engineering student, working toward minors in both electrical engineering and neuroscience, while also competing full-time as a track and field athlete. There have certainly been moments when it felt like I was drowning in commitments, but my passion for the sport and my drive to achieve my academic goals have always kept me afloat. The first step to succeeding is believing that it’s possible. When the workload feels overwhelming, I step back, take a breather, and remind myself that each challenge is an opportunity to grow.
The Opus College of Engineering at Marquette has also been instrumental in helping me thrive. If a practice or competition interferes with my class schedule, faculty members are always willing to meet with me at another time to ensure I don’t fall behind. With multiple course sessions available, I can find a schedule that fits my athletic commitments. The faculty consistently go above and beyond, demonstrating genuine care for me and each of their students.
After graduation, I plan to enter graduate school and pursue a Ph.D. in neural engineering. My dream is to work with patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries or other conditions affecting motor function, using advancements in neural engineering to help them regain control of their muscles. The ability to balance rigorous training schedules and coursework as a student-athlete has prepared me to navigate the challenges of graduate school and a demanding career with confidence and efficiency.
Being a student-athlete in engineering requires discipline, strong support systems, and a commitment to self-care. But the same determination that fuels you in your sport can also drive your academic success. Trust in your abilities, stay organized, and embrace the challenges — you’ve got this!
