Many of today’s professional athletes earn much higher salaries than other professionals, even doctors and lawyers. Some people feel that this sends a wrong message to children, who should be encouraged to study hard and aim for more meaningful careers. Do you agree with this position, or do you feel that athletes contribute to the well-being of a society

Most people consider a career in medicine or law to be very noble and philanthropic. However, there is no reason to think that athletes offer society any less value for their work. Whereas some parents would like their children to focus on academic subjects at school, I believe that athletes have much to teach young people; things like discipline, perseverance, and following one’s dream cannot be learned in books. Moreover, athletes provide society with entertainment, a sense of local pride, and even cultural significance. School is doubtless a place where children can develop their skills and gain knowledge for thefuture. At the same time, it is a place where kids can and should be encouraged to cultivate their overall characters. Sports goes a long way in doing this. Children who join a school team, such as baseball or soccer, can learn social skills such as fair play, a shared responsibility, and selfless participation. They can also learn the value of defeat, which prepares them for the real world of adulthood. Athletes, therefore, especially those who earn high salaries as a result of their strong efforts, can be great role models for young people who need to understand that the path to a successful career, whether in sports or medicine, starts with determination and hard work. Indeed, society wants its best performers to lead the way for the next generations. Athletes do this no less than the professionals who work for the greater good of humanity. They do this by demonstrating their skills at games, by using their fame to raise awareness of social ills, and by exposing their culture to the world when representing their cities or nations at competitions. Furthermore, athletes allow a local fan base to rally behind them and cheer for them when they might have little else to cheer about. This is because life does not happen only in classrooms and offices. It happens on the streets as well, where people want to be entertained and to feel that they belong to something greater than themselves. In the final analysis, athletes do contribute to the well-being of society and have much to teach young people who look up to them. As such, they rightfully earn their salaries andshould be admired just as much as any other professional.