So this post is inspired by Chris Lenker over at AT Podcast. (if you haven't already checked them out...you need to! atpodcast.net )In a recent episode he made a quick comment about AT's getting free gear and it immediately got me thinking. I've been a Certified Athletic Trainer for 17 years, so for almost 20 years I have gotten quite a bit of "free stuff".
Thinking back to my first days as an athletic training student, I remember how awesome it was when you got that first free item. Maybe it was that first t-shirt of the team you were working with, maybe a pullover, hoody or any random item. It was such a great feeling to sport that item amongst the general student population. "Hey, cool shirt, where did you get it?" a friend might say. Then, of course, you would reply, "Oh this? The team gave it to me." You would try and play it cool like it was no big deal, but inside you were bursting with excitement.
Now as a college student, heck you will take ANYTHING for free. So that feeling for most wouldn't seem like a big deal. However, for the Athletic Training Student it is anything but a simple free item. It is a badge of honor. A sign that you are a part of something. Most students dream of the chance to be a college athlete. In fact, you probably did too. Maybe for a time you actually were. That free item is your proof that you are in fact, part of the program. Something the general student population can only dream of.
So lets fast forward a bit now. I am 38 years old, 17 years as an AT, I have two children of my own. Guess what. I STILL LOVE FREE STUFF! The reason however is very different. Let's be honest, I need another t-shirt like I need another hole in my head. So why when of my coaches or teams comes into my office with a shirt, or hoody, or jacket why do I have a huge grin?
It's not because I want everyone to know I work with the team. Its simple. That shirt is a tangible item that every time you put it on, or just see it in the closet reminds you that the coach or team that gave it to you, thought of you. They know what you do for them, they appreciate it, and wanted to say "thank you".
For all the late nights, early mornings, holidays worked, things in our personal lives that we showed up late for, left early from, or missed entirely, those two simple words are like gold. Someone appreciates those sacrifices and all the time and hard work you put in and wanted to show that appreciation.
Obviously the satisfaction of using our knowledge and skills to help our athletes deal and recover from injuries are the prime motivation for us as professionals. However, its those little gestures that help us keep going in this profession. Whether its the coach, athlete, parent or administrator saying them, the simple words "thank you", help make it all worth while.
Now those simple words uttered from someone don't pay the bills, neither to the free t-shirts, hoodies, jackets or hats that might have been used to symbolize those words. What do they do for me? They make me work harder to promote my profession. A wonderful profession centered around helping others. They make me determined to spread the gospel that every athlete deserves access to a Certified Athletic Trainer. They make me proud of all the other professionals out there working just as hard as I am to promote the profession. They make me angry at those other professionals out there who do nothing to help promote the profession. Those simple words fuel me to give the best care I can to my athletes. They give me hope that someday my kids will say those words to the Certified Athletic Trainer helping them.
Lets spread the love. Next time you get a "thank you" share it with your colleagues. Tweet out a picture with the hashtag #ATthanks. For all the times we as a profession complain that we are not appreciated, underpaid, or not respected, lets show how many times we are appreciated.
I can't wait to see your "free stuff"
Todd
#AT4ALL
#AT4EVER
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