Soto 1

Roger Soto
English 2010
Clint Buffington
12/7/14
Reflection
Dear Reader,
English 2010 benefited my knowledge in becoming a sophisticated writer. This class was
a learning experience. English 2010 specifically helped me understand about rhetorical
situations. Along with rhetorical situations, finding a direct audience is as important. Then,
identifying a fitting response is also valuable because it completes your argument. With these
methods of writing I was able to strategize three essays during the semester. With our assigned
essays I was able to focus more on research in depth concerning my topic. This became my focus
as it developed my overall writing skills. I was able to write in multiple genres as every single
essay build on the other.
For our first writing assignment we wrote between a memoir and a profile. I decided to
write a memoir so that I could focus on a specific experience I had. In writing these essay I was
able to find an opportunity along with providing and audience and a response. This essay helped
me reflect on my life. My goal for this essay was to use plenty of quotations so the reader can see
where Im coming from.
For our next assignment I wrote a report on youth in sports. On this report I researched
specific websites that I found relating to my topic. A strategy I used while researching was to
focus more on who the source was coming from. I researched website that had opinions provided
from individuals who received an education. I found certain people who were doctors,
psychologists, and majors. My thorough research guided me in constructing my paper. I decided

Soto 2
to base my research on this strategy because I wanted to find reliable sources that would make
my essay stronger. Also, I learned how to cite my sources in a simpler way. In my other English
classes I didnt have guidelines about citing sources. I would just go online to easy bib and let
them cite them for me. Instead, I was able to cite my sources properly. Researching worthy
websites supported my understanding for my final essay. My researching skills improved as it
became simpler for me to research creditable sources.
I especially enjoyed peer review because I received great advice and suggestions. Some
suggestions were to go more on depth in my research. Other suggestions were to re-read my
work out loud so that I could catch grammar mistakes along with present and past tense verbs.
These were all helpful suggestions that helped me improve my writing this semester because Im
able to hear opinions from different readers. This is helpful because I can go back and fix certain
things before I turn in my final essay. I also had the opportunity to provide my own feedback to
my peers. I told my peers to stay on topic and describe their essays in more detail concerning the
audience they were writing to. I also told my peers to provide a strong thesis that will help them
guide their reader. My greatest strength as a peer reviewer would have to be my connection with
their paper regarding their logos, ethos, and pathos.
For my revision process I was able to revise my first two essays and my PSA. For my
memoir I added a quote from a famous baseball player which completed my requirements. I also
provided more quotations from different people because I want my readers to connect with my
experience. For my second essay I revised the way I used sources. I provided quotations so that
my reader knows who said them. Also, I provided a small explanation after my sources
describing why it matters. Lastly, for my PSA, I edited the video by reducing the background

Soto 3
music because it was too loud. I also provided links to other websites for more information.
Then, I added cited work for all the images used in the video.
I decided to use my first two essays and our group PSA for my portfolio because I simply
go a higher score on them. I made simple mistakes which I was capable of fixing. My greatest
strength in writing is the way I provide ethos, logos, and pathos concerning the rhetorical
situation. My portfolios strength is my revision and editing in order to make my essay stronger.
If I went through this process again I would use more time on fixing major mistakes and making
my sentences stronger. Overall, this portfolio is a great way to show my work throughout the
semester and how I was able to strengthen my essays one last time.

Soto 4
Roger Soto
English 2010
Clint Buffington
9/10/14
Perfect Game
Baseball is Americas pastime sport which played a big role in my life growing
up. I remember a specific experience that reminds me of determination and hard work. I will
never forget the time I pitched a perfect game for my little league All-Star team. This
unforgettable experience taught me an important lesson that guided my future goals in life. If you
are willing to work hard in your goals, only then youll be able to achieve greatness.
When I was twelve, I played for an All-Star little league team. We had a solid team that
year, and our goal was to reach the championship game. In order to become an All-Star, I had to
work hard during the regular season. It was my first year as an All-Star. I felt nervous to be one
because Ive worked hard for many years. During the season I practiced with my father; every
day I would pitch for at least two hours. The time eventually came, when I had a shot to pitch in
an All-Star game.
I can remember just like it was yesterday. The day was cloudy with a slight chance of
rain. Emotions going through my head the moment I woke up. Butterflies grew in my stomach
every hour it became closer to the game. I felt ready and focused as I arrived to the field. Our
opponent was the toughest in the tournament. If we won this game we would advance to the
finals. As I was warming up for the game, I already felt I was going to do well. All of my hard
work had come down to this opportunity. My time was here, the time when I would show
everyone what I had been training for. I felt ready to do my business. Baseballs legend, Mariano

Soto 5
Rivera once said, I think I was made for this, I was built for it. It never gets old when those two
doors open and I see myself crossing the field, is business. Mariano Rivera was my hero
growing up as I imitated his pitching. I waked slowly to the mound as I stared down my
opponent with a fierce look. I felt energized and pumped to be standing on the pitching mound
representing my team.
Finally the umpire yelled, Play Ball!
I started my pitching motion. I stepped back with my left leg, lifted it up to my chest, and
I extended it forward as far as it reached. I threw a fastball as hard as I could into Andrews
glove, who was our catcher.
The umpire yelled, Strike!
I had a grin on my face after the first pitch because the hitters didnt know what was
coming their way. Andrew threw the ball back to me as I got ready for my next pitch. My
coaches yelled, Atta boy! My teammates cheered on, Just like that kid! The momentum was
in my favor. I started my pitching motion for my second pitch. In baseball, a pitcher has several
kinds of pitches he could throw. For example, the most basic one is a fastball or other unique
common pitches include the curveball, changeup, and a slider. I was confident in throwing a
curveball for my next pitch. I went through my pitching motion once again and threw the
baseball with precision.
The umpire yelled, Strike!
I was ahead of the count as I had thrown another strike. The batter was confused and
worried because he didnt want to strike out. I said to myself, Im striking this guy out. I heard
cheers from the crowd, One more! My parents yelled as loud as they could. I heard my mom
cheer, Cmon Roger! As Andrew threw the ball back to me, I swiped my sweat from my head.

Soto 6
I took a deep breath in and exhaled it out slowly. For my next pitch I threw a changeup to strike
him out. A changeup is a pitch that seems to be coming at you fast, but in reality its the slowest
pitch I had. As I stretched my foot forward to throw the ball, it felt like I was in a slow motion
scene from a movie. I watched the ball slowly enter Andrews glove; the hitter swung but missed
it by an inch.
The umpire exclaimed, Strike three!
The adrenaline running through my body made me fist pump, and I said in my head,
You got this. The crowd cheered, Yeah! My coaches praised my name, Lets go Roger!
My teammates also encouraged me on, They have nothing on you! After the first strikeout I
felt intensity in the air. For the next two batters luck wasnt on their side. I had thrown six
straight pitches to strike two batters out. In the first inning of pitching, I threw nine strikes and no
balls outside of the strike zone. As I entered my dugout my teammates said, Keep up the good
work. I wasnt going to let our enemy ruin my chance to advance to the finals. Innings past by
and I was on a roll. I threw more strikes than balls, and constantly struck out batters as we
entered into the fourth inning. In little league a baseball game usually only last six innings, but
professionally a baseball game lasts nine.
In my toughest battle, I faced our opponents best hitter. He was known as the
tournaments home run leader. He was about 62 and 180 pounds. I felt like David against Goliath
every time I faced him. My approach was to throw him three straight curveballs. Andrew gave
me signs with his fingers to represent what kind of pitches were appropriate to throw. Andrew
gave me the sign to throw a fastball. I was confused as I said to myself, His going to make
contact if I throw a fastball. I had a gut feeling he was going to hit the ball; I listened anyway.
As I threw the ball I saw the hitter extend his long arms and swung. To everyones surprise he hit

Soto 7
the ball hard. The crowd was silent. Sean who was playing shortstop for the team laid out and
made an unbelievable diving catch to record the out. The crowd rose to their feet and cheered on
as he saved my perfect game. I pointed my finger at him to show how thankful I was for saving
me. Sean pointed back as he said, I got you kid!
As the game continued we were able to put a number in the score board as Sean, our best
hitter, belted a home run. The score was one to zero as it came to the last inning. I dueled against
tough batters, but it came down to this: my last chance to complete a perfect game. It was
unfortunate for the first two batters. They became my strike out victims. I had one more to face
in order to finish the game. No one was stopping me; no one was going to take this opportunity
away from me. I got ahead of the batter as I had two strikes on him. This was it, my last pitch
that assured me of a perfect game. I wasnt holding anything back. I threw my best pitch, a
fastball, as hard as I could.
The umpire with full of excitement yelled, Strike three!
I couldnt believe it. I threw my glove in the air and felt on my knees. Andrew ran to me
with full of joy. Our team mates followed as we jumped up and down celebrating my
accomplishment. My team mates chanted my name as I was on their shoulders. Our whole team
including the coaches ran to celebrate. As I looked over to check on our enemy, I saw faces
hanging down in disappointment. They were devastated; I felt bad but I was too busy
celebrating. I still couldnt believe it. I had just pitched a perfect game.
This experience was memorable because the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment
made me realize how hard work pays off. Similar emotions ran through my body after the game.
All of the hours I had put into practice finally paid off. Determination made me finish what I
started. Tears ran down my cheeks because I had learned my potential. People who watched my

Soto 8
pitching performance also learned a valuable lesson. If you put your heart and passion in any
situation, then I guarantee you will be satisfied with the outcome.

Soto 9
Work Cited
Rivera, Mariano. Personal Interview. 30 July 2013.

Soto 10
Roger Soto
English 2010
Mr. Bufflington
10/1/14
Youth in Sports
Have you ever considered how sports play an important role in the development of kids?
Its true. Its beneficial for the youth of today to participate in an organized sport. The youth
learn positive attributes; it keeps them physically healthy, and prevents them from violent crime
or possession of drugs. One can argue that sports may develop aggressive traits and can be
expensive, but in fact studies have shown out of hundreds of thousands of children who do
participate in an organized sport; most do better academically and are offered greater job
prospects (Price-Mitchell). Sports participation is always a struggle, but also consider the
positive outcome in developing the youth.
According to Wolfgang Brettschnneider (1999), who reviewed scientific studies, research
has shown that sport for young people can lead to: Improve self-esteem, handle stress, increase
in academic performance, and gain a better relationship with their families (pg. 10 Sports). Its
no doubt; sport participation is critical for kids. In the development process, kids will learn from
their peers, parents, teachers or coaches. Kids will understand the aspects of life, and engage in
life decisions. Its crucial for the development process to be positive. Im sure every parent wants
their kids to be raised perfectly no matter the circumstances. Sports are a solution many parents
have tried. Its all about getting involved and participating in some kind of activity preferably
physical. Kids will gain confident attributes that will aid their development for their future.

Soto 11
Most people would think the youth who do participate in an organized sport do not come
from low income families. This is sadly true. Researches in the health system in the University of
Michigan found that among lower-income families, those earning less than $60,000 per year, 19
percent said their childrens participation decreased because of costs (Arbor). Children are not as
fortunate as other children are because they are struggling with money. Sarah Clark, an Associate
Director of the Child Health Evaluation and Research Unit at the University says, As pay-toplay becomes the norm, nearly 1 in 5 lower-income parents reported their kids decreased their
sports participation (Arbor). This is a problem because less kids are participating limiting kids
from their potential. The average cost for sport participation was $381 (Arbor). The cost can be
an expensive fee especially for families who have more than one child participating in a sport.
Even though this may be the case, there are solutions that can be provided to aid low income
families. Sarah Clark says, Schools need to look at their waiver policies and consider options
like partial waivers, installment payments, or other means to provide flexibility for families. By
doing so, families benefit from these waivers so kids could participate without the parents having
to worry about paying an expensive fee.
There are other solutions outside of school that provide low income families from
keeping their children in an organized sport. Organizations have formed specifically for low
income families who want their kids to participate in a sport, but cant afford to pay the fees.
Reviving Baseball in Inner cities or (R.B.I) is owned and operated by Major League Baseball
(Bragg). Boys and girls ages 6 to 18 are welcome to play in the R.B.I. organization, and more
than 100,000 children have had the opportunity to play (Bragg). Organizations help children by
providing opportunity to have fun and grow.Also, the SYFL is a football league dedicate to inner
city children in an attempt to "save lives, to help kids, and just to give back in general" (Bragg).

Soto 12
The founder is Cordozar Broadus, or known as Snoop Dogg, a famous rapper. His main goal was
to help kids in need who seek a way out of a criminal life. These organizations all throughout the
U.S have helped families throughout the years as they provide a beneficial solution so they wont
have to worry about the cost of participating. Low income families also need to recognize the
positive outcomes there are in getting their kids to participate. There are solutions; its just up to
them to take action for the development of their children.
More importantly, a study has been done by Nicholas L. Holt a member of the Physical
Education and Recreation inn the University of Alberta Edmonton. His main purpose was to see
parents and childrens views of the benefits in participating in youth sports. His other purpose
was to see the parents ideas of the challenges with involving their kids in sports. Thirty-five
interviews were conducted with parents and children from 17 low income families (Holt).
Analysis formed three findings: (1) Parents and children reported that a range of personal and
social development associated with the benefits of sport participation. (2) Parents reported that
several remaining barriers restricted their children in engaging in developmental benefits; and,
(3) Parents offered solutions of engaging their kid on a sport (Holt). In conclusion this study
demonstrates why its important for the youth to participate in sports for their development.
Also, it emphasizes that increased efforts are needed to overcome remaining barriers and sustain
long-term participation and benefits (Holt).
Additionally, Sports, prevent kids from committing serious crimes and in avoiding
negative social activities. David Carmichael writes, Although sports alone cant lower the high
levels of youth crimes in society, it can however reduce some percentage of such high numbers
(Carmichael). According to David Carmichael organized sport programs can reduce youth
crime by giving young people a positive identity, feelings of empowerment, and help youth

Soto 13
acquire leadership, teamwork, and self-govern skills (Carmichael). There are many reasons of
why youth sports can reduce crime. While participating in an organized sport or even in an
organization the youth can feel an increase of connectedness. The youth can feel a connection
towards their coaches or teammates which can influence their actions. Coaches want the best for
them, therefore they tell them to stay out of trouble and become healthy. Teammates can have
the biggest impact because they can become friends and help each other from committing serious
crimes. Being cared for can feel special for the youth because they feel the love of others which
helps them prevent disappointing decisions. The youth crime rate needs to be lowered. Sports
and Organizations over time have proven to lower the percentage because it develops mature and
responsible youth.
Notably, in an article called Phycology of Youth Sports, the author Marilyn PriceMitchell discusses three important paths towards a positive outcome while playing in an
organized sport. They are intensity, continuity, and balance. She says, With commitment kids
develop mastery skills with superior knowledge of tactics and strategy (Price-Mitchell). This
leads to the advancement of strategic thinking which helps the kids in getting better job
opportunities in thefuture. By always trying to be on time kids learn responsibility. She writes,
Therefore if kids like the sport they will continue to play it; this leads to continuity which
creates opportunities to interact with teammates, learning to cope with the interpersonal
challenges to work with others (Price-Mitchell). Balance is important because kids learn how to
maintain an organized schedule with school, sports, and other activities. One study found youth
who participated in sports and school clubs had lower rates of depression than kids who focused
exclusively on sports (Price-Mitchell). These topics are not commonly talked about, but are
definitely important for their development.

Soto 14
Health has always been an issue with the development of kids. Its important for kids to
stay physically healthy in their development. Therefore sports are the best solution. Jones-Palm
says, Sports can affect kids drug, eating, and drinking behaviors (Jones-Palm). Studies have
showed that kids who are in an organized sport have a lower rate of drug use. She continues,
Male and female athletes are less likely to do drugs including: marijuana, cocaine, crack
cocaine, heroin and hallucinogens (Jones-Palm). Their involvement in an activity keeps them
constantly distracted from drugs. Every human being knows that drug use can be harmful to your
body. Athletes in particular are well aware of staying healthy while participating in a sport.
Instead of drugs, athletes are more likely eating fruits and vegetables before a competition.
Sports are other means of exercise which keeps kids active on a daily basis. Getting involved in
an organized sport helps the youth by keeping their bodies healthy and preventing unhealthy
behaviors.
More kids need to get involved in an organized sport because of the beneficial positive
outcomes. There are solutions for low income families who struggle in getting their kids involve.
Sports improve many aspects of a kids life including certain attributes theyll need in the future.
Getting the youth involve in an organized sport is important for their development because it
provides healthy activities, prevents them from serious crime, and teaches them their true
potential.

Soto 15
Work cited page
1. Arbor, Ann. Pay-to-Play sports keeping lower income kids out of the game Health
System. University of Michigan, 2012. Web. 9 Oct. 2014
2. Bragg, Nicholas. Sport Programs for Low Income Families Livestrong. Livestrong,
2010. Web. 9 Oct. 2014
3. Carmichael, David. "Youth Sport vs. Youth Crime." Active Healthy Links, 2008. Web. 2
Oct. 2014
4. Holt, Nicholas L. "Benefits and Challenges Associated with Sport Participation by
Children and Parents from Low-income Families." Web. 09 Oct. 2014.
5. Jones-Palm, Diane H., and Jrgen Palm. "PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ITS IMPACT
ON HEALTH BEHAVIOR AMONG YOUTH." Web. 2 Oct. 2014.
6. Nations, United. SPORT Using Sport for Drug Abuse Prevention. 2002. Web. 2 Oct.
2014.
7. Price-Mitchell, Marilyn. "The Psychology of Youth Sports." Psychology Today: Health,
Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. In the Movement of Youth, 8 Jan. 2012. Web. 29
Sept. 2014

Soto 16
Roger Soto
English 2010
Clint Bufflington
9/10/14
Perfect Game
Baseball is Americas pastime sport which played a big role in my life growing up. I
remember a specific experience that reminds me of determination and hard work. I will never
forget the time I pitched a perfect game for my little league All-Star team. A perfect game is
when a pitcher overpowers the opposing hitters he is facing. Consisting of no hits and walks
allowed throughout the whole game.
When I was twelve, I participated for my All-Star little league team. We had a solid team
that year, and our prediction was to reach the championship game. In order to become an AllStar, one had to work hard during the regular season. It was my first year as an All-Star. I felt
nervous to be one because Ive worked hard for many years. During the season I practiced with
my father; every day I would pitch for at least two hours. The time eventually came, when I had
a shot to pitch in an All-Star game.
I could remember just like it was yesterday. The day was cloudy with a slight chance of
rain. Emotions going through my head the moment I woke up. Our opponent was the toughest in
the tournament. If we won this game we advance to the finals. As I was warming up for the
game, I already felt I was going to do well. All of my hard work had come down to this
opportunity. My time was here, the time I showed everyone what Ive been training for. As I

Soto 17
stood on the mound I stared down my opponent with a fierce look. I felt energized and pumped
to be standing on the pitching mound representing my team.
Finally the umpire yelled, Play Ball!
I started my pitching motion. I stepped back with my left leg, lifted it up to my chest, and
I extended it forward as far as it reached. I threw a fastball as hard as I could into Andrews
glove, who was our catcher.
The umpire yelled, Strike!
I had a grin on my face after the first pitch because the hitters didnt know what was
coming their way. Andrew threw the ball back to me as I got ready for my next pitch. My
coaches yelled, Atta boy! My teammates cheered on, Just like that kid! The momentum was
in my favor. I started my pitching motion for my second pitch. In baseball, a pitcher has several
kinds of pitches he could throw, for example the most basic one is a fastball or other unique
common pitches are: curveball, changeup, slider, 2-seam fastball, and a knuckleball. I was
confident in throwing a curveball for my next pitch. I went through my pitching motion once
again and threw the baseball with precision.
The umpire yelled, Strike!
I was ahead of the count as I had thrown another strike. The batter was confused and
worried because he didnt want to strike out. I said to myself, Im striking this guy out. I heard
cheers from the crowd, One more! As Andrew threw the ball back to me, I swiped my sweat
from my head. I took a deep breath in and exhaled it out slowly. For my next pitch I threw a
changeup to strike him out. A changeup is a pitch that seems to be coming at you fast, but in

Soto 18
reality its the slowest pitch I had. As I stretched my foot forward to throw the ball, it felt like I
was in a slow motion scene from a movie. I watched the ball slowly enter Andrews glove; the
hitter swung but missed it by an inch.
The umpire exclaimed, Strike three!
The adrenaline running through my body made me fist pump, and I said in my head,
You got this. The crowd cheered, my coaches praised my name, and my teammates
encouraged me on. For the next two batters luck wasnt on their side. I had thrown six straight
pitches to strike out the side. In the first inning of pitching, I threw nine strikes and no balls
outside of the strike zone. As I entered my dugout my teammates told me to keep up the good
work. I wasnt going to let our enemy ruin my chance to advance to the finals. Innings past by
and I was on a roll. I threw more strikes than balls, and struck out seven batters as we entered
into the fourth inning. In little league a baseball game usually only last six innings, but
professionally a baseball game lasts nine.
I faced our opponents best hitter, who was known as the tournaments home run leader.
He was roughly about 62 and 180 pounds. I felt like David against Goliath every time I faced
him. My approach was to throw him three straight curveballs. Andrew gave me signs with his
fingers to represent what kind of pitches were appropriate to throw. Andrew game me the sign to
throw a fastball. As I threw the ball I saw the hitter extend his long arms and swung. To
everyones surprise he hit the ball hard. The crowd was silent. Sean who was playing shortstop
for the team laid out and made an unbelievable diving catch to record the out. The crowd rose to
their feet and cheered on as he saved my perfect game. I pointed my finger at him to show how
thankful I was for saving me.

Soto 19
As the game continued we were able to put a number in the score board as Sean, our best
hitter, belted a home run. The score was one to zero as it came to the last inning. I dueled against
tough batters, but it came down to this; my last chance to complete a perfect game. It was
unfortunate for the first two batters. They became my strike out victims. I had one more to face
in order to finish the game. No one was stopping me; no one was going to take this opportunity
away from me. I got ahead of the batter as I had two strikes on him. This was it, my last pitch
that assured me of a perfect game. I wasnt holding anything back. I threw my best pitch, a
fastball, as hard as I could.
The umpire with a sight of excitement yelled, Strike three!
Andrew and I ran to each other with joy. Our team mates followed as we jumped up and
down celebrating my accomplishment. My team mates chanted my name as I was on their
shoulders. Our whole team including the coaches ran to celebrate. As I looked over to check on
our enemy, I saw faces hanged down in disappointment. They were devastated; I felt bad but I
was too busy celebrating. I still couldnt believe it. I had just pitched a perfect game.
This experience was memorable because the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment
made me realize how hard work pays off. Similar emotions ran through my body after the game.
All of the hours I had put into practice finally paid off. Determination made me finish what I
started. Tears ran down my cheeks because I had learned my potential. People who watched my
pitching performance also learned a valuable lesson. If you put your heart and passion in any
situation, then I guarantee you will be satisfied with the outcome.

Soto 20
Roger Soto
English 2010
Mr. Buffington
10/1/14
Youth in Sports
Have you ever considered how sports play an important role in the development of kids?
Its true. Its beneficial for the youth of today to participate in an organized sport. The youth
learn positive attributes, keeps them physically healthy, and prevents them from violent crime or
possession of drugs. One can argue that sports may develop aggressive traits and can be
expensive, but in fact studies have shown out of hundreds of thousands of children who do
participate in an organized sport, do better academically and are offered greater job prospects.
(Price-Mitchell) Sports participation is always a struggle, but also consider the positive outcome
in developing the youth.
According to Wolfgang Brettschnneider (1999), who reviewed the scientific studies, research has
shown that sport for young people can lead to: Improved self-esteem, handle stress, increase in
academic performance, and gain a better relationship with their families. (pg. 10 Sports) Its no
doubt; sport participation is critical for kids. In the development process, kids will learn from
their peers, parents, teachers or coaches. Kids will understand the aspects of life, and engage in
life decisions. Its crucial for the development process to be positive. Im sure every parent wants
their kids to be raised perfectly no matter the circumstances. Sports are a solution many parents

Soto 21
have tried. Its all about getting involved and participating in some kind of activity preferably
physical. Kids will gain confident attributes that will aid their development for their future.
Most people would think the youth who do participate in an organized sport do not come from
low income families. This is sadly true. Among lower-income families, those earning less than
$60,000 per year, 19 percent said their childrens participation decreased because of costs.
(Arbor). As pay-to-play becomes the norm, nearly 1 in 5 lower-income parents reported their
kids decreased their sports participation. (Arbor) High schools are expensive with sports which
can prevent families from getting their kids involve. The average cost for sport participation was
$381. (Arbor) Even though this may be the case, there are solutions that can be provided to aid
low income families. The poll found only 6 percent of participants received a waiver of pay-toplay fees. (Arbor) Sarah Clark, M.P.H., Associate Director of the Child Health Evaluation and
Research says, Schools need to look at their waiver policies and consider options like partial
waivers, installment payments, or other means to provide flexibility for families.
There are other solutions outside of school that provide low income families from keeping their
children in an organized sport. Organizations have formed specifically for low income families
who want their kids to participate in a sport, but cant afford to pay the fees. Reviving Baseball
in Inner cities or (R.B.I) is owned and operated by Major League Baseball. (Bragg) This
organization is known internationally as it has many divisions in every state as well as outside of
the states. Boys and girls ages six to 18 are welcome to play in the R.B.I. organization, and more
than 100,000 children have had the opportunity to play. (Bragg) Also, the SYFL is a football
league dedicate to inner city children in an attempt to "save lives, to help kids, and just to give
back in general." (Bragg) The founder is Cordozar Broadus, or widely known as Snoop Dogg.
His main goal was to help kids in need who seek a way out of a criminal life. These

Soto 22
organizations all throughout the U.S have helped families throughout the years as they provide a
beneficial solution so they wont have to worry about the cost of participating. Low income
families also need to recognize the positive outcomes there are in getting their kids to participate.
There are solutions; its just up to them to take action for the development of their children.
A study has been done by Nicholas L. Holt a member of the Physical Education and Recreation
inn the University of Alberta Edmonton. His main purpose was to see parents and childrens
views of the benefits in participating in youth sports. His other purpose was to see the parents
ideas of the challenges with involving their kids in sports. Thirty-five interviews were conducted
with parents and children from 17 low income families. (Holt) Analysis produced three main
findings: (1) Parents and children reported that sport participation was associated with a range of
personal and social developmental benefits; (2) Parents reported that several remaining barriers
and constraints restricted the extent to which their children could engage in sport and gain
sustained developmental benefits; and, (3) Parents offered several possible solutions to the
problem of engaging their children in sport. (Holt) In conclusion this study demonstrates why its
important for the youth to participate in sports for their development. Also, it emphasizes that
increased efforts are needed to overcome remaining barriers and sustain long-term participation
and benefits. (Holt)
Sports prevent kids from committing serious crimes. Sports help kids in avoiding negative social
activities. Also, it prevents kids from entering street gangs and committing serious crimes.
Although sports alone cant lower the levels of youth crimes in society, it can however reduce
the percentage. (Carmichael) Organized sport programs can reduce youth crime by giving young
people a positive identity, feelings of empowerment, and help youth acquire leadership,
teamwork, and self-govern skills. (Carmichael) There are many reasons of why youth sports can

Soto 23
reduce crime. While participating in an organized sport or even in an organization the youth can
feel an increase of connectedness. The youth can feel a connection towards their coaches or
teammates which can influence their actions. Coaches want the best for them, therefore they tell
them to stay out of trouble and become healthy. Teammates can have the biggest impact because
they can become friends and help each other from committing serious crimes. Being cared for
can feel special for the youth because they feel the love of others which helps them prevent
disappointing decisions. The youth crime rate needs to be lowered. Sports and Organizations
over time have proven to lower the percentage because it develops mature and responsible youth.
In an article called Phycology of Youth Sports, the author Marilyn Price-Mitchell discusses three
important paths towards a positive outcome while playing in an organized sport. They are
intensity, continuity, and balance. With commitment kids develop mastery skills with superior
knowledge of tactics and strategy. (Price-Mitchell) This leads to the development of strategic
thinking which helps the kids in life, including better job opportunities. Kids who spend more
time in an organized sport have greater benefits compared to those who arent. Kids learn
commitment by always striving to be on time. Therefore if kids like the sport they will continue
to play it. This leads to continuity which creates opportunities to interact with teammates,
learning to cope with the interpersonal challenges to work with others. (Price-Mitchell) Balance
is important because kids learn how to maintain an organized schedule with school, sports, and
other activities. One study found youth who participated in sports and school clubs had lower
rates of depression than kids who focused exclusively on sports. (Price-Mitchell) These topics
are not commonly talked about, but are definitely important for their development.
Health has always been an issue with the development of kids. Its important for kids to stay
physical healthy in their development. Therefore sports are the best solution. Sports can affect

Soto 24
kids drug, eating, and drinking behaviors. (Jones-Palm) Studies have showed that kids who are
in an organized sport have a lower rate of drug use. Male and female athletes are less likely to do
drugs including: marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and hallucinogens. (Jones-Palm)
Their involvement in an activity keeps them constantly distracted from drugs. Every human
being knows that drug use can be harmful to your body. Athletes in particular are well aware of
staying healthy while participating in a sport. Instead of drugs, athletes are more likely eating
fruits and vegetables before a competition. Sports are other means of exercise which keeps kids
active on a daily basis. Getting involved in an organized sport helps the youth by keeping their
bodies healthy and preventing unhealthy behaviors.
More kids need to get involve in an organized sport because of the beneficial positive outcomes.
There are solutions for low income families who struggle in getting their kids involve. Sports
help kids develop attributes they will need in their future. Sports improve many aspects of a kids
life. Getting the youth involve in an organized sport is important for their development because it
provides helpful attributes that will shape the leaders of the future. Its the responsibility of the
parents to take action and get your kids involve. Reconsider next time the important role of an
organized sport in a kids life.

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Work cited page
1.

Price-Mitchell, Marilyn. "The Psychology of Youth Sports." Psychology Today: Health,

Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. In the Movement of Youth, 8 Jan. 2012. Web. 29 Sept.
2014. <http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-moment-youth/201201/the-psychologyyouth-sports>.
2.

Jones-Palm, Diane H., and Jrgen Palm. "PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ITS IMPACT

ON HEALTH BEHAVIOR AMONG YOUTH." (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 2 Oct. 2014.

<www.icsspe.org/sites/default/files/PhysicalActivity.pdf>.
3.

Nations, United. SPORT Using Sport for Drug Abuse Prevention (n.d.): 1-51. 2002.

Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <www.unodc.org/pdf/youthnet/handbook_sport_english.pdf>.

4.

Carmichael, David. "Youth Sport vs. Youth Crime." (n.d.): n. pag. Active Healthy Links,

2008. Web. 2 Oct. 2014. <http://www.fairplayforchildren.org/pdf/1299566926.pdf>.

5.

Arbor, Ann. "Pay-to-play Sports Keeping Lower-income Kids out of the Game."

University of Michigan. University of Michigan, 14 May 2012. Web. 09 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/mott-poll-school-sports-pay-to-play>.
6.

Bragg, NIcholas. "Sports Programs for Low Income Families." LIVESTRONG.COM.

LIVESTRONG.COM, 20 Aug. 2010. Web. 09 Oct. 2014.

<http://www.livestrong.com/article/213081-sports-programs-for-low-income-families/>.
7.

Holt, Nicholas L. "Benefits and Challenges Associated with Sport Participation by

Children and Parents from Low-income Families." N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1469029211000744

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Credit Cards (PSA)
http://youtu.be/x-6y8o2zlRY
This PSA is a broad description of the functions of a credit card. This PSA helps the new credit
card holders to understand how a credit card can benefit them if they use it wisely.
Changes

Lowered the volume of the background music because it was too loud

Provided links to other useful website at the end of the video

Provided cited work for all the images