My side of the booth

This picture is an AI-generated image of beats

If there’s one thing this semester has taught me, it’s that passion doesn’t automatically guarantee balance. Being an aspiring DJ while pursuing my master’s degree in sports management, working in fan engagement with Nevada Athletics, and playing club ultimate frisbee means my schedule rarely has free time. Despite being in the midst of all this, I’ve learned to thrive in such environments. Every week brings a different type of challenge, and those challenges have helped shape my discipline, creativity, and identity more than anything else.

One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned is that pressure is not the enemy but a catalyst. The nights when I’m editing my mixes after a long shift at work, or the mornings when I’m trying to finish my homework before practice, remind me why I chose this path. My academic work feels more meaningful when I apply it during games, promotions, and fan experiences. I’ve discovered that every part of my life feeds into the others: DJing fuels my creativity, my internship provides ideas for engagement, and club sports keep me grounded and energized.

If you’re balancing big dreams with big responsibilities, take this as your sign to embrace the grind instead of running from it. Pressure can shape you into someone stronger, sharper, and more intentional than you realize. And if you want to follow along with my journey or start your own risk, stick around, connect with me, and let’s build something towards our goals. Your next breakthrough might be hiding inside the busiest week of your life.

The picture is an AI-generated image of a variety of sports equipment

One thing I didn’t expect when entering my sports management program was how directly the lessons would apply to my DJ identity. Sports marketing is all about storytelling, consistency, and emotional connection with fans. When you examine DJ branding through a similar lens, it becomes clear that a DJ is more than just a performer. They’re a brand with a message, aesthetic, and community.

As I continue my internship with Nevada Athletics, I see firsthand how important fan loyalty is and how teams maintain it through strategic engagement. I’ve started applying those principles to my personal brand by rethinking how I present myself. This can be through social media, the experiences I have when producing content, or even how I interact with people who follow me. The crossover between the two worlds has helped me build a more intentional and recognizable identity as a DJ.

Now I’m working on refining the emotional tone of my brand by asking myself what I want people to feel when they hear my mixes. This ongoing process has made my DJ work feel more purposeful. If you are a DJ or creator who wants to think differently about branding, I encourage you because that can help you. Comment below anything that you tried differently this week that may have helped you with work or even day-to-day life.

The picture AI generated of people working out on a track

Balancing physical activity with school and music hasn’t been easy, but staying active through working out and club sports has become one of the biggest reasons I can function. The more I move, the sharper my mental focus becomes when it’s time to handle schoolwork, internship tasks, or late-night mixing sessions. Being active has become less of a hobby and more of an essential part of maintaining my lifestyle.

What I didn’t expect was how much physical activity helps with stress management. Graduate school comes with deadlines, unpredictable schedules, and constant multitasking. When I get on the field or hit the gym, everything resets for me. I’m reminded that success requires both discipline and recovery. That physical challenge keeps me centered and improves my consistency across the board.

It’s easy to think that you don’t have time to stay active, but the truth is that movement gives you time back in the form of energy, focus, and creativity. If you’re busy being a student, athlete, or performer, I encourage you to find an activity that keeps you grounded. Comment below with your favorite way to stay active, or if you don’t, comment something that you might want to try.

Ai AI-generated picture of mindset

Before every DJ set that I record, I feel the same rush I used to get before a game. That mix of adrenaline, excitement, and a little bit of nervous energy is all the same. Playing club sports has trained me to channel that energy into focus rather than fear. Sports have taught me that confidence isn’t just about talent but about preparation and believing in your ability to perform when it matters most.

When I set up my decks, I treat it like stepping on the field. I take a breath and visualize success, reminding myself that the audience is not listening for the experience. That athlete mindset has helped me stay calm when something goes wrong, such as messing up a mix or when people aren’t enjoying the song. Sports have also taught me that I need to recover quickly and keep playing until a point is scored, or in this case, until the last drop is made.

Developing confidence in my mixing skills has been my biggest takeaway from sports. In the same way teams practice for game day, I prepare my sets with focus and purpose. Every single rep counts, whether it’s a drill, mix, or a mindset shift. What pre-performance or pregame routine helps you be focused? Feel free to share in the comments.

AI-generated picture of people networking

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through graduate school is that connections don’t happen in the classroom but in a shared moment of passion. Whether it’s collaborating on a group project or setting up fan engagement events for my internship, the relationships I’ve built through sports have gone beyond the field. These moments have taught me how important it is to stay curious and open, because you never know who might become a future collaborator or supporter.

My sports management program has given me more than this idea; it’s given me access to people who like event energy, teamwork, and performance. Through the events I’ve been to, I’ve seen coaches and athletes live through music. That has made me realize that both sports and music thrive on connection and emotion. They’re both about bringing people together in moments they won’t forget.

If I’ve learned anything so far, it’s that networking doesn’t have to feel forced. It can just happen naturally when you are genuine about your passions. Every handshake, conversation, or shared experience is a potential bridge to something new. Who in your network has unexpectedly opened a new door for you? Feel free to comment below.

An AI-generated athlete listening to music before the game

Every athlete knows how much power a song holds when played at the right time. That one song that gets your heart rate up, locks you in, and makes you feel unstoppable. As both a DJ and a club sport athlete, I’ve always been intrigued by how music affects performance. Whether I’m creating a game-day playlist for my team or DJing, I’ve seen firsthand how sound shapes energy and focus.

Fast-paced music, such as EDM or remixes, tends to elevate intensity, while hip-hop or rap builds confidence. Before a game, I’ve watched teammates go from quiet and reserved to fully dialed and energized when the bass hits. There’s science behind all of this; music releases dopamine and synchronizes movement, which helps athletes stay in rhythm. For me, crafting playlists isn’t just about entertainment but setting the mood for peak performance.

I’ve started to view every DJ set like a team performance. The audience is the team, and my job is to control the tempo, maintain a balanced energy, and ensure that everyone leaves better than they came. What’s your go-to hype song before a big game, workout, or event? Make sure to leave a comment below.

Ai AI-generated picture of DJing

Leadership looks different for everyone depending on where you stand. On the sidelines, it’s about motivating your teammates and communicating strategy under pressure. For DJing, it’s about reading the audience, adapting to what they enjoy, and keeping the energy thriving. Both environments have taught me how to lead with awareness, when to step up and listen, and when to let others shine.

In sports, leadership often comes from example. You don’t always need to be the loudest voice to make the biggest impact; it’s about consistency and trust. On the other hand, DJing demands confidence in your decisions, as you choose the next track, take creative risks, and remain calm even when things don’t go as planned. Combining both experiences has helped me find a balanced leadership style: grounded, responsive, and intentional.

If you’re in a position where others look to you, whether it’s in school, at work, or in your own creative space. I want you to embrace those moments as opportunities to grow. Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about connection with those around you. So lead by example, lift others up, and watch how much stronger your community becomes.

This is a picture of me playing ultimate frisbee last semester

Balancing graduate school, an internship, and attempting to start a DJ career feels like juggling three different worlds at once, but playing club sports keeps me centered through it all. Ultimate frisbee gives me a break from the constant mental grind of school and work. When I’m on the field, the only thing that matters is the next play, throw, and point. That sense of being completely present helps me reset and return to my other responsibilities feeling fresh.

From a personal standpoint, sports have always been more than just competition for me; they’re about community. My club team is a group of people who can help encourage each other through tough practices and show up despite how they feel. It’s a reminder that even when life gets chaotic, having a strong team around you can make the load feel lighter. The lessons I’ve learned through sports are that discipline, resilience, and teamwork translate directly into my professional and creative life.

If you’ve been feeling stressed or disconnected lately, find your version of that outlet. Whether it’s joining a recreational league, picking up a new hobby, or spending more time outside, give yourself the space to recharge. You might be surprised how much better you perform in every other area of life when you do. Feel free to leave a comment on what new thing you would want to try to help recharge yourself.

The picture is an AI-generated image showing music on a sports field

For a long time, I thought my love for DJing and my studies in sports management were two separate paths. Over time, I’ve realized how deeply connected they actually are. Both industries thrive on energy, emotion, and experience, whether it’s the crowd going wild or the rush of a packed dance floor. My goal is to build a career that blends those worlds using music and sports to create moments that bring people together.

Working in fan engagement at the University of Nevada, Reno, has shown me how much creativity goes into keeping fans excited. From halftime music to interactive events, entertainment drives the atmosphere. As a DJ, I understand how sound can shape emotion, set a tone, and make an experience memorable. That crossover is exactly where I see myself growing professionally, using my previous experience in both to design better fan experiences.

If you’re passionate about more than one thing, don’t feel pressured to choose between them. The most exciting careers often happen where your interests overlap. I picked up DJing and started my master’s program a year and a half ago, and I haven’t looked back. I encourage you all to start exploring the connections between your passions, and you might just find your dream path waiting in between.

In both sports and music, success mainly comes down to preparation, adaptability, and execution. As a graduate student studying sports management and aspiring DJ, I’ve started to realize that the same strategies used by coaches and athletes apply to the art of DJing. When I mix, I’m not just playing songs; I’m running plays. Each transition, tempo change, and drop is part of a larger game plan designed to engage my audience and keep energy flowing from start to finish.

Just like how a coach scouts his opponents, a DJ scouts the crowd. Before any performance, I pay attention to how old they are, along with what they react best to. A good set, like a solid game plan, starts with knowing who you’re performing for, since preparation is key. No team walks onto the field without practice, and no DJ should show up without practicing their transitions, new tracks, or adjusting the setlist based on the audience. Every great night behind the decks starts long before I press play; it’s about putting in the reps.

When the plan doesn’t go as expected, that’s where adaptability separates experienced people from novices. In sports, even the best game plans fall apart once the clock starts, and it’s the same behind the booth. Sometimes the energy shifts, the vibe changes, or even a track doesn’t hit; that’s when you make your halftime adjustment. You drop something unexpected, switch genres, or throw in a remix that reignites the room. After every session I conduct, I review how it went, just like a coach studies film. What worked well, what didn’t, and how can I do better next time I perform?

Every DJ has their own “playbook,” but thinking like a sports strategist turns creativity into consistency. Whether you’re an athlete, performer, or student, the ability to plan, adapt, and reflect is what separates good from great. Next time you’re preparing a set, game, or presentation, think strategically. How will you adapt when things don’t go as expected? Drop your favorite pre-show or pre-game ritual in the comments; I’d love to hear how you prepare for your moment to perform.

The picture is AI AI-generated image of a sports strategist