Professional Athletes Visit and Inspire Valley Stream Students
Students at Wheeler Avenue School received several inspiring lessons from two role models: Josh Bailey and Matt Martin of the New York Islanders hockey team. The professional athletes led an encouraging presentation, followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.
The two NHL first-string forwards emphasized the importance of working hard in school and the value of teamwork and smart life decisions. They discussed responsibility and advised the students to do homework first and focus on their studies. “It’s important to work hard, but also to be active outside your job or classroom,” Martin said.
Bailey and Martin also reflected on how they became involved in hockey, noting that the sport is even more popular in their home country of Canada than it is in the United States. The speakers said they began skating and playing hockey as early as 2 years old.
Students posed a series of inquiries, to which Bailey and Martin eagerly responded. They asked the athletes questions such as whether they get nervous before games, who their own role models are, how they manage their time and what they do when they are not thinking about hockey.
The Islanders’ answers were filled with uplifting messages. “The best attitude to have is that tomorrow is a new day,” said Bailey. “In any aspect of life, if you struggle a little bit, it’s important to move on, get ready for the next day and have a positive attitude.” “Pressure is not really going to help you,” said Martin. “You have to be able to control the moment.”
Following the session, the students had the opportunity to take a group photo with the hockey players and have cards or other items autographed.
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