Eric+C.

Freshman Communications and Rhetorical Studies Major

The University of Virginia mens lacrosse team is versing drexel university in their season opener, Eric arrives at the middle of the second quarter. He realizes that he is sitting next to UVA lacrosse alumni John Christmas who started the LEAPS lacrosse program and Paul Penniman who founded the resources for inner city children.

Eric: hey are you johnny christmas?

John: Yeah thats me...

Eric: Wow thats pretty cool man, I watched a philadelphia wings game once, its pretty crazy that im sitting right next to you.

John: Haha thanks man, are you a student here?

Eric: No, I'm actually a student at syracuse university

John: Oh nice, i have some pretty close friends that played lacrosse there...so what brings you here?

Eric: I was just visiting a relative and decided to stop by but i have to leave soon since i have a lot of work to do

John: what are you working on?

Eric: well its a paper on community initiatives and I decided to talk about how sports impacts and changes the lives of inner city children

John: Wow no way, you know I started a program called LEAPS that does exactly that, you should meet my friend here (points to Paul)

Paul: Hey nice to meet you man, I am actually the founder of a program that benefits inner city children and helps them with academics.

Eric: Wow what a coincidence, is it ok if i talk to you guys a little bit more about this topic?

(paul and john nod in agreement)

Eric: Cool, I was just wondering what makes you guys think that we need to concentrate on inner city children?

Paul: Well Eric, inner city children are not as privileged as middle class kids who could afford things such as SAT prep classes or even tutors. We provide the resources for the less fortunate, so that these kids have the equal opportunity as other kids

John: Yeah I agree, I believe that we need to reach these kids, because its so easy for these kids to be influenced by bad things such as drugs and gang violence...If we encourage them to focus on school, they will grow up to their full potentials.

Eric: I see, so John what made you choose lacrosse as a core curriculum in your program?

John: Well, i believe that sports teaches children about discipline and hard work. It is almost like a release for these children, it gives them something to care about and it shows that any investment requires a lot of patience and focus. There is no doubt that these kids will come out of the program with a life lesson from playing the sport.

Paul: That is true, the lessons learned from sports can help enhance the childrens studying habits.

Eric: Wow, I see, now it all makes sense. Since the service is free for the kids, how do you guys plan on funding your activities?

John: Well, its easy it all come from sponsorships and donations...Those really help out and make it easier to expand.

Eric: You know, I played lacrosse in high school, and i really got a lot out of it, so i can definitely see how this will benefit kids, but what are your ultimate goals for the kids?

Paul: Eric, I want to see these kids grow up safely, thats really all i hope to see. I really believe that with the right staff and the right tools, these kids will be motivated enough. We need to teach these kids the habit of studying and making the right choices, so that when they grow up to be adults they will become beneficial members to society

John: I hope to see these kids excel in their classes in school, and stay out of trouble. It's really that simple, I think sports will give them the push they need. I'm not too focused on making these children into lacrosse stars, I'm trying to implement the fundamentals of sports mentality and the healthy aspect into them so that they will become better people.

Eric: Oh nice, now i am starting to see the big picture...Well I have to leave guys, it was really nice to meet you and I will definitely take our conversation into use for my paper... See you later