For most college students, balancing classes, studying, and a social life can feel overwhelming. Sophomore Kasia Hanulewicz is challenged by intense daily training as she competes at the national level for USA Taekwondo while pursuing a demanding 3+3 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
Source: Contributed by Kasia Hanulewicz
Hanulewicz has practiced Taekwondo for nearly 14 years, and her dedication to the sport continues to shape her daily routine.
“A typical day starts early with classes in the morning, followed by studying or homework in between, then training for several hours at night,” said Hanulewicz. “Some days, I’m in class for most of the day, then I go straight to practice, and by the time I’m done, I still have assignments to finish.”
Her training schedule includes strength conditioning, flexibility work, sparring drills, and technical practice, all of which require both physical stamina and mental focus. Despite the long hours, Hanulewicz remains committed to excelling in both her academic and athletic goals.
“Balancing being a full-time student and athlete definitely takes discipline,” said Hanulewicz. “I rely heavily on planning ahead, time management, and staying organized. If I don’t stay on top of my work, everything can fall apart pretty quickly.”
Competing at the national level also means frequent travel, which adds another layer of difficulty. Hanulewicz often flies across the country for tournaments, sometimes missing class days and facing tight academic deadlines.
“I do travel to compete pretty often, especially during competition season,” said Hanulewicz. “It can be stressful because I’m usually doing homework in airports, on planes, or in hotel rooms. I communicate with my professors ahead of time and plan out my assignments so I don’t fall behind.”
Maintaining such a demanding lifestyle requires sacrifice. Hanulewicz admitted that she has had to give up much of the traditional college experience in order to stay fully committed.
“I don’t get as much free time as most students,” said Hanulewicz. “I’ll miss out on social events here and there, and even simple things like relaxing after class. But I know what I’m working toward, and that makes the sacrifices worth it.”
Despite her dedication, there are moments when the pressure becomes overwhelming. Balancing intense physical training with heavy academic workloads can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
“There are definitely times when I feel overwhelmed,” said Hanulewicz. “When that happens, I remind myself why I started and what my long-term goals are. Sometimes I just take things one step at a time and focus on getting through the next task.”
What keeps her motivated during stressful weeks is her love for Taekwondo and her passion for becoming a physical therapist.
“Taekwondo has taught me discipline, perseverance, and confidence,” said Hanulewicz. “Knowing that I’m working toward my dream career in physical therapy also keeps me going. I want to help athletes recover from injuries someday, and I think my experiences will make me better at that.”
As Hanulewicz continues her journey at Sacred Heart, she hopes her story can inspire others to chase ambitious goals, even when the path is challenging.
“If you truly love what you’re doing, the hard days become manageable,” said Hanulewicz. “It’s about staying committed and believing in yourself.”
