Positive Influence on Kids

Rhetorical Analysis Being a high school and college athlete, I have gained a lot of skills both physically and mentally. I have learned how to work with different personalities and learned how to adapt to them. Also, I have learned how to cope with winning and losing. I honestly believe that playing sports shaped me into the person I am today. I have great leadership skills, I interact well with others, I adapt well with new people and I do not give up on anything that I do.In his New York times editorial † Sports Teaches Kids Valuable Lessons,† Keener notes that while striving to win (on an organized ports team), children learn about teamwork and sportsmanship, two keys that can contribute to developing into a solid citizen. In sports, there is a bigger picture than just merely winning and losing. Once you have learned how to stay grounded and humble when you win, or even learning from a terrible loss, I believe you have overall gained a lifetime skill. Some play sports Just for the fun, while other play for the competitiveness of the game.Personally, I play for both reasons. Keener's argument is stating that these skills of teamwork, and sportsmanship may be acquired though ifferent realms other than sports, but they are enhanced through sports. He feels that they help children learn when the right time is to express those characteristics. Playing sports is a learning experience, you learn how to interact with different people, learn how to cope with losing, and learn how to persevere. In the editorial, Keener expresses that athletics build character and discipline, as well as teamwork and hard work.An organized sports team with members cooperating with one another to achieve a common goal, sport participation is a good way of further instilling the important principles of teamwork in a group. If one person does not do their part the whole team can and will suffer. If one individual dominates then the performance of others will be adversely affect ed in both areas the only way to achieve a victory is with a team working in harmony and on equal terms with one another. As with sport, a team may comprise multiple talents but if they don't work well together then the team will quickly fall apart.You win as a team and lose as a team. So with that, you have to learn, with your team, how fix the problem and be able to come together and win. Realistically, it is not guaranteed that you will win. Some teams go on with the worst records of not winning one game in a season. Keener explains, you learn how to get back up every time you get knocked down. With that, you will learn to thrive and compete through any recurring disappointments or setbacks. In the text, he illustrates how taking on a sport may take sacrifice.It can be transformation of your body from to fit the sport; there is a wide range of injuries, or even time away from daily activities. Sports should serve the purpose of general development, keeping the body strong and mai ntaining healthy life style. Keener noted that sports help the child keep up a healthy lifestyle. He notes that with athletes competing at a competitive level can lead to positive psychosocial, developmental and health benefits for girls. Research shows that sport participation and positive self-perceptions and also better success rates in the classrooms.Lastly, Keener takes a different approach by explaining how participating in sports gives athletes the ability to develop tight and lasting friendships. This is an experience that usually leaves them with lasting life long memories. There are some positive social benefits to sports participation that are easily overlooked by many. Keener tried to connect on a very person and emotional level. In high school, everyone wants a friend. Everyone wants to feel accepted or have that sense of belonging to something.Some kids may not have that sense of family at home, so they may Join a sport to fill in where their home life is lacking. Afte r reading the editorial, I still have the same feelings toward the topic. I absolutely agree with everything Keener had to say. Although some may say that there are some character traits that only parents can instill in their children. But there is something special to a child about having howing those skills off through some type of medium. Overall, Keener was very successful in his editorial. He clearly stated his argument and his claim.He factually and emotionally connected to different types of audiences, mostly athletes, future athletes and parents of athletes. What made it so successful was how he proved his claim through facts and thoughts, and also connecting with the right audience. It all made sense. He was able to connect with actual athletes and parents of athletes. He challenges the child to strive to be a better athlete by adhering to the life lessons learned. He also challenges the parents to challenge their child by encouraging them to get involved with a team.Keener touched upon different aspects ofa child's life that later on down the road requires usage of those skills they learned. Kids may never use their physical talents or skills again after high school or college, but one thing they will use is their leadership skills, teamwork and perseverance. Those are fundamental keys to being successful in the real world and work force.