Joel Carrasco is no stranger to the requirements being a student-athlete comes with. Carrasco prioritizes his commitment into his true passions even with a busy schedule including school, work, and soccer.
His way of managing himself emphasizes perfectly the importance of prioritization and time management.
“Every morning, I wake up, get ready for school, then I go to practice, and after practice, I go to work,” he shared. “After that, I get home, start doing my homework, shower, and then go to sleep.”
His ability to follow a structured cycle weekly shows his dedication to both athletics and academics.
Carrasco ensures he prioritizes education despite his busy schedule. While soccer is his hobby, he’s sure of what will benefit him the most in the long run.
“I always put my education first before anything,” he stated.
His academic motivation comes by maintaining a strong academic record, while his athletic drive reaches the desire for improvement.
“What motivates me to excel in my academics is to maintain a high profile in my scholar record, and then for sports, it is just to be better,” he said.
To be successful he believes time management is a crucial skill for a student-athlete to be successful.
“What makes a student-athlete successful is that they learn how to develop and manage their responsibilities and their time,” he states.
The most rewarding part of being a student-athlete for Carrasco goes beyond the sport.
“Everything that it helps you learn, how to balance everything, the experiences you gain along the way, and who you get to share it with, is the best part,” he shares.
With many responsibilities, maintaining focus is crucial. Carrasco handles this by addressing one task at a time.
“I stay focused by starting to separate my specific responsibilities, prioritizing what I need to do at one time and then another time,” he explained.
Even on overwhelming days, he comes through by using a simple but effective strategy.
“I try to relax and not think too much about everything.”.
Carrasco shows his dedication to sustaining a balance between two different worlds. His story is one of discipline and determination, serving as an inspiration for other individuals aiming to succeed in classrooms and on the field.
