Entry #10 Uh, I'm Getting Paid for This Right?

 Hello, everyone. This will be my last Blog Post for English 102, maybe even ever. I'll be delving into why I, as a college student-athlete, and many others like me should be paid.

As a college student-athlete, I am constantly juggling between my academics and my sport. And believe me, it's not an easy feat. Not only do I have to maintain good grades, but I also have to train for hours every day to stay at the top of my game. But despite putting in so much hard work and dedication, I don't get paid for contributing to my college's team. And I know I am not alone in this struggle.

The debate on whether college athletes should be paid has been going on for years now. And it's a topic that not only affects us student athletes, but also has a significant impact on the larger community. That's why I want to use this platform to share my thoughts on why college athletes should be paid.

First and foremost, college sports have become a billion-dollar industry. From ticket sales to merchandise, colleges make huge profits from their sports teams. And who is the driving force behind these profits? The athletes. We are the ones putting on a show for the fans, representing our college on a national level, and bringing in revenue. Yet, we don't see a single penny of those profits.

Photo From Google.

Though, being a student-athlete is like having a full-time job. We spend countless hours training, traveling for games, and competing, all while trying to balance our schoolwork. It's a demanding and exhausting lifestyle, and we do it all without any financial compensation. Meanwhile, our coaches and other staff members are receiving six or seven-figure salaries for their roles in our teams. It just doesn't seem fair sometimes, and even then, some small-time coaches don't get paid a lot either, even after a huge run in the playoffs.

But beyond the financial aspect, being a student-athlete also comes with its own set of challenges and sacrifices. We miss out on a lot of the typical college experiences like parties, social events, and even some classes because of our sports commitments. And while we love what we do, we also have to think about our future after college. Most of us will not make it to the professional level, so having some sort of financial support during our college years would ease the burden of student debt and help us prepare for life after graduation.

Now, some might argue that college athletes already receive compensation through scholarships and other benefits. But let's be real, a scholarship does not cover all the expenses that a college athlete incurs. We still have to pay for housing, food, and other personal expenses, which can add up to a significant amount. And with our busy schedules, it's often impossible for us to take on a part-time job.

Photo From Google.

In the end, it all boils down to the principle of fairness and equity. College athletes bring in huge profits for their colleges, and they deserve to be compensated for their hard work and dedication, just like any other employee in any other industry. We aren't asking for millions, just a fair share of the profits that we help generate.

I hope this post sheds some light on why college athletes should be paid. It's a topic that needs to be addressed and discussed not just by student athletes but also by the larger community. We are not just students; we are also athletes, and we deserve to be recognized and compensated for our contributions.

Thank you for reading, and I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.

Sincerely, Your Favorite GCC Baseball Player,

Drake Matney.