Creativity counts and for the child who does not find
pleasure or confidence in the world of athletics, arts and humanities may very
well be the trajectory forward a students needs to excel in a world that seems
hell bent on harnessing brawn whilst secretly praying the brain wins out in the
end.
The art programs being removed from our schools develop individual
creative strengths and talents while giving them the confidence and
problem-solving abilities they need to succeed in a challenging new century.
My personal observation is simple: Athletic departments in
college pay big money for student athletes, but after college, said student
usually does nothing in their chosen sports arena (as evident in the epidemic
of obesity our nation is facing) whereas, the student who is lucky enough to be
awarded an academic scholarship tends to be successful post graduation.
Therefore, should it be understood that our priorities need to be rearranged?
Perhaps if we start closing down athletic programs and building up humanities
and arts, we may see a turn around in the tragedy that is our education system.
I found this especially interesting: "Athletic departments in college pay big money for student athletes, but after college, said student usually does nothing in their chosen sports arena (as evident in the epidemic of obesity our nation is facing) whereas, the student who is lucky enough to be awarded an academic scholarship tends to be successful post graduation." It is sad to see how atheletes are so soften exploited by University sports programs: the special tutoring, special classes, etc. that they get are too often not meant to upgrade their academic skills but are instead intended to bypass the need for them. For those atheletes who go on for a lucrative career in pro sports, that may be fine, but as you point out, most do not, and those are often left to fend for themselves without any real preparation for the workforce.
ReplyDeleteI have seen it go either way with athletes that attend college and play a sport for the school. And what I have found is the most determined athletes are able to achieve a degree. They may use it to advance to a career after college if they don't find a sports oriented career.
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely! I didn't mean to dis all atheletes' educational performance; many of them do take full advantage of the education provided them in return for the money they bring in to the school via their sports performance. Good point, Katie!
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