Earning a four-year bachelor's degree is challenging for the average student; add being a student-athlete to the mix and the challenge is that much tougher.
Trent Kelley started at Auburn University as a student in May 2017 so he could participate in summer workouts. Last December, just two-and-a-half years since he arrived on the Plains, Kelley walked across the stage to receive his bachelor's in finance.
Having completed his life's goal to graduate from Auburn University so early, Kelley decided to take advantage of his remaining eligibility and pursue another goal as he decides where life will take him next.
"I was given the opportunity to come back and work on my master's of business administration, which is something I've always wanted to do," the SEC Academic Honor Roll student said. "I will graduate from the program in the fall of 2021 and would like to get a job in real estate. I do understand that plans change, so I am just excited for this season and to see what God has planned for the next step in my life."
Growing up in Phenix City, Alabama, Kelley graduated from Central High School with full plans to come to Auburn regardless of what happened with football. An offensive lineman who played both center and tackle for the Red Devils, the 6-5, 298-pound Kelley was offered a preferred walk-on spot at Auburn, making all his dreams possible on and off the field.
"My family grew up Auburn fans, so I grew up an Auburn fan because of my family," he said. "Plus, you just can't beat the education you get from Auburn."
Kelley emphasizes the university's reputation as being one of the best academically and praises it for setting him up for success.
"I do not think I would have been better prepared for the future anywhere else than here at Auburn, especially the time management part of it," he explained. "Whenever I have a break, I try and get some homework done, so that way I am not overloaded at night. The classes here are not easy classes; they've taught me how to put my head down and work instead of getting too distracted to not finish the job."
Just like challenges in the classroom, playing football at Auburn is no easy feat. Kelley understands his position and the hard work he has to apply to football to be able to get better every day, and he credits the team for making that commitment worth it.
"As a preferred walk-on, I felt welcomed from all the players," he recalled. "It doesn't matter if you are a first-round draft pick or a walk-on, everybody treats you the same. All the fans treat you the same, too, and that is what makes it such a strong family setting.
"My teammates are like my family now after these past few years. I go eat with them, hang out with them, and pretty much do everything with them. I made many other friends other than the football team, but mostly all my closest friends are my teammates."
In March, like many others, Kelley had to physically distance himself from his teammates and coaches, but he says that bond between the whole team kept them going and allowed him to stay focused to understand what they are planning to achieve. He found ways to adapt to the present circumstances by keeping in touch and staying prepared.
"I was lucky enough to have a weight set at home that I could complete most of the workouts with," he said. "I would stay in regular contact with the guys as we did our workouts, and after I was done with mine, I would run every day and do drills to stay game ready and in shape."
This time gave Kelley a chance to reflect about all his memories as a player. He is still amazed at what his college experience has been, but there is always one certain memory that hits home.
"The first time I ran out of the tunnel, it was a great feeling to have, and getting in for my first game made me really feel like I made it," he said.
Knowing his time at Auburn is nearing the end, Kelley knows what he will miss the most.
"I will miss my friends I see every day the most," he said. "I know when we all graduate and move on, we obviously will not be together as often and I will miss that. I will miss the compassion we all share as part of the Auburn Family.
"We are the only ones who say 'War Eagle' and we know 'War Eagle' means to be a family and everyone who says it is doing their best to be a true Auburn man and woman," he said. "I think knowing that, everybody on our team is really focused and knows that if everyone does the job, we can have a special season."
An Academic Top Tiger, Kelley's success did not come from waiting around to see if the dice would fall his way. He understands that you have to work for what you earn. Kelley has demonstrated that for himself, and hopes to influence others around him, especially the next generation of achievers who come to Auburn.
"Work hard and stay in it; study the playbook," he said. "Be ready when your time comes, and you will be good."
Jonanthan Housand is a student worker in Auburn Athletics media relations