On most college campuses around America, students fall into one of two categories. They are either a student athlete, or are working while attending classes. Both have many mental, as well as physical challenges they must overcome.
             There are many benefits of being a college athlete. Some of the benefits include, missing classes for games, getting into better shape, respect from other students, and receiving money for school. These all sound great, but there is also a down side to all of this. Being an athlete, and trying to make the grades is no easy task. For instance, when the season rolls around, the college athlete will miss approximately 50% of his classes. This makes it extremely hard for him or her to stay caught up on class work. Playing catch up requires many stressful, late nights of studying. This can also take a major toll on the athlete's body. With all of the late night studying, it makes it extremely hard for a sport that requires hours of practice.
             Getting into shape for a sport is also a plus. If the athlete is well conditioned, it aids in the psychical aspect of the game. This is also no easy task. Conditioning requires many hours in the gym. This does not aid in the hours he or she puts into their schoolwork. All of the hard work demands respect from your fellow students. With respect comes a certain level of integrity on must maintain. This level of integrity must be kept on and off the playing surface. This means the athlete must stay presentable at all times. People are watching all the time, and one slip up could ruin his reputation for good. People can always forgive, but they will never forget.
             An athlete receiving scholarship money definitely has an advantage over someone who has to work. This is also a double-edged sword; if the athlete does not work hard enough, his/her money can be revoked. This would leave the athlete without any money for school, and without any ...