By Abigail Sherrod
Southern High School
This commentary appeared originally in the Southern Scoop, the school newspaper of Southern High School led by journalism teacher Heather Lemke. The VOICE supports the Scoop with resources and mentoring.
Sports offer scholarships, and work offers money. The best one out of the two will always be unknown.
There are some students in Southern High School who don’t play sports because they are or would prefer working.
Southern Scoop staff writer Abigail Sherrod. (Photo courtesy of the Southern Scoop)
On the other hand, there are some students who have a lot of school spirit and are dedicated to their team whether it is basketball, football or soccer.
Students who choose work over sports actually have reasons why. Not all of them are great, but some are very understandable.
For example, as a young adult in their parents’ home, some students have an electricity bill or water bill that they are required to pay. Some of them might even have to provide food, clothes, or even a home for their families.
Also, some students want Jordans, Blackberries and cars and want to go to the mall or the movies. All these things cost money, and students have to pay for them themselves.
This is what leads me to believe that the average high school student who works, hears the word ‘job’ and thinks about money.
Playing sports doesn’t give them money directly. Therefore, to them sports aren’t as important.
“I would rather get a job because I could get money and it can help me, but sports are a waste of time,” said Breana McDaniel. “I feel money is more important. I don’t care about sports.”
The students who would rather play sports have their reasons why as well.
Some students would rather play sports because they want a scholarship to college. Or they might have the lifetime goal of being a professional NFL player.
Also, there are those who just want to play sports because its just what they want to do.
“I would rather play sports because that’s just what I like to do. I am an athlete,” said Akeem Judd.
Overall, my opinion is that they are both the same.
If you play sports and become a professional, you will make money. If you get a job you will make money. The only difference is that with a job you get paid right away.