VICK BETTER WITH KIDS THAN DOGS

And although the title is supposed to be funny, it's also very true. I have to commend Vick in what he's doing. After reading about his ten minute speech to freshmen at a Philly charter school, I really think that Vick believed in what he said. Here is a snippet of what he said:

“Growing up, I had dreams and I always wanted to have this great, lavish life and make it to the NFL, go and accomplish great things and leave a great legacy. That was my goal from a young kid,” Vick said. “My future was promising … at some point, I got sidetracked. I started listening to my friends and doing some things that were not ethical and not right.”

This was the main point of his speech to the Philly high school students: being negatively influenced by others, and I think it's a great point. (“I was influenced by so many people when I should have been a leader, not a follower.”) When the media is telling all of us, but especially children and young adults, what they should be doing, eating, saying, buying, etc., it can be hard to know what we should be doing. I think it's great that Vick talked about this and that he had experience with this, especially when it led him to go to jail. Although he may not have been a follower, or he may not be speaking from the heart, but I want to give Vick the benefit of the doubt.

I think everyone, especially children and young adults, are highly influenced by famous people, athletes included. I think that even the act of Vick talking about this issue and how he has gone through it will positively influence many. As long as Vick can acknowledge his problem and how to turn around and fix it, he will be a good role model for those who can see what happens when you choose the wrong path. I really hope that Vick can stay out of trouble. Do it for the kids.

Jaclyn Kahn