Sports as a college student can be a very strenuous and time-consuming part of being a student. Finding a balance between working on homework, excelling both on the field and in the classroom, and demonstrating leadership can be difficult to navigate for anyone.
Senior marketing major and goalie for Temple Women’s Lacrosse, Meagan Florkowski, has found this balance and has perfected a way to continue to grow, learn and stay disciplined in school with the help of Fox professors who want student-athletes to succeed.
“The Fox professors have helped by truly understanding my responsibilities as a student-athlete and being flexible when there is a conflict,” Florkowski said. “They are really supportive and want to see me succeed.”
Fox students are taught many lessons in the classroom that they can take with them into any aspect of their life; leadership, teamwork, understanding, flexibility and problem-solving are just some of the lessons that Florkowski has learned.
There are many positives to being a student-athlete, but it is also important to remember when to take a step back from both the academics and the sports. This balance can help keep the passion for both and give a supportive outlet to wind down from a busy time.
“On the days where it feels too much I like to make a plan of what I need to get done and then I like to do something that is non-school/lacrosse-related like watching a movie or listening to music,” Florkowski said.
At Temple, there is always something going on around the school, and finding something to do can be relatively easy. It’s also a perfect chance to take a break and go do something new.
“Staying organized with schoolwork is important, and utilizing the resources Temple offers,” Florkowski said. “I find it very important to do something outside of school and sports like reading or even exploring Philly can be just what you need.”
People who are coming into Temple as a student athlete, or are about to be one, have many resources at Temple that they should take advantage of. Academic advisors, especially, are a great resource that students should take advantage of because they stay with students their entirety at Temple.
“My advice would be to stay organized and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Florkowski said. “Temple offers so many resources to help students succeed so take advantage of those. My advisor Annie Judge has helped me a great deal in planning my schedule, communicating with professors and overall just helping me stay on top of all my work.”
Students should remember that all of the lessons learned in the classroom can be transferred anywhere they go in life. Florkowski notices this and is prepared to take them with her throughout life and continue fine-tuning them as well.