SUCCESS is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day, according to the late American entrepreneur-author Emanuel James Rohn.
For the 6-foot-1 and 20-year-old University Green Archers combo guard Donn Spencer Lim, who hailed from Bacolod City, success is how you manage and balance academics and the basketball schedules.
Aside from being a successful Green Archer, Lim is already in his 3rd year as an engineering student and also in the Dean’s lists.
When asked how he balances his academic and basketball schedules, Lim said, “I managed to balance my studies and basketball by sticking to my schedule. On weekdays, I’m a student from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and an athlete from 4 to 7 p.m., and then a student again from 8 to 10 p.m.”
During weekends, Lim tries to go to his tutor in his free time so that he wouldn’t cram before exams.
“I also try to make sure that I could get seven to eight hours of sleep every day,” he added.
Not all student-athletes may succeed in both academic and athletic fields, but Lim did achieve both.
“Basketball made me who I am today. I was exposed to basketball at a very young age which has taught me to be disciplined and determined in my daily challenges as a student-athlete,” he said.
“Along the way, I have learned that hard work pays off to reach certain goals in life. I just apply the same amount of work and humility with my studies like my passion for basketball. Focus is what keeps my eyes on the straight path; discipline pushes me forward with whatever challenges that come along the way,” Lim said.
As a student-athlete, Lim also came to a point where he almost had to choose between studying and playing basketball.
“There were times when my grades were suffering, and I felt like giving up on my athlete life, but I took a step back and gauged my options. I sought advice from my family and friends and made me realize how blessed I am to be part of the DLSU Green Archers and have an academic scholarship at the same time. With this, I told myself that from thereon, I have to give my best in my performance as a student-athlete,” he said.
Lim has some advice for incoming collegiate student-athletes.
“My message for aspiring student-athletes is that no matter what happens in life, you should always give your best, but don’t forget to enjoy the journey,” he said.
“Opportunities don’t always present themselves all the time, and we make the best out of them. But it’s important to look back and enjoy the moment. As basketball is not just about bouncing the ball and shooting it through a hoop, but also the people you meet along the way and the family and friends who you play for,” he added.