Going to college is a big adjustment for anyone. You have to take some difficult classes, choose a major, live away from home, meet deadlines, work in groups. It can be overwhelming. Former NBA player J.R. Smith decided to go back to school and is experiencing all the emotions, struggles and fun that comes with being a college student, even if he isn't the typical freshman.
And lucky for us, Smith is tweeting through it all.
The two-time NBA champion spent five years in high school and, after committing to play college basketball at North Carolina, he decided to instead declare for the 2004 NBA Draft.
Recently, now that his NBA days are behind him, Smith enrolled at North Carolina A&T to pursue a degree in liberal studies and is hoping to get a spot on the Aggies' golf team. The school received eligibility clearance from the NCAA, so he will be able to join the team.
The 35-year-old said that even though he's played on the biggest stages, "it's still as nerve-racking as shooting a free throw in front of 5,000 instead of making a 5-foot putt in front of three."
Smith is documenting his time in college on Twitter, giving everyone a great insight into what he is doing. Here are some of his best tweets so far:
Smith discusses school work
My first deadline is at midnight pic.twitter.com/Za7n4XDQ1j
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 23, 2021
English is my first language but these papers though pic.twitter.com/9uSlfYLKTv
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 25, 2021
First tutoring session in the books! I really like Mrs.Burke extremely helpful
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 26, 2021
Finished my English homework. Dope short story about a little girl with six brothers and seeking parents approval. Dope reading 📚
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 27, 2021
Thank you I appreciate it! I'm busting my butt so I hope it pays off. https://t.co/6p7Z25u7u9
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 27, 2021
Another great tutoring session! For sure asking for more hours, a little extra help ain't never hurt nobody!
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 27, 2021
I hated school growing up and I knew this would be a challenge, but that's not going to discourage me one second. You have to be able to buckle down and lock into new journys and challenges coming in your life. Observe, learn and adapt.
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 27, 2021
Is it natural to want to switch majors? #JustAsking
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 29, 2021
I have to learn howbto di a better job at taking notes. For some reason I have a hard time on what's important information. I mean to me it all seems important pic.twitter.com/bZIUyXCEDI
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 30, 2021
Been up since 5am LA time working on my education assignments. One bad week will not spoil the semester. Lace your boots up put your head up and go to work. #StuccInMyGrind
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 30, 2021
So disappointed in myself this first week man 😔
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 30, 2021
Smith discusses college sports
Facts https://t.co/5VAul9KjbK
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 25, 2021
Smith discusses dorms, being famous on campus
Lol off campus https://t.co/Ht6tUlvbUS
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 25, 2021
Joined a study group for my African American Studies class on #groupie an my classmates don't think it's me 😂😂😂😂
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 25, 2021
Everyone around the city keep asking me "who you got doing your work" 😂😂 shit me lol I'm really trying to learn something tf
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 25, 2021
Smith discusses college food
Man I've been eating junk food my whole life and no I got to quit cause I'm learning about nutrition in my #FCS class. African Americans especially have to cut out so much fast food and sugar in our diets. Diabetes rate is way to high an going higher. #nutritionclass
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 28, 2021
Lol I do I just remember having so much to burn off from football and basketball practices it's starting to slow down. 😂 https://t.co/DTXR3kooPI
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 28, 2021
I'm going to start learning how to cook I'm way to old to not know how to learn how to at least cook two to three meals that's just lazy https://t.co/rmxxWi5kmr
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 27, 2021
Dear Bojangles I don't know who came up with these Bo Berry Biscuits but may whatever God you pray to bless your heart an soul! Man o man
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 22, 2021
LeBron James wishes Smith good luck
Thank you King! https://t.co/dPwaBFVJdA
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) August 25, 2021