For some, the senior exercise consists of a paper or a series of papers. For others it is a comprehensive exam. Sometimes seniors even have to give a public lecture. No matter what the format, the senior exercise is a mangy beast that lurks in the shadows of more pressing work, growing louder and larger as your due dates approach at an exponential rate. The difficulty I am having in juggling all of my academic and non academic responsibilities makes me wonder how all of the varsity athletes do it.
Understanding comes from experience.
Until you get to your senior year and attempt to keep a balance between all aspects of your life, you cannot fully understand what it is like. I have always had a high level of respect for our student athletes. I love watching the games and talking to the players and coaches about various intricacies of each contest. And this week, after experiencing crunch time for my own senior exercise, I have a greater respect for these gifted individuals. Granted, I am not a varsity athlete, and I cannot quite understand what it is like to balance a senior exercise, a full class load, and a sport all at the same time, but I have come closer to that understanding with my own experience.