The Five Things Every Student Deserves
Swen Nater

Coach Wooden said,

Fairness is giving each student the treatment he or she earns and deserves.

His statement clearly communicates, although some treatment is contingent on what the student earns through, perhaps, good behavior, compliance, and subordination, all students (in sports or in the classroom), have basic needs they are entitled to, regardless of performance. If that is true, what are the “needs” all students deserve?

As a human being and part of a family, every person is entitled to food, shelter, and clothing. I think we all agree on that. But some would argue, love and a feeling of belonging should also be included. Whatever the correct list is, there are basic things every human should receive. In my opinion, something qualifies as a “basic need” if it is an essential ingredient for a foundation that can lead to success and happiness in adulthood.

With that in mind, let’s go back to the classroom or sport setting. What are the needs students and athletes are entitled to that will give them a solid foundation to reach their potential? What are the essentials, without which students are hindered from becoming what they are capable of? Following is a list of things I thought of, based on my experience under Coach Wooden. In other words, here are five things Coach thought we “deserved,” regardless of whether we contributed one minute of playing time.

The Five Things Every Student Deserves

1. Expectation: Please Tell Me What You Expect of Me

2. Knowledge: Please Know Your Subject and Teach Me. 

3. Recognition: Please Acknowledge Me When I Do Something Right.

4. Listening: Please Listen to My Feelings and Suggestions.

5. Assessment: Please Tell Me How I’m Doing and What I Need to Do to Improve.

I thank my Coach for many reasons, one of which is: He believed I deserved a foundation for becoming the best basketball player I could be, while at UCLA. I love you, Coach Wooden.