COACH CARTER: There is More to Life than SportsBy: Marjorie Ann Sheena D. Macarayo, RNDuring the era of Michael Jordan in the NBA, every boy that I knew personally aspired to be as great as His Airness since they were so enthralled with his aerial acrobatics in basketball. I was not that much of a basketball fan, but I certainly knew who Michael Jordan was. He was one of the key factors for basketballs globalization, which gave rise to so many countries accepting the sport as a part of their country. I understood the fascination many people had with basketball, seeing the financial security it can give to a player once he is selected or hired to be part of an NBA team. Who wouldnt want to be paid top dollar to do something they love?Watching Coach Carter made me realize that there is more to life than sports or the glitz & glamour of being a professional athlete. There is more to basketball than just being able to shoot the ball inside a hoop, or being able to use your entire athletic prowess to win games. Michael Jordan did not become Michael Jordan overnight. He underwent rigorous physical training and drills to be at his athletic peak, starting from his high school coach that forged the inner discipline inside him to keep on attending the practice drills to improve his basketball skills as his foundation. He carried that discipline all the way up until his retirement, his fierce competitive fire motivating his teammates as well to be as hardworking and determined as Michael Jordan. Such is the lesson Coach Carter taught to his students, having the discipline to keep up with the rigors of basketball training while maintaining acceptable grades as well. Being a great basketball player may give you financial stability for the next two decades, but pursuing and finishing a college degree is a safety net in case an injury or a tragedy sets back a professional athlete career.There is more to life than basketball. There is more to life than sports. Indeed, there is more in life to learn and strive for, especially if it is for the future!