"Bearing Down" as told by "Last Chance U" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"Bearing Down" as told by "Last Chance U"

Aside from these lessons, among others, I really loved this documentary series.

7
"Bearing Down" as told by "Last Chance U"
Geoff Scott

A new documentary series on Netflix, “Last Chance U,” demonstrates a rehabilitated team of football players working hard to get a shot at playing in the NFL. Their academic, social and behavioral problems are exposed to the public in a very raw and real way – completely uncensored. While there is a lot of swearing in the series, I suggested my 13-year-old brother watch this show, as he is aspiring to play collegiate-level basketball. I feel this show can be really powerful in showing the importance of academic success, especially for athletes. Furthermore, I think the show is really relatable even as a student who does not play college sports because I learned a lot of things about working toward your goals and having to do things you don’t want to do, and continuing to push yourself to be the best with things you are better at. For example, the athletes in the show did not want to go to class or study for tests, but were always pushing themselves and their teammates to be better on the field.

The athletic academic advisor in the series, Brittany Wagner, became such an inspiration to me because of her passion for helping others and her attention to the need for academic success in addition to that on the field. She truly cares about the student athletes, making it clear to them the importance of attending class and studying for tests in order to pass courses so the boys can graduate and hopefully go to play in the NFL. I think this is a significant lesson for all students to understand, not just student-athletes. Academic success and going to college to earn a degree can be life changing in the long run. For example, having a college degree can either make or break landing one’s dream job, or it could mean a big difference in salary.

I think there are other lessons presented in “Last Chance U” that are related to loyalty, trust and working together. During one of the episodes, Ronald Ollie leaves his college town to go home after getting diagnosed with a concussion. He wanted to go home where he felt safe and understood, because he was so upset he could not play due to his head injury. What made this worse was the fact some of his coaches and teammates did not believe he was actually injured, and that he was faking it. Ollie felt betrayed by other members in the program, and with enough efforts from Miss Wagner, he finally came back to school. Ollie and Miss Wagner have a very close relationship that is discovered throughout the series. Not only does it support having a person like Miss Wagner be a part of every athletic team’s program, but in everyday life, you need people in your life who you trust and can really rely on to help you make the best decisions for your life.

Aside from these lessons, among others, I really loved this documentary series. It was so genuine and real, which not only added to the authenticity of the players and events that happened throughout the show, but it made the show very relatable. The relationships between players and coaches and teachers are amazing to watch, and nearly witness in real time. As previously mentioned, there is a lot of swearing that occurs in the episodes, but the show plays upon so many emotions and viewers get to really feel like they are a part of the program and know the players. I have found a reason to recommend this show to anyone – it explains valuable life lessons that anyone should know and be reminded of in any time of their life. The universal themes existent in the series are presented in a unique way, which makes it entertaining and valuable simultaneously. Plus, who can't love a show in which the head coach uses the phrase "we need to BEAR DOWN?"

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180682
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7646
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452786
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23470
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments