With the school year coming to a close, it is important that students take care of themselves throughout the school year, no matter what they are doing.

From musicians, writers, artists, medical professionals, criminologists, lawyers, and public speakers, the students of Guilford College are known for their resilience—particularly student-athletes.  

The student-athletes of Guilford College are known for their physical abilities and health, but what about their mental abilities and health? The ability to juggle being not just an athlete and a student, but a person who can have fun in their personal lives. 

“Being able to get schoolwork done when you’re sore or just want to rest and waking up for morning lifts, it’s not for the weak,” said Chris Simmons, a member of Guilford’s football team.  

Simmons, who is majoring in business, knows how he can balance learning on the football field and in the classroom. However, he does feel the pressure of his personal life and school overlapping with each other. 

“Sometimes you have to miss out on doing things with friends or loved ones that you actually enjoy, [just] to be disciplined and get things done on time,” Simmons said. “I wouldn’t be the person I am [without those sacrifices].” 

Beyond the pressures of the field, Simmons has found outlets for dealing with his class work. 

“We even do study sessions to help each other with classes or just in general,” Simmons said.

Simmons also credits the faculty at Guilford for his success in the classroom. “[The] teachers [are] understanding and willing to work with our schedules,” he said. 

Guilford, as a community, is known for helping students, keeping them “in-the-loop,” and being able to work with them to make the semester run smoothly. The community does not stop there; it continues within the team as the Quakers make strides in building a strong team.

While student-athletes may seem to have work under control, it’s best to keep in mind that they are exactly what the name says: students. Students who are doing their best to keep up with their work and performance to the best of their highest standards on and off the field. 

Simmons is one of many student-athletes on a mission to be the best version of himself, prioritizing not only his physical attributes and health but also his mental well-being. 

Simmons, when reflecting on his growth, calls back to his younger self. 

“‘I’m proud of you, kiddo. [You’re] doing what a lot of people couldn’t,” he said, in reference to his past self on the hard work and dedication that he has put in. “Just stay on the right path, and everything will work out.”