Academic Enrichment: Upperclassmen Interview

During my Direct Observation Experience for Athletic Training, I had the opportunity to talk to Erica (2nd year) and Kelsey (3rd year) about the Athletic Training program and profession. We talked about the AT classes, clinical experiences, the interview to get into the program, and career goals. They explained to me that many of the preceptors (head athletic trainers for a particular sport at OSU) also teach the classes in the program. They were honest and said that the clinical hours are long but also very valuable because, as a student, you obtain so much hands on experience working in an AT room with a sports team, that you become very comfortable with the environment and daily tasks. They told me that most sophomores are placed with football for their first rotation (semester) in the program. Lastly, Erica and Kelsey reassured me that the interview to get into the program is not bad and that it is more to see if you can talk to people and answer some basic questions about yourself and AT. They said to be myself and to be confident in however I answered the questions. As far as career goals, both Erica and Kelsey want to become certified athletic trainers, like me. Kelsey may go on the graduate school and study physical therapy, but she is really enjoying athletic training and the experiences it has provided her so far in the program. Overall, the Direct Observation and talking with Kelsey and Erica helped me to realize that athletic training is the right major and profession for me. I can really see myself being in their shoes, and it is still my dream to become an athletic trainer.

Service Engagement: Service Reflection

Over the past year, I have spent my time volunteering with a number of organizations and clubs. Each opportunity was unique and provided a different learning experience whether it was direct service, like organizing a storage garage at a nursing home, or indirect service, like making friendship bracelets or care packages for soldiers overseas. I enjoyed serving through different clubs or organization like HSS, Pre-PT Club, and Buckeyes for a Cause because it provided a bonding experience and new friendships with the people I’ve served alongside. No matter the organization or location, I learned the importance of giving back to the community and that small acts of service can make a huge impact in someone’s life.

My most memorable service experience was being an Ambassador at the Wexner Medical Center during spring semester. Every Saturday, I would volunteer from 9-11am at the Rhodes information Desk. Whenever patients, family members, or friends needed assistance, I would answer their questions and help them find their destination by being their guide. Most often, I would guide them to the restrooms, pharmacy, cafeteria, or patient rooms in different parts of the hospital. Visitors are oftentimes overwhelmed and anxious about being in the hospital, let alone trying to find their way. As a volunteer, I could take away some of this worry by leading them to their destination without confusion or anxiety. It was a very fulfilling volunteer position because I interacted with a variety of people from all walks of life, from mothers coming in to have their first baby to families of trauma or cancer patients. As a result of this service experience, I gained more confidence being in a hospital environment and interacting with patients and their families. Volunteering each week brought me a lot of joy, knowing I was making a difference in others’ lives. There were also challenges and frustrations some days, but each interaction shaped me into a well-rounded volunteer, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community in such a meaningful way.

Sophomore Year Academic Enrichment: Professional Interview

This semester, my athletic training clinical rotation was with OSU baseball and Paul Dawson, who is the certified athletic trainer working with that team. At the end of the semester, I met with Paul to have a personal evaluation and discuss future goals, strengths, skills to work on, and my full-year rotation at Ohio Dominican University next year.

Overall Paul was very positive and encouraging with the growth I made this semester as an AT student working with him and the team. He told me I can work on my assertiveness in the training room, leadership, and my ability to seek out feedback. He told me that I’m an intelligent, reliable hard worker. He’s excited to see how I do next year at ODU because I will be able to work with multiple teams and get hands-on with injury evaluations and treatments, even more so than at OSU. He wants to see me succeed and bloom, and he feels this can really happen for me at ODU.

I asked him what I need to do to make the jump/transition into junior year. He said to be proactive and meet with the preceptors and previous students who have been at ODU. He said to really practice my evaluation and taping skills this summer, in order to be ready to go and jump in during preseason football camp. As far as leadership of the sophomores who will be with me, he said to communicate, mentor, and help them with their skills to help them feel more confident. But, he encouraged me to not let my personal growth falter because I’m too concerned about helping the sophomores. I still need to take advantage of the clinical opportunities I will get, gain trust, and be able to be a reliable junior ATS.

We finished our conversation by him reminding me to not be a stranger next year. Even though I will be off-campus most of the time, he told me to come back to visit and talk about my experiences. I told him I would definitely come back to visit him and the team. Baseball was my favorite rotation so far, and Paul is an awesome, inspiring preceptor, so it was hard for me to go. But, Paul helped me feel more confident and excited about the year to come 🙂