Spartan Spotlight

The Balancing Act with Andrew Jenkins

In MIS, we manage the delicate balance between business and technology. We study for our classes and have extracurricular activities or jobs that take up our time. We ask ourselves, “How is this possible?” In the same light, student athletes must find balance as well to preserve the stamina and responsibilities that their sport asks of them.

This month, we did a Spartan Spotlight in collaboration with MISA’s Fundraising Committee to coincide with the release of the The MISA Podcast. We spoke to Andrew Jenkins, a defensive back for the San Jose State University football team, to give our members a different insight into the world of a fellow SJSU student athlete.

As we got to know Andrew and learned of his day to day routine, it became clear that he was more than just a Division 1 athlete. His role within the football community is all about building his skills both on and off the field.

One of the skills he focuses on practicing at SJSU is balance; his daily routine involves working out, going to a practice or team meeting, going to work at his internship, and tutoring his teammates.

As a tutor in the Beyond Football tutoring program which caters to his football team and other athletes, Andrew finds himself putting in the time to also help out his peers. Simply put, his life is a constant balancing act.

Andrew: “Anything I can do to help them, helps the team.”

“Anything I can do to help them, helps the team.”

How does he balance all of these responsibilities in a single day? He says he’s always made the time to get things done.

Andrew: “From a young age, I always made time for extras. A lot of people were taller than me, faster than me, better than me so I had to put in the extra effort and time.”

“From a young age, I always made time for extras. A lot of people were taller than me, faster than me, better than me so I had to put in the extra effort and time.”

Andrew also discussed the integration of his personal football mentality into school itself. He maintains that he treats school the way he treats football.

Andrew: “As an athlete, everything you put into football… if you put it into school you will be successful. The work ethic. The grind. That is definitely something that football has taught me with regard to how to approach school.”

“As an athlete, everything you put into football… if you put it into school you will be successful. The work ethic. The grind. That is definitely something that football has taught me with regard to how to approach school.”

The difference between business students and athletes is minimal when it comes to balancing life. We all have to find a way to find that balance whether it be on a computer screen, a board room, or on the football field.

When asked for some parting advice, Andrew maintained that maintaining a balance with your mental health and time management is key.

Andrew: “Take care of your mental health. It’s a lot to go to school and deal with extracurriculars. Also, time management. You need to make time to have a social life, but also make time to put yourself in a position to do well in school.”

“Take care of your mental health. It’s a lot to go to school and deal with extracurriculars. Also, time management. You need to make time to have a social life, but also make time to put yourself in a position to do well in school.”

As this article shows, being a student in any practicum has its challenge to maintain balance. While we may have areas of different studies and activities, the most important thing to remember is that we are all SJSU students in it together.