Coffee Break

When does the education really begin ?

Many parents are excited to see their young men play football for the University of Tennessee on Saturdays'.  But above all, they are more excited that their children are getting an quality education at a great University. Or are they? With the coaching carousel going on in the NCAA, what are these kids really learning? Are they learning that Money is the most important aspect of a career? These young athletes are being groomed to be  beasts on the field  while they are expected to remain in a professional manner off of it. However, if they are to entrust in their leader (coach), it seems logical that they should emulate his actions.


Shouldn't these young men learn at home the importance of their decisions? These athletes are expected to make the toughest decisions of their life based on their athletic abilities. They are not taught to follow their hearts and to explore their own intuitions. Parents want for their children to grow up and be fine upstanding citizens and role models in which others look up to. In the world of coaching today there is very little to emulate. There are Coaches who make decisons which truly are career enhancements, However, it can still be conducted in a manner in which would be deemed respectable. If these young men are going to be held to these standards, the parents should begin the educational process in the home, and not allow it to begin at the hands of a untrustworthy individual who is fueled by greed. 

One of the parents of a recent recruit asked how a coach could sit in her living room and tell her one thing and do another. She seemed genuinely hurt that she had been lied too, and understandably so. However, before the interview was done she stated that her grandson may end up playing for the very same coach who looked her in the eyes and lied to her face, and most importantly her grandson. This does not set a great example for the leaders of tommorrow.  The educational example should be set at home before these young men venture out into the world to make a career for themselves. 

If you love the University of Tennessee, choose Tennessee because you have the passion and bleed orange. But above all, because you will be getting a great education, one that holds value and will help you to be the person you want to become. It should not be chosen because it is a possible stepping stone to the upper rungs of the financial ladder.Beat your paths respectably and in a stand up manner. Lying your way to the top will only cheat yourself and the others who look you in the eye and invest a very special part of their life into your hands.