The physics program here at Texas Lutheran University offers small class sizes and dedicated faculty staff to ensure students get a great fundamental understanding of the principles that govern the natural world, along with the skills to expand upon and utilize these principles in addressing novel challenges through experimentation and mathematical analysis.

With several advanced labs that allow students to get a mathematical and physical education degree, there is also work that comes with that in order to attain experimental and computational skills. Students who graduate with a Physics degree are provided with a diverse range of career options, and it’s often sought after by employers for its emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with many career paths depending on a student’s interest or maybe additional education or specialization, such as engineering, research scientists, software development, and even the Space and Aerospace Industry. It is a difficult major to study although with the major having a larger workload than most majors, this can be very challenging for most student athletes, especially with handling time management.  

How do student athletes manage their time in difficult majors?                 

Student-athletes in difficult majors, such as applied physics, usually have a hard time with their time management, I sat down on a one-on-one with Jason Castro, a sophomore from Houston, Texas, as well as a member of the Texas Lutheran Men’s soccer team and an applied physics major to give us his perspective on this issue and what has helped him so far in his first three semesters at TLU;

When asking Jason what problems he has faced while being a student athlete in the physics program, his solutions for the problems he has faced is nothing short of extreme.

“You need to get enough sleep at night, at least 7hrs works for me. During classes you usually must go do some homework or meet with some Professor Monday through Thursday to not fall behind on your work. After practicing you usually will have to do another 2-3hrs of homework depending on what’s due and you must make sure you have eaten and have enough energy to do it. I have found it helpful to work with classmates on homework together at night to better understand the assignment. It takes focus and a strong mind to do the assignments and know that you are going to have to do a bit more work to excel in physics.”

Jason Castro

When asking Jason the advice he has received from his professors, he felt as if he could rely on them to go and have a question answered and a solution resolved. Jason also feels that the advice given to him by a fellow teammate has helped him incorporate those words into his own daily routine.

‘’I have followed the advice from my professors about going to them whenever I have questions and need to talk about things. I have also followed the advice from ex-teammate Luis Green to go talk to the coaches whenever I have something on my mind and to find a nice place to study or a place to just find some peace and quiet, it does help the mind.’’

Jason Castro

 Lastly, Jason wants to help prepare incoming freshmen as much as he can, when asking what advice he would have for highschool students to help them prepare for a new chapter and the management behind it, Jason states that you must be ready to stay consistent.

“It will be something to get used too. You must be ready to learn to stay consistent and to learn that you no longer “know” everything. You will make mistakes and you will have questions about what it is you’re doing, but the important thing is to always enjoy what you do.”

Jason Castro

A Student athlete success

Jason is an exceptional example of hard work, dedication, and consistency. Being a student athlete in college is very difficult, but there are always going to be people to guide you through your time management struggles all around your campus. It takes dedication but it is possible to manage no matter how difficult your major might seem, and like Jason said it takes to get used to, consistency is key with many struggles that will face you, enjoying and embracing the experience is what will keep you going. Success as a student athlete requires dedication, commitment, and effective time management. By balancing your academic and athletic responsibilities and seeking support when needed, you can excel in both areas and set yourself up for a successful future.