Balancing hockey and school

By Sarah Ryrie

 

Students say multitasking and organizational skills make it possible to balance school and after-school activities.

Eric Noel, University of Windsor student and captain of the LaSalle Viper’s hockey team, said he believes it is possible to balance both after school activities and post-secondary education. Noel plays hockey four to five times a week including practices, games and away games on top of attending his business administration program four days a week.

“Having a social, school and hockey life together all at once can be a lot, but I always find ways to get homework done or study for exams before having to go to practice or games,” said Noel.

The LaSalle Vipers do not require a certain grade point average but are encouraged to do well in school.

“The ownership, management and coaching staff would like for us to do our best to achieve good grades,” said Noel. “They always let us know if we need help with anything they’re here.”

Noel said some days he’s more tired than others but always has something to do or somewhere to be to keep him going throughout the day.

“It’s hard on the body some days if I didn’t get enough sleep but I try to make up for lack of sleep on my days off or on the weekends,” said Noel.

Carlysle Bortolotti, a full-time dental hygienist student at St. Clair College, said organization is the key to balancing school and after school activities.

Bortolotti, on top of going to school full time is as a competitive cheerleader for North Star Cheer, and works at Enzo’s Trattoria 12-16 hours a week.

“Everyone has organizational skills, just not everybody uses them. I use my planner for everything. I wouldn’t be able to balance school, work and cheer without it. I would be lost.”

On top of her after school activities and job, Bortolotti is on the St. Clair College dean’s list.