CNUsports.com has asked senior women's lacrosse player Stephanie Green to give fans a look at life as a Division III student-athlete. Balancing school work, practice and much, much more, Green provides an inside look in her weekly blog.
"Achieving can be DEMANDING"
Just recently, many student-athletes were honored before a CNU Football game for our achievements last semester in the classroom. These athletes displayed their intellect, drive and ambition by receiving a cumulative 3.0 grade point average in the Spring of 2012. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FELLOW 3.0 ATHLETES!
One of the ways in which CNU stresses the importance of being a student-athlete is to honor those who reach a 3.0 at the CNU Football and Basketball games. However, this past year I have learned that SAAC, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, discussed ways in which to alter this process.
Student-athletes have complained in the past about the "annoyance, stupidity, and time consumption" associated with these 3.0 ceremonies. They state that the ceremony takes too long to announce every individual athlete's name and to have faculty, staff and the President shake each athlete's hand.
Why is it though, that suddenly achieving has become demanding, time-consuming, and annoying? Why wouldn't an athlete want to be represented for not only his or her accomplishments on the field, but also his or her achievements inside the classroom? Why wouldn't an athlete want to demonstrate that he or she has more to offer the world than simply athletic talent?
To me, these ceremonies are opportunities for honor, respect, and acknowledgment. While the formatting of these 3.0 events in the past has perhaps needed some improvement, the importance and essence of these ceremonies has remained firm. These ceremonies allow students, faculty, and staff to realize who is striving not only in athletics, but also in academics.
I am extremely appreciative of SAAC's discussion and decision to alter the formatting for the 3.0 ceremonies this year. I believe that it was much more efficient due to the decrease in time, while it still allowed student-athletes to be recognized and honored for their academic success. As a 3.0 student-athlete every semester since I've been at CNU, I am thankful for the chance to be seen, respected, and honored by CNU's athletic community for my achievements in the classroom.
It's a difficult task to balance both sports and school. If you can do it and you have a chance to be recognized, take advantage of it and enjoy it! :)
Steph
