College Essay: Supporting our Youth
Stephon Xavier Marbury was born on February 20, 1977 in Brooklyn, New York. He and his family lived in the Coney Island Houses project, located at the end of four subway lines in Brooklyn. This part of town was considered a dreadful place, and offered a dismal future for its children. The only real ticket out was to excel in basketball, and win a scholarship from a university. During his senior year of high school in 1996, Stephon did just that when he accepted Georgia Tech’s offer to play college basketball. After only one year in Atlanta, Stephon was drafted into the NBA. Since then, professional coaches have considered him to be one of the most dynamic and skilled individuals in basketball. Many children have climbed the athletic rope and grown up to enjoy a successful career in professional sports. While not all adolescents will go this far, it is imperative they choose involvement in athletics as it will teach them valuable team work skills and build a platform for a successful career.
Learning how to work in teams is a crucial skill that must be mastered at a young age. Children will find that team work will begin early in school, continue through all levels of education and into their career of choice. “Children have a way of looking past their differences that adults could well learn from. Athletics can teach us much of the same thing, teamwork, unselfishness and camaraderie” (Watts, 2004, para.4). As adolescents mature into young adults, choosing to take part in athletics will help prepare them for a dazzling future. Learning to become a successful student athlete engrains certain traits that will be part of their lives forever. “Participation in high school athletics enhances self-control, perseverance, and discipline, traits that lead to positive outcomes in education, society, and the labor market” (Carlson & Scott, 2005, p.3). Teaching children skills in the classroom, as well as at home, are definite necessities for basic development. Choosing to get involved in athletics, however, will amplify their current achievements and propel them into a successful career.
After finishing school, former students will be looking to apply what they have learned towards a successful career. Individuals who have taken an active role in athletics previously, have a much higher chance of earning a respectable income. “The proof is in the paycheck: 41% of men and women surveyed--physicians, lawyers, and CEOs earning $75,000 or more--described themselves as athletic” (Capozza, 2004, para. 3). Corporations and businesses are constructed of teams. For someone who has never had experience with working in teams, they may find it difficult to effectively participate. The shortage of knowledge on group cooperation may hinder promotions and attainment of desired jobs. “It is vital that all newcomers integrate effectively into the existing team structure. Being a team player means asking for help when necessary, sharing knowledge, and encouraging the involvement of others” (Wright, 2001, para. 3). Comprehension of team work is a vital skill employers are looking for. Having a background in some form of team athletics will give an individual a solid background and catch the eye of a potential high-paying employer.
Having a dream as a child to make it into a professional sport is a wonderful thing to have. Although most children will not have the chance to take the path Stephon Marbury chose to success, it is critical they enroll in team athletics. Parents want the best for their children and hope for them to one day enjoy a life of success. Supporting adolescents through the involvement in athletics will teach them valuable team work skills and build a platform for a successful career.
References
Capozza, K. ( 2004, February). Team Sports Give Girls a Career Edge. Prevention,
56(2), 115-116. Retrieved December 5, 2006, EBSCOhost database.
Carlson, R. & Scott, L. (2005). What is the status of high school athletes
eight years after their senior year? Washington, DC: National Center for
Education Statistics.
Watts, J.C. (2004, August 17). Kids are the great imitators. Sporting News, 228(29), 6
Retrieved December 4, 2006, EBSCOhost database.
Wright, C. (2001). On Track. Retrieved 5, 2006, from
http://www.comsoc.org/dl/sample/ci1/public/2001/sep/citrack.html
Learning how to work in teams is a crucial skill that must be mastered at a young age. Children will find that team work will begin early in school, continue through all levels of education and into their career of choice. “Children have a way of looking past their differences that adults could well learn from. Athletics can teach us much of the same thing, teamwork, unselfishness and camaraderie” (Watts, 2004, para.4). As adolescents mature into young adults, choosing to take part in athletics will help prepare them for a dazzling future. Learning to become a successful student athlete engrains certain traits that will be part of their lives forever. “Participation in high school athletics enhances self-control, perseverance, and discipline, traits that lead to positive outcomes in education, society, and the labor market” (Carlson & Scott, 2005, p.3). Teaching children skills in the classroom, as well as at home, are definite necessities for basic development. Choosing to get involved in athletics, however, will amplify their current achievements and propel them into a successful career.
After finishing school, former students will be looking to apply what they have learned towards a successful career. Individuals who have taken an active role in athletics previously, have a much higher chance of earning a respectable income. “The proof is in the paycheck: 41% of men and women surveyed--physicians, lawyers, and CEOs earning $75,000 or more--described themselves as athletic” (Capozza, 2004, para. 3). Corporations and businesses are constructed of teams. For someone who has never had experience with working in teams, they may find it difficult to effectively participate. The shortage of knowledge on group cooperation may hinder promotions and attainment of desired jobs. “It is vital that all newcomers integrate effectively into the existing team structure. Being a team player means asking for help when necessary, sharing knowledge, and encouraging the involvement of others” (Wright, 2001, para. 3). Comprehension of team work is a vital skill employers are looking for. Having a background in some form of team athletics will give an individual a solid background and catch the eye of a potential high-paying employer.
Having a dream as a child to make it into a professional sport is a wonderful thing to have. Although most children will not have the chance to take the path Stephon Marbury chose to success, it is critical they enroll in team athletics. Parents want the best for their children and hope for them to one day enjoy a life of success. Supporting adolescents through the involvement in athletics will teach them valuable team work skills and build a platform for a successful career.
References
Capozza, K. ( 2004, February). Team Sports Give Girls a Career Edge. Prevention,
56(2), 115-116. Retrieved December 5, 2006, EBSCOhost database.
Carlson, R. & Scott, L. (2005). What is the status of high school athletes
eight years after their senior year? Washington, DC: National Center for
Education Statistics.
Watts, J.C. (2004, August 17). Kids are the great imitators. Sporting News, 228(29), 6
Retrieved December 4, 2006, EBSCOhost database.
Wright, C. (2001). On Track. Retrieved 5, 2006, from
http://www.comsoc.org/dl/sample/ci1/public/2001/sep/citrack.html
posted by Z at 1:41 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home