SAGINAW - Saginaw Valley State University Director of Athletics Mike Watson and a pair of student-athletes recently paid a visit to the local North Saginaw Charter Academy to discuss with the students the importance of academics in their lives. Watson was joined by women's track & field student-athlete Emerald Joiner and mens basketball student-athlete Damon Bozeman.
The goal of the visit was to engage with the students and stress the importance of academics and the role it will play throughout their lifetimes. Both student-athletes spoke at the event and shared stories about growing up, some struggles they faced and how they dealt with them. They also took the time to answer any questions the kids had for them.
Joiner gave her thoughts on the visit and the importance of staying on top of the grades...
"Inner-city students have a higher tendency to rely on the thought that sports will 'get them out.' Whether that be out of school or out of a bad situation, they see sports as the end goal. We were there to explain to them that, yes, sports are a great tool and outlet; however, sports without an education is a means to an end. So, after sharing my story and talking with the students, I hope I was able to convey that there is nothing wrong with having high athletic goals, but in order to be successful in life, the academics have to be the number one priority. Your body can only handle so many years of sports, whereas your education will last your lifetime."
Bozeman added his thoughts on the visit and what it means to have a strong work ethic both on the court and in the classroom...
"I had a great time visiting and sharing my story with the kids at the North Saginaw Charter Academy. I would to go back and do it all again. We wanted to explain to the kids that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a student-athlete. In order to be successful, you have to be a student first and foremost! That means getting good grades and taking care of business in the classroom first because you can only play sports for so long...some day you have to stop."
Click here for photos from the visit