Jason Melder: The Perfect Balancing Act
The balance between extra-curricular activities and academic activities has been an age old debate. On one side we find that many students are encouraged to take extra steps to excel in their studies, especially while at school. Some even feel that extra curricular activities distract the student from studies. On the other extreme we find those who keep pushing for glory in extra curricular activities, especially when it comes to sports. Individuals push themselves or are pushed to achieve school colours and play at the national level. On this side of the fence, being in the middle of the pack in studies is acceptable. The weight of extra curricular activities on the CV is seen as more beneficial.
Education goes well beyond the modules, assignments and exams. Extracurricular activities are a huge part of life experience and helps build character. Being able to balance and excel in both is an art!
Jason Melder has a few lessons in how you can do just that. He’s an exceptional student, currently in his final year of the BA (Hons) International Business Management degree and was on our Honour Roll. This achievement, challenging as it is, was made doubly so by Jason who made it happen while playing professional rugby for the country. Jason is a member of Sri Lanka’s rugby squad and a key member of the Havelocks Sports Club rugby team, which was 2nd in the league.
Getting to lectures, research commitments, presentations and meeting deadlines are the most amount of exercise some undergraduates get. Having to manage that with a professional sporting career is noteworthy and the thought of it makes many break into a sweat. However, many connoisseurs talk of how well balancing dual careers help the individual. The demands on a professional sportsman are so high that having another outlet to focus on would help them get through the tough phases. Similarly, indulging in a serious sport helps break the monotony of lecture and research schedules and gives a literal breath of fresh air.
Jason however has it down to a science. He enjoys both his studies and his passion for rugby and shared his schedule with us.
“My usual day during the season is 6.30am to 8.00am training then lectures from 8.30am to 12noon or 5pm and training again from 5:30pm — 7.30/8 pm. By the time I go home it’s 9.30/10 pm and this repeats for the rest of the week.Saturdays are game day and, it’s only on Sundays that I don’t train because that’s my day of rest.
I actually find my best study time to be early morning or in the night hours. So I’m up at 4 am to do my studies and I also make use of the free time I may have at APIIT. When there are submissions or class work to attend to I get back to work for at least 2 hours in the night when I’m back home from training.
Planning & prioritizing is important for me to manage to be on top of the game, studies and have a balanced life. But I do make a lot of sacrifices.”
Admittedly, Jason makes what looks like rocket science to many of us, a lovely piece of cake. But in his little description of what his day looks like, we see the discipline and perseverance that is needed to balance dual careers. The training from both avenues has helped him utilize time efficiently and have laser beam focus. Procrastination is no longer an option and therein lies the key to time management.
Hats off to Jason Melder for having done such an amazing job. He’s an inspiration to many of our youth in the manner in which he takes on challenges in life.
While writing this up, I couldn’t help but wonder what his dissertation for the degree programme would be. Perhaps a study on the impact sports has on academia and vice-versa?
Good luck on your journey ahead Jason. We will be cheering you on as you achieve your sporting goals while excelling in academia.
