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Monday, August 11, 2014

Young Professionals: "Gearing Up"


“Gearing Up”

As we enter into our fall seasons and begin preparations for our student athlete’s to return to school, or cease pre-season practices, I wanted to send out a friendly blog of encouragement.

We all started in our field for various reasons, (most importantly fame, fortune, and a lot of free gear) but the reasons that keep us here are vast.  Everyone has that one athlete whom they’ve grown especially close to over the years.  Maybe you watched them grow up.  Or you helped them through a season-ending injury.  Or you guided them along the path to adulthood.  Whatever your reasons may be, you know there is at least one kid out there who has touched your life.  Be thankful that you had the opportunity to be there for them.

As athletic trainers, we provide a service.  Our services are completely different in each setting, but we all have one goal: to help our patients return to play as quickly and pain-free as possible.  While writing this, I am reminded of one of the many sayings from our athletic director, “Above all else, we prepare Students for Life.”  This is so true on so many levels.  Life is difficult and bumpy, and we provide the bandage when it gets too rough.  Being an athlete forces them to learn so many life lessons that come in handy later on in life, like communication, leadership, and working together as a cohesive unit.  We are part of those lessons learned, and our jobs do just as much teaching them those lessons as the drills they run day in and day out.

Think about the preparation you want to instill in your athletes the next time you tape an ankle, make an ice bag, or perform a shoulder evaluation.  Our time is precious, but it can make a big difference.  Remember, we are preparing students for life!

                                                                                                                     Written by: Courtney Washington
                                                                                                                     District 6 YP Chair

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