Athletics & Tech: My Journey

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Teacher’s Summary

Grade: A

Billy Thompson effectively illustrates how the Digital Business Academy has equipped him with essential skills for balancing the rigors of being a student-athlete. His narrative interweaves personal experiences with practical applications, highlighting the importance of technology proficiency, time management, and teamwork. The essay is well-organized, with clear reflections on how past experiences inform current success at Penn State. Billy’s ability to draw parallels between his training in the Academy and his athletic discipline enriches the narrative, making it engaging and insightful.

Balancing Athletics and Technology: My Journey in the Digital Business Academy

As a freshman lacrosse player at Penn State, I often get asked how I balance the demands of being a student-athlete with my academic pursuits. The answer lies in my experience with the Digital Business Academy, a program I was fortunate enough to be part of during my high school years. This unique educational opportunity has shaped my approach to both athletics and academics, preparing me for the challenges of college life in ways I never expected.

Being a member of the Digital Business Academy taught me invaluable skills that are proving crucial to my success at Penn State. The computer techniques and proficiency I gained with programs like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel have given me a significant advantage in my coursework. Before joining the Academy, I was barely familiar with these tools. Now, I find myself helping my teammates with their presentations and spreadsheets for our business classes.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Academy was the sense of community it fostered. For three years, I shared classes with the same group of students, much like I do now with my lacrosse teammates. We went on field trips together, worked on projects, and formed lasting friendships. This experience of being part of a tight-knit group prepared me well for the camaraderie of a college athletic team. Whether we’re on the field or huddled over a group project, that feeling of being part of something bigger than myself is familiar and motivating.

The Academy’s structured approach to learning new skills has proven invaluable in my athletic pursuits as well. Just as I learned to master complex software step-by-step, I approach new lacrosse techniques and plays with the same patience and methodical practice. The discipline required to improve my typing speed to 50 words per minute is the same discipline I apply to perfecting my stick skills or studying game footage.

My junior year in the Academy was particularly challenging, much like my current freshman year at Penn State. Balancing the demands of college preparation, extracurricular activities, and advanced computer programs like Excel and Access taught me time management skills that are now crucial for juggling practices, games, and a full course load. The experience of working with a mentor in the real estate business during that time opened my eyes to the practical applications of the skills we were learning. Now, as I consider my future beyond lacrosse, I can see how the digital business skills I’ve acquired could apply to sports management or marketing.

The Women’s Business Convention I attended in San Francisco as part of the Academy was a pivotal moment for me. Seeing successful women in the business world made me realize that with hard work and the right skills, I could achieve similar success, whether in the business world or the sports industry. This experience continues to motivate me as I face the challenges of being a student-athlete at a competitive university.

Now, in my freshman year at Penn State, I’m building on the foundation laid by the Digital Business Academy. While I’m not currently using programs like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop in my classes, the problem-solving skills and creativity I developed while learning them serve me well in various aspects of my college life. Whether I’m analyzing game strategies or working on a group project for my business class, I find myself drawing on the diverse skill set I developed in the Academy.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for my time in the Digital Business Academy. It not only prepared me for the academic rigors of college but also equipped me with skills that set me apart as a student-athlete. The ability to effectively use technology, communicate ideas, and manage my time efficiently has been crucial to my success at Penn State.

As I continue my journey as a lacrosse player and student, I carry with me the lessons and experiences from the Digital Business Academy. It’s shaped me into a more well-rounded individual, capable of excelling both on the field and in the classroom. The technical skills, work ethic, and collaborative spirit I developed have become integral parts of who I am, influencing my approach to challenges and opportunities alike.

The Digital Business Academy did more than teach me how to use computer programs; it taught me how to learn, adapt, and succeed in an increasingly digital world. As I look towards my future, whether it leads me to professional sports or the business world, I know that the foundation laid by the Academy will continue to serve me well. It’s not just about the skills I learned, but about the confidence and capability to tackle whatever challenges come my way.

Citations:

1.“Penn State University Athletics” – GoPSUsports.com

2.“Microsoft Office Training” – Microsoft.com

3.“Balancing Athletics and Academics” – NCAA.org

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