The SWATA blog and the BOC LinkedIn have recently centered discussions on mentors and mentoring. This got me to thinking about who I have looked to when I had an athletic training crisis. Who do I go to when I have a question about something and need to not feel judged? So, I started from the beginning...
My mom and, eventually, my dad were my first mentors. They were not just parents, they were good examples and I looked up to them and also looked to them, especially when I was older, for advice.
If you were called "Coach" in Kerens, Texas between the years of 1993-2000, you were my mentor. I watched everything that the coaches did and tried with everything that I had to be what they wanted me to be.
In college, I was a wandering soul. I had some low points in which people disappointed me more than I thought was possible. However, Josh Woodall was there and we were good friends. He was a senior in the athletic training program and I was a freshman. I had no experience in athletic training as my high school did not have employ one (we may have contracted an athletic trainer but I do not remember). My friendship with Josh grew into a strong relationship. We will be celebrating 12 years of marriage in August!
My first job at a high school was at A&M Consolidated High School as the Assistant Athletic Trainer. I worked with Jeff Mann who taught me more than he probably knows. Sue Betts, the Assistance Athletic Director and Head Girls Basketball Coach taught be to be strong and to stand up for myself.
Now, I am the Head Athletic Trainer at Rudder High School. I like to say that Josh and I keep work and home separate, which is true for the specific events of the day, however, we discuss at length how to make our profession and workplace better. Linda Baldwin, the Athletic Office Manager, is a confidant and a friend. She guides me and always sees the silver lining in any situation.
There have been several times when the life or well-being of a child were in my hands. When the crisis is over, my first communication is to my husband and fellow athletic trainer.
I have been a preceptor for several years now and find it rewarding. I hope that these students learn from me and become proficient in skills while they are at my facility. However, these students also bring something to the table. The students bring with them their experience from several different areas; their undergraduate work, their childhood in a different country, etc.
When I attend different conferences and workshops, I try to connect with athletic trainers that have not only come before me, but also connect with those that are on my coattails. When I talk with those who came before me, I soak in their stories and the history that they possess. When I talk with athletic trainers that do not even have a business card to present, I try to remember when I was in their shoes. What did I need to know and hear from someone who got through those first couple of years? So, if I could offer unsolicited advice to the young athletic trainer, this is what I would say:
- Don't work for peanuts; your contract rate should never be below $30/hour.
- Stand up for yourself and be the advocate for the athlete, no matter what.
- Dress professionally, it matters.
- Get involved early in your AT organizations, don't let decisions be made for you without your voice being heard.
This is my take on the mentors that I have had in my life. I hope that each athletic trainer has as good of mentors as I have had.
