A Senior’s Struggles: Balancing Work, Sports, College, and an Unexpected Setback

As a high school senior, I should be focusing on graduation and looking forward to the next chapter of my life. After all, I’ve been accepted into Kennesaw State University, where I’ll be attending in the fall of 2025. But my journey to this point has been anything but smooth. Between working two jobs, playing sports for my school, and dealing with my family’s financial struggles, my life is already filled with responsibilities. And now, to top it all off, I’ve been involved in a car accident that could have left my vehicle totaled. It’s a situation that adds even more stress to an already overwhelming year, and it’s forcing me to figure out how to keep everything together as I move toward my future.

I’ve always been someone who takes on a lot of responsibilities. Playing sports at school is something I’m passionate about, and it keeps me grounded in the chaos of my schedule. Balancing practices, games, and maintaining my grades has taught me valuable lessons in time management. On top of that, I’ve taken on two jobs to help support myself and contribute to my family’s finances. While it’s exhausting, it’s a necessity. My family is struggling financially with other bills, and I know that working these jobs is helping ease some of that burden.

This morning, like every other, I got up early, prepared for a full day of classes, work, and sports practice. My routine is tightly packed, but I’ve learned to make it work. However, today took an unexpected turn when I was involved in a car accident on my way to school. I had the right of way but another driver came out into the road and side swiped me. The same thing previously happened to me and my mother in her old car. The accident shook me up and left my body aching. As a cautious driver, I’ve always followed the rules of the road, never had a ticket, and never been at fault in an accident. But no matter how careful you are, you can’t control what other drivers do. The other driver was at fault, and now my car may be totaled.

The realization that my car could be gone hit me hard. Without it, I have no way to get to school, work, or sports practices. Public transportation isn’t a viable option where I live, and with my packed schedule, relying on rides from others isn’t practical. The insurance process has begun, but I know it won’t be simple. Even if the insurance covers some of the cost, it likely won’t be enough to replace the car. Car prices are high, and I can’t afford a hefty car note on top of my other expenses.

The accident adds even more financial pressure to my family, who are already struggling to pay for bills. My parents have been doing everything they can to support me, but the cost of living is high, and adding the need for a new car to the mix only makes things harder. I’ve taken on the responsibility of paying for as much of my own needs as I can, but now I’m facing the possibility of having to work even more hours to cover a car payment. With two jobs already, plus school and sports, I’m not sure how I’ll be able to find the time.

What makes this situation even more frustrating is that I’ve worked so hard to balance everything—school, sports, work, and saving for college—only to have this unexpected accident throw a wrench into my plans. I had a system, and while it was tough, I was making it work. Now, I feel like everything is on the verge of falling apart.

The added stress of trying to figure out how to afford a new car while still saving for college is daunting. My family has been saving what we can to make sure I can attend Kennesaw State University in the fall of 2025, but this accident is going to set us back. It’s not just the car; it’s the ripple effect that comes with it. Without transportation, I’ll have to work fewer hours or find a way to juggle even more responsibilities. Either way, something will have to be given.

Despite all of this, I’m determined not to let these setbacks derail my future. I’ve worked too hard to give up now. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been accepted into Kennesaw State, and I’m excited about the opportunities that await me there. I’ve dreamed of going to Kennesaw State University to major in exercise science since my freshman year of high school.

The lessons I’ve learned from playing sports are the same ones I’m relying on now to get through this tough time. Sports have always taught me that setbacks happen, but they don’t define the outcome. It’s how you respond to those setbacks that matters. Right now, I’m focusing on finding solutions, whether that means working extra hours, exploring financial aid options for college, or even taking out a loan for a new car. It won’t be easy, but I’m not afraid of hard work.

This accident is just one of many challenges I’ve faced, and I know there will be more ahead. But I also know that I have a support system in my family and friends. My parents, despite their own financial struggles, have always been there for me, and I know they’ll continue to be. My friends have offered their help, whether that’s a ride to school or just a listening ear. Knowing that I’m not in this alone gives me the strength to keep going.

As I move forward, I’ll have to be more careful with my time and resources. I’ll need to find a way to balance everything even more efficiently than before. But I’m confident that I can do it. I’ve made it this far, and I’m not going to let a car accident stand in the way of my goals. I’ll continue to work hard, stay focused, and remember why I’m doing this—to achieve my dream of attending Kennesaw State University and building a better future for myself and my family.

In conclusion, this year has been a test of my resilience and determination. As a high school senior balancing work, sports, school, and family responsibilities, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. The car accident was a setback, but it’s not the end of my story. I’m determined to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be. This experience has only strengthened my resolve to succeed, and I know that with hard work, I’ll get through this and come out even stronger.