The Path of Athletic Training

    Each of us has a journey. Somewhere, somehow we decided that we wanted to help others be safe, be healthy and heal. We then chose to learn, cultivate and discover methods and skills that would help us do so. Time and time again we use those skills so ingrained in us that they are now like a reflex.  Some of us have been a part of this profession so long it is like breathing.  It is not just what we do, but who we are.  Some of us have just begun our journey and are still getting comfortable as professionals. It is still so new, it's like a dream.  A dream where one day we watched and observed another use their skills and said to ourselves, this will be MY path too.  In the blink of an eye we woke up from that dream to realize it was our time to travel onward and start our journey.

     So passionate are we, that we continue to shape the destiny of those behind us.  We are now the ones being observed and watched.  It is our actions that cause others to see THEIR path right before their eyes. The desire we have inside of us to help others recover and be active is not enough for us. We want others to feel the joy and satisfaction we feel every day.  We mentor those on the path behind us.  We try and give them the foresight and wisdom we have acquired so that they may join us.  We must ALL be guides on the journey for there are many traveling that need our help. 

     It all sounds so simple. Yet, as we all learn, life is never that simple. The paths we travel are never that easy. They have twists and turns requiring us to have fortitude to stay on course. They are bumpy and rough at times requiring us to be strong to stay the course.   The trek is exhausting to the point we must sometimes slow down or delay our journey.  All of our paths are different.  Some of us don't make it very far down the path succumbing to the struggle.  Those of thus that continued remember fondly those we once traveled with arm in arm, helping each other along the way.  We look back on those that are no longer in our profession with lament.  We strive to find a way to not lose more in the future.

     As a profession we now look ahead at the roads in our future. Many of us with different views of what the correct path the profession should take.  All of us passionate about those views.  While we continue to shape and mold those paths ahead, we must remember the most important thing, to do so united.   The road is about to take many twists and turns.  The road is about to get very bumpy.  We are stronger together.  Forge on fellow traveler.  I will see you on the path.

#AT4EVER

Todd

The Bond of Athletic Training

     I am traveling later today up to Amherst, MA for a UMASS Sports Medicine Alumni Golf Outing and Dinner.  Its an event I haven't been able to attend for 7 years for one reason or another.  I am really excited to make it up this year.  I was a Graduate Assistant at UMASS from 1997-1999.  I was newly certified and it was my first real experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer.  Those two years were extremely important to my development as a professional and I look back on them fondly.

     This event along with #NATA2014 coming up got me thinking about one of the most special things about being a Certified Athletic Trainer, the bond.   There is an amazing bond amongst those of us in this profession.   We have all shared similar experiences, struggles and triumphs that outsiders probably can't relate to.  We can swap stories about experiences as an Athletic Training student.  Many of us can discuss what it was like to balance being a Graduate Student and an Athletic Trainer.  There are the perils of job searches.  The quest to find life balance.  The trials and tribulations of coordinating love/family life in a job with unique demands.  Some of these experiences are good, some are not.  Regardless, we can share them together.  

     When things aren't going great, we can reach out to a colleague and they understand.  They understand in ways that other friends and family members will not.  We NEED each other.  Life can throw us many curveballs.  No matter what comes our way, we never have to tackle these obstacles alone.  There is always someone out there who will listen, share, and offer advice that no one else can give. Some of us work in settings where its easy to talk to a colleague.  Some of us work alone where that can be more of a challenge.  We must not let that stand in our way.  Some of us have found new ways to reach out through social media.  We have created a network that understands us and is just a click away.  

 Don't be afraid to seek out that help.   Don't be afraid to share.  Don't be afraid to listen.  

     We must make sure that this is a two way street.  While there are many seeking help, answers and guidance, there are more of us with experience to give it.  It is our duty to be a mentor to our colleagues in need.  We must reach out and offer our wisdom knowing that many are hesitant to ask.   

     This bond that exists between us is our strength as a profession.  Its a resource we should all be using to help us succeed.  In a time where our profession seems to be at a major crossroads, we must come together.  As the discussion of major educational change has the potential to fracture this bond, we must persevere and unite.  As the frustration of colleagues leaving the profession raises so many questions about our future, we must seek out these answers collectively.
 

     Together we find strength.  Together we find solutions.  Together we grow.  


    #AT4EVER


Todd

See you in Indy?

     There have been some very animated discussions on twitter in the past week or so regarding the Athletic Training profession.  It certainly has been interesting to follow and in some cases participate. As productive as these sessions can be in stimulating discussion, they can only take us so far.  These discussions need to be more in depth, involve more people, and be constructive.  They need to be open minded and productive.  If only there was an opportunity for many of us to be in the same place at the same time, face to face.  Imagine how productive we could be.  This would be even better if we were able to get the many leaders and decision makers in the profession to join us.  We could get the most up do date information on the subjects that matter most to us.  We could voice our opinions to them knowing that we have a forum to be heard.
     So yeah....this already exists.  #NATA2014 is coming up in Indianapolis June 25th-28th.  Its an opportunity to learn, network, and grow as a professional.  Its an opportunity to be heard, to listen, to congregate and discuss.  The question is, will you take advantage of it?  Like many of us, I can't attend nearly as often as I would like.  Sometimes my work schedule doesn't cooperate, sometimes my family life doesn't cooperate, sometimes my wallet doesn't cooperate.  This year, I'm in.
   I have a number of goals when I am able to attend.  One goal is I hope to learn a few new things.  I want to come home with some new information.  I also like to review and refresh some things I haven't seen or thought about in a while.  I love to network.  I enjoy catching up with old friends and colleagues that I haven't seen in a while, and look forward to making some new friends and acquaintances I can utilize to help me grow as a professional.
    For those that are attending, what are your goals?  What do you hope to do in Indianapolis?   Do you make the most of this opportunity?  Will you make an effort to learn?  Will you make an effort to network?  Will you use the opportunity to have your voice be heard on subjects that matter to you?  Professional development is the key to the growth of our profession and each of us as professionals.  This meeting is a great chance for us to do so.

    Here are some suggestions for #NATA2014:

• Leave the negativity and anger at home.  Instead bring passion and drive.
• If your a Young Professional utilize the resources, wisdom, and experience of some of the veterans to help guide you.  Reach out to them and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation.
• If your a veteran AT reach out to the Young Professionals in attendance.  Start up a conversation.  You can certainly provide them with some guidance, and they can certainly give you some insight into what its like just getting started in our profession.    
•  Keep an open mind and be open to change.

     For those unable to make it to Indy, perhaps you can keep connected through social media.  Now more than ever you can have a presence without even being there.  Its also never to early to start planning to make the trip next year.
     To those that will be joining us in Indy, I hope you make the most out of the trip, and that our paths cross.  This is an amazing profession full of wonderful people.  Whenever I make it to Convention I always leave refreshed, recharged and excited for the future.  I hope you do too.

#AT4EVER
#AT4ALL

Todd