My sister keeps calling me selfish because I’m running track this season. It cost $450 for fees and such, and because we don’t have much money my sister thinks it’s selfish of me to have my mom spend money on track. I really love running and its what I’m good at, but I can’t help asking if it actually is selfish of me to want to run track?
I don’t think so. You could try contributing, if you can. And its not your sister’s money, so it’s not her place to judge. Especially if you think your track skills could get you into college and/or a scholarship, it’s not selfish at all, it could be saving your parents money! good luck
Thats not selfish. Tell your sister to get better at sports
Track is one of the cheapest (relatively…) sports out there to compete in during HS. Definitely not selfish. Your sister surely means well, but sports probably isn’t the right means of addressing a financial problem. Talk with your parents. If it really is an issue, they’ll say something.
Is that a private school? Activity fees at our HS are $30. For that, you can participate in 3 sports. It’s $15 if you have a reduced price lunch waiver.
Wow only $30. Its hundreds at the public schools where we reside on par with the poster of this thread.
@bengalmombengal my public has no fee for any sports (I’m in Upstate NY), other than hockey 
BPearlman97 - I’m jealous. It is so expensive here, more than what the poster mentioned.
My school (large suburban public in the Bay Area) also has extensive athletic fees. However, they offer scholarships for athletes who can’t pay (although I doubt anyone is actually on them–our area is also relatively rich).
I’m sure there are kids on them. There is no public school even in the most wealthy areas of this country that do not have people who are struggling financially. You just may not know it and those kids and parents are probably not advertising their situation.
@JustOneDad I’m at a large public school. I can’t believe its that cheap for you guys!
Thank you to all that responded. I hate having the same argument with my sister and she doesn’t think I’m good enough for it to benefit my family financially in the long run (as for myself, I’m not sure if I could get a scholarship as of now). I never have a response to why I want to do track or cross country if it’s going to cost hundreds and won’t get me a scholarship. I just know if I don’t do it I’ll probably end up a depressed mess, lol. I guess in just very confused on how to respond when she says that kind of stuff.
@neonerudite does your school have scholarships for people who can’t afford the cost? Many large publics do.
@bengalmombengal maybe. Some people live in other areas of the city (which are far less wealthy) and got into our area through lottery; there may also be some people from the homeless shelter.
Its great exercise, its a great way to keep you mentally healthy as you say, teaches discipline and keeps you busy so you stay out of trouble. It doesn’t matter whether you get a track scholarship or not.
@topaz1116 I’m not exactly sure. Since tomorrow is the first day of practice, I haven’t gotten much information about payment or scholarships options.
@neonerudite try checking your school’s website; it may be there.
Um, it’s healthy, social (coed), fun and it teaches you a lot about yourself (motivation, pride, disappointment, effort). It’s well worth it, but I have to say I am still stunned by the cost of participation. i have heard other parents complain about fees, but I think they were in the neighborhood of $100.
Topaz1116 - I’m sure there are people in homes which look like yours where things happen, unexpected things, death, divorce, job loss, illness and what not that affect people’s ability to pay. I’ve lived in high end communities and trust me there are people who live in million dollar houses who have been on food stamps.
Generally speaking in a public school if you can’t afford the fees, they will find the money. However, they generally do not advertise this. Speak to the coach in private if this is a hardship for your family.
yes, do speak to the coach privately.
track and exercise is good for you