Role Models

8 Pages 2032 Words

they can get them ready to play professionally, and the educational element will go out the window," says Alex Wood (Farrell 16). Some athletes have taken the opportunity to show kids that education is important and is something that should be valued. The Michigan State University athletes are involved in a program in which they go to kids in the classroom to talk and hang out with these younger students. This is both good for the college student athletes and the younger students. Kevin Carr says, "We've been wanting to do this for a while, It's definitely a way to help our athletes to get in the spirit of voluntarism"(Reaching Out). This program is good for the kids because it lets them take good advice from the older more experienced college student athletes. Ike Reese said, " We go to school just like they do. I like to show kids that athletes can be role models and that we're not untouchable" (Reaching Out). The program also shows that good athletes can also be respectable students, this is really good for the young kids to see (Reaching Out). When these athletes talk to the kids in the classrooms it helps inspire the kids to strive towards their goals and dreams. Part of being a role model includes setting a good moral standard for the people who watch sports on television especially the kids that watch them. " Athletes can deeply affect children at a critical stage in development. Many kids from about 8 to 12 years old, looking for examples of s...