How Student- Athletes Find a Balance

Although it is difficult, finding a balance between athletics and academics for Michigan State University student- athletes is possible. Olivia Derbabian, a member of the MSU rowing team, plans out her schedule for the week every Sunday night in order to assure she devotes enough time for her school work and her busy practice schedule, she said. With 850 students involved in 25 MSU Division I sports, the university provides many services to aid these students.  Jim Pignataro, the executive associate athletics director and director of student-athlete support services, said the Clara Bell Smith Center for athletes offers student tutorial support, academic advising, counseling, and coordinating, comprehensive career services and placement, multicultural program, community outreach coordination, leadership training and opportunities, and educational programming. “The Smith Center is one of the best perks about being an athlete,” said Derbabian. Jessica Kjellstrom, a member of the MSU women's soccer team, agrees and said, " It’s nice having a place just for athletes to go."  

    

Struggles of Being a Student-Athlete

According to student- athletes at Michigan State University, both past and present, finding a balance between their sport and their academics is difficult. Tom Hauck, a former MSU football player, said,"Football was basically a full time job, ten months out of the year." He said it was hard to find time to devote himself to his classes. Similarly, Jessica Kjellstrom said she also feels overwhelmed by her school work while playing on the MSU women's soccer team. Coming back to an exam after traveling for a game places a lot of stress on Kjellstrom, she said. Olivia Derbabian, a member of the MSU rowing team, said with two to three hour practices, six days of the week, she struggles with managing her schedule. 

Cons of Greek Life

Along with pros of Greek Life come the cons. Nick Spillane, a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at Michigan State University said, "I would say the only con of being involved in Greek Life would be dealing somewhat bad reputation that it brings." According to Dr. Alan Reifman, a professor of human development and family studies at Texas Tech University, heavier drinking is showed to be consistent with Greek Life members compared to non-Greek members. This issue of a bad reputation of Greek Life seems to be a consistent con to both those involved and those who are not. Carla Hayden, a non-Greek MSU student, said the cost of being a part of a sorority is too much and not worth it. Living in a house with up to 50 girls also stands out as a con to Hayden. Jacquelina Kupchick is an MSU alumnae who was not involved in Greek Life. She was not a fan of Greek Life saying that those in Greek Life seemed stuck up and less likely to hang out with non-Greek Life students.

Pros of Greek Life

According to a variety of sources, I have found the pros of "going Greek." All of the sources agreed that Greek Life is a great opportunity to meet new people and broaden your social circle. They also agreed that Greek Life does some great things in raising money and creating awareness for different philanthropic events. Dr. Alan Reifman, a professor of human development and family studies at Texas Tech University said," Greek Life might instill a sense of importance to community service, which lasts a lifetime." For those in Greek Life, the "sisterhood" and "brotherhood" were aspects that made Greek Life so special and unique. Frank Parzynski, a Michigan State University and Greek Life Alumnus, and Geoffrey Sabourin, a senior at MSU, Greek Life member, and Interfraternity Council President, both saw Greek Life as a positive on their resumes. They said that being affiliated with Greek Life could help them stand out to employers and possibly advance them in their careers.

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As Marisa Madynski comes into her apartment with fresh Kroger groceries, she already knows she plans to make eggplant for the first time. Considering she doesn't have much experience cooking eggplant, she goes to her roommate, Brianna DiMichele, for some help. After pre-heating the oven, she begins breading the eggplant with Panko breadcrumbs. After she is finished breading she puts the eggplant into the oven. Madynski grows impatient throughout the process of preparing and cooking her eggplant because she is so hungry. Finally, after adding more time to the eggplant's cook time, Madynski's food is ready. She sits down and smiles as she eats her delicious eggplant.

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After a long day and a trip to the grocery store, a Michigan State student comes home to prepare a meal. Marisa Madynski is new to cooking this year and is always looking to try new things. She loves to eat healthy and make her own food. You can find Madynski at her Louis Street apartment, along with her other roommates, making themselves dinner each night. Despite their busy schedules they still try to cook every night, rather than spending money on ordering food. They try to switch things up and make a variety of different meals including foods such as eggplant, pasta, chicken, and so much more.