In the recent years, being a student athlete has coined a stereotype of they go to school for free and do not have to work hard because they are given all the tests and material to make an A. Seeing that unfold first hand, is indeed not what being a student athlete is. They do in fact have to go to school just like every other college student, and cannot miss because they are tired and want more sleep, or feel like it is useless to go, or because they got drunk the night before, in fact sometimes if they do not go to class they are penalized on the field or on the court. I am currently engaged to a student athlete, and seeing how hard it is on him makes me realize how strong of a person he is and how everything he has is something that he has worked for since he was a little kid. Boyfriend, girlfriend, sister, brother, son or daughter, love the student athlete in your life and tell them how proud you are of them whenever you get the chance.

1. They are the hardest working people you know

Workouts at 6 am, practice for four hours after that, class until dark and then try and fit time in for dinner and studying. It get exhausting day after day, but yet no complaints because they love the game they are here to play. It is the same schedule every single week and they continue to go above and beyond, give their full potential at practice to make the time count and try and enjoy it all at the same time. To the people who make this look easy, I respect you.

2. They somehow fit you in their schedule

Even if it is a five minute call to mom after a long hard day, or meeting up for dinner, they fit you into their busy schedule. Appreciate that time because it goes by too quickly. First hand experience, it's hard to understand what they are going through and a lot of times you will think they are just ignoring me, but honestly they are so serious about their sport that they are spending their time dialed in on what they need to achieve. They will make time for you, trust me.

3. They know how to support you like you support them

With all the years they have spent playing their sport, you have always been the one encouraging and supporting them, but when it comes down to a time that you need support, there is no other person you would want by your side. The comfort and ease they can bring is something that you will hold onto because they know how hard it can get. Support is one of the biggest things that keeps them going throughout their hard weeks and their support back to you can come as a reward.

4. They represent their university, and they do it well

When you are head to toe decked out in athletic gear, that tells everyone else on campus that you are, in fact, an athlete. (Side note: I love wearing my boyfriend's sweatshirts because people think I am an athlete and it's awesome hehe.) You are closely watched on your every move during a big match or a big game, and if you perform well, the entire university will be talking about it. They put the university on their back, and remember if they mess up, it looks bad on the university not just themselves. It is also a huge honor to represent the South Eastern Conference on your jersey, because that reminds you of what you worked for to get where you are today.