Nguyen 1
Dylan Nguyen
Professor Hale
ENGL 1301
11/12/24
Key Factors that Contribute to Academic Success
As an 18-year-old Vietnamese-American first-year college student majoring in Computer
Information Systems, engaging in various extracurricular activities can significantly enhance my
academic success. Exercising and engaging in creative activities, such as playing instruments,
can foster academic success since they help with cognitive development. For instance, my
weekly gym sessions with friends provide a structured outlet for physical activity, enhancing my
ability to manage stress and maintain focus on academics. In addition to that, living with my
supportive parents can help me achieve my academic and career goals in the long run, which can
be beneficial for me since they raised me to the individual I am today. Academic success is
influenced by various factors that extend beyond the classroom. Physical activity, creative
pursuits like musical training, and strong parental involvement all play significant roles in
fostering cognitive development, emotional resilience, and motivation. This essay explores how
these elements interact to create a comprehensive foundation for success.
THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical activity is vital for maintaining physical health and contributes significantly to
cognitive development and academic performance. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that students who engage in regular physical activity demonstrate
improvement in concentration, memory, and classroom behavior. Additionally, a study published
by Post University highlights that physical activity increases energy levels and reduces stress,
, Nguyen 2
enabling students to perform better academically. Going to the gym keeps me focused and
motivated, fostering a balance that translates into academic productivity.
Sports participation provides additional benefits beyond traditional exercise. According
to the University of Bridgeport, students involved in sports often develop enhanced time
management, discipline, and teamwork skills, which are crucial for academic success. Sports
also help improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, allowing for a more focused and
balanced educational experience. My involvement in recreational sports, such as Taekwondo,
badminton, and pickleball has taught me the importance of perseverance and collaboration,
qualities that translate directly to my studies. Furthermore, a review in the Journal Sports states
that regular participation in physical activity, especially through structured sports programs, can
lead to significant cognitive and academic benefits, such as improved problem-solving skills and
increased motivation.
By combining gym sessions and recreational sports, I have found a sustainable way to
maintain my physical health while sharpening my mental acuity, ultimately fostering better
academic outcomes.
THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF MUSICAL TRAINING
In addition to physical activity, musical training has become an important factor in
academic success. A longitudinal study by Márta Janurik and Krisztián Józsa shows that early
musical abilities can have long-term positive effects on academic achievement. For instance, I
Dylan Nguyen
Professor Hale
ENGL 1301
11/12/24
Key Factors that Contribute to Academic Success
As an 18-year-old Vietnamese-American first-year college student majoring in Computer
Information Systems, engaging in various extracurricular activities can significantly enhance my
academic success. Exercising and engaging in creative activities, such as playing instruments,
can foster academic success since they help with cognitive development. For instance, my
weekly gym sessions with friends provide a structured outlet for physical activity, enhancing my
ability to manage stress and maintain focus on academics. In addition to that, living with my
supportive parents can help me achieve my academic and career goals in the long run, which can
be beneficial for me since they raised me to the individual I am today. Academic success is
influenced by various factors that extend beyond the classroom. Physical activity, creative
pursuits like musical training, and strong parental involvement all play significant roles in
fostering cognitive development, emotional resilience, and motivation. This essay explores how
these elements interact to create a comprehensive foundation for success.
THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical activity is vital for maintaining physical health and contributes significantly to
cognitive development and academic performance. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that students who engage in regular physical activity demonstrate
improvement in concentration, memory, and classroom behavior. Additionally, a study published
by Post University highlights that physical activity increases energy levels and reduces stress,
, Nguyen 2
enabling students to perform better academically. Going to the gym keeps me focused and
motivated, fostering a balance that translates into academic productivity.
Sports participation provides additional benefits beyond traditional exercise. According
to the University of Bridgeport, students involved in sports often develop enhanced time
management, discipline, and teamwork skills, which are crucial for academic success. Sports
also help improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, allowing for a more focused and
balanced educational experience. My involvement in recreational sports, such as Taekwondo,
badminton, and pickleball has taught me the importance of perseverance and collaboration,
qualities that translate directly to my studies. Furthermore, a review in the Journal Sports states
that regular participation in physical activity, especially through structured sports programs, can
lead to significant cognitive and academic benefits, such as improved problem-solving skills and
increased motivation.
By combining gym sessions and recreational sports, I have found a sustainable way to
maintain my physical health while sharpening my mental acuity, ultimately fostering better
academic outcomes.
THE LONG-TERM IMPACT OF MUSICAL TRAINING
In addition to physical activity, musical training has become an important factor in
academic success. A longitudinal study by Márta Janurik and Krisztián Józsa shows that early
musical abilities can have long-term positive effects on academic achievement. For instance, I
