Being a student-athlete in 2024 makes me feel like, most of the time, I’d rather be an athlete than a student. Golf is something that I can always do—and will always do—and is something that I love. 

Golf provides me with purpose. I can forever work on it, but I never truly master it. It is my distraction, but it also is my passion. Golf has also given me many opportunities, friendships, and drives. It has taught me to follow my procedures, practice constantly, and strive for greatness. 

But most importantly, I will forever make mistakes. I have no control over them, but sometimes, there will be some things that I can control. Golf is not just a game for me; it's a way of life. Although I'm no Tiger Woods, the feeling of stepping onto the course, the sound of the ball connecting with the club, Crack!, and the challenge of each shot—all ingrained in my soul—carry me to the course every day. The lessons that I've discovered from golf extend outside just the course. It has taught me patience, strength, and the importance of focus. Every round is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and improve.

As a student, I make mistakes just like the mistakes that I make in golf. But that has also taught me that if I can learn from my mistakes in golf, I can learn from my mistakes in the classroom. By reviewing the quizzes before tests or correcting my homework to find where I’m going wrong, there is always room for getting better and trying to do my best. Balancing golf and school is not always easy, but I believe the discipline and determination I've gained from golf will only help me succeed in both areas of my life.