Training My Brain Like I Train My Game

One skill I’ve developed and continue to rely on is time management. Balancing a demanding neuroscience major with the responsibilities of being a college basketball player has forced me to become extremely disciplined with how I use my time. During preseason, I play pickup three times a week and lift three times as well, but once the season begins, my schedule changes completely. I spend over three hours a day, six days a week, in practice, on top of captain responsibilities like weekly meetings and helping lead the team. Despite this, I still keep up with a full academic load that includes a three-hour lab every week and around 3 hours of homework a day.

Because of how full my days are, I’ve had to learn to compartmentalize and stay focused. I don’t have time to procrastinate; I just get things done. I’ve never missed an assignment, and that’s something I take pride in—it’s simply not in my DNA to let things slide. When I have multiple big exams, I break up my studying into smaller, focused sessions so I don’t get overwhelmed. I’ve also learned that taking care of myself is part of being productive. I value sleep and never stay up until 3 a.m. before an exam; in fact, I usually go to bed earlier to make sure I’m sharp the next day.

Reading long neuroscience papers has also taught me efficiency—I know how to skim strategically and still retain what’s important. Overall, basketball has shaped my time management skills more than anything else. The discipline, structure, and focus I’ve learned through the sport have carried over into every part of my academic life, allowing me to handle a challenging major without sacrificing balance or well-being