I have had the privilege to work in athletic academic support services for over seven years as an academic advisor for three Power 5 football programs. My role is to monitor and track NCAA eligibility standards and ensure my student-athletes are aware of their path of success.

I value servant leadership and that was one of the many reasons I decided to get into this line of work. Every day I have the opportunity to motivate, empower, and inspire young men and women to find their "Why?" Some students are motivated more than others, but when that light bulb comes on, there is no greater feeling in the world.

Academics were always a priority in my upbringing and continue to be a driving force in my life. I just recently entered the part-time online MBA program at Florida State. I realized that I have to practice what I preach to my students in order to drive results. So five years removed from school, I am back and loving every part of this journey.

In high school, I can vividly remember playing with some extremely talented young men who I am not afraid to admit where more skilled than I was. However, due to poor grades and decision-making, these young men were not able to fulfill their dreams of playing Division I football. That was simply a choice that many of them regret, and I am certain they wish they could turn back the hands of time.

If you feel like you are too cool for school, then you will have a hard time making the adjustment from high school to college because this will certainly be the ultimate aptitude test when you arrive. Some student-athletes will have the opportunity to be heralded recruits, perhaps even being state- or nationally-ranked football prospects. But when your career on the gridiron is over, you will be competing with valedictorians from all across the globe, so you better be ready to compete off of the field.

The late Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” I firmly believe that, and that's why it's vital to take your academics seriously. And just because you're good at football doesn't mean you can't be a star in the classroom as well.

Former Florida State great Derrick Brooks took even greater pride in his academics than he did his athletic ability.

"I was more conceited about my academic talent than my athletic talent," Brooks once said. "I bragged about the fact I was going to get an A. I told you about it. I wasn't ashamed to perform because it depended on me. I didn't have to depend on 10 other guys."

If school is hard for you, reach out to your guidance counselor and seek additional resources. We all can get 2 percent better each day. The future is yours and there is nothing greater than being immersed in your academic pursuits—after all, your football career depends on it.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as a honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to successfully transition into collegiate football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit: www.beyondthegridironllc.com