I am sure the competitive soccer players of America have noticed by now that they eat, drink, sleep, dream, and breathe soccer. It fills our lives to the brim and occupies an incredible amount of time, energy, and effort every single day. Having such incredible ability concentrated in a single activity such as soccer is very special and uncommon, and should be embraced and celebrated.

However, unless one has the intentions and ability to play soccer at the professional level, mastering other skills will be necessary in the future for one’s success on his or her career path and beyond.

For those soccer players who have filled the space on the college application titled “Extracurricular Activities” without a need for more than a single bullet point, it becomes quickly noticeable that, to their great dismay, they are simply not well-rounded. However, the importance of a knowledge base off the soccer field extends far beyond the college application. Acquiring an understanding and appreciation of numerous subject areas both as a high school student and beyond is crucial to the overall development of a young adult, the relationships he or she will make, and the success on a career path in the not-so-distant future.

My beloved high school, Notre Dame Preparatory of Scottsdale, Arizona, annually hosts a “Career Day,” a gathering of men and women of dozens of different professions, including doctors, writers, religious leaders, lawyers, chefs, businessmen, members of the armed forces, and more. The purpose of the day is to expose students to numerous careers that they could possibly be interested in pursuing as a college student and beyond.

Holding true to my nerdy inclinations, I signed up to hear a presentation by the medical specialist, biomedical engineer, and civil engineer. Though each speaker was obviously passionate and very interesting, the civil engineer offered up one principle that stuck with me more than any other (not just because he had already given each of us a slinky and color-changing pencil).

After briefing the class on his job responsibilities, he went back to relay his college experience and said something that I will never forget; it went something like this: “When you are in college, although it is important to take classes that are directly related to your intended major and career path, it is also important to take classes that are unrelated. It is necessary to be well-rounded not only for the work world, but for the adult world, as well.”

Sitting in my seat, I was hit with these words like they were boulders, racking my brain one by one. I could not think of any truer statement I had ever heard before (besides the fact that English football is better than American football… duh).

In the work world, the battle does not end with an acquisition of the job, which in and of itself will require an indication of a well-rounded applicant. But once gifted the job, the professional must then charm the client.

If you are a civil engineer who knows nothing about anything except civil engineering, there will be no commonality and the client will not feel comfortable or willing to give you business (or therefore, cash). But, say the client loves art, music, and theater? Oh! That’s right, you took a theater class in college and can relate. Say the client is book-savvy? Oh! Good thing you took that literature class and can hold a conversation until you can win him or her over and hopefully develop a lasting relationship and reputation.

The same not only goes for clients, but for bosses, coworkers, and friends. Extensive knowledge in numerous fields will be helpful in more facets of adult life than one.

Although the classroom is a convenient and primary place of learning, it is in the best interest of students of all ages to participate in extracurricular activities outside the classroom that interest them. Learning should never begin or end in the classroom. Join clubs, socialize, watch the news for current events; but most of all, be accepting of learning new things – they are everywhere!

With the college years quickly approaching for teenage athletes, it must be recognized, as NCAA puts it, that almost all collegiate athletes will be going pro in something other than sports. College will be the last experience numerous athletes will have on the playing field; therefore, while enveloped in college life, athletes must continue to develop skills both inside and outside the classroom and field. The future needs to be considered throughout the entire college experience; when employed, well-roundedness is necessary to survive in the business and social adult world, and the college campus is the perfect place to start.

Embrace your talents and passions, but take risks, enjoy new things, make relationships, and expand your resume to the point where multiple bullet points are required! Who knows, you might even have a knack for something obscure.