A letter to my younger self
I’ve been a Certified Athletic Trainer since May 2016. I’m a proud alumnus of Sacred Heart University, where I got my athletic training degree. In my 5 years of practice, I’ve had 5 different jobs, lived in 3 different states, completed a master’s degree, obtained 3 additional certifications, and lived through the pandemic, which caused me, and many others, to get laid off. I don’t know if my career has gone exactly as I would have expected it to. I’ve always found myself asking “Why didn’t I know this stuff before?” After years of reflection, I wanted to share some of the things that I wish I knew when I was starting my Athletic Training career.
So here goes: a list of advice I’d give to my younger self.
Your injury laden, lack of an athletic career doesn’t matter because you got something out of it – You got hurt a lot, so what?! In fact, you are the reason you got hurt a lot, it’s okay. You learned how to work hard through pain and adversity. Not to mention, it helps you in school later.
Work harder in school – Your inattention to detail causes you to fail a lab course…twice. After you graduate, you’re going to realize that you didn’t make the most of your opportunities in class.
Be present – Don’t think about the next thing you have to do, or the problems you’re going to have to solve tomorrow. Focus on the task at hand. Also, don’t worry about new problems, they always find a way to come up and are always going to be there tomorrow.
Be grateful and work hard, always – Getting laid off is really going to change you. You’re going to struggle while you try to find the next step. The first thing you’re going to say when you’re offered a job at Fordham is “I’m so grateful for this opportunity” and you’re really going to mean it.
Pay more attention in psychology class – This was the most important topic in our field. Understanding people and how to influence them is the most valuable thing you’ll learn.
Read more – Yes, mom was right; not just because she’s a librarian. The textbooks and articles are good to read, but you learn a lot more by reading other books that weren’t assigned reading.
Never be afraid of being wrong – Your first misdiagnosis as a young Athletic Trainer is going to bother you for a few days. Don’t worry, you make plenty more mistakes!
If you think you’re doing something wrong, you probably are – The best decision you make is to ask Christine if you’re making a bad clinical decision. You’re going to learn a lot from her. Maybe you should have asked her more questions, mentors are important.
Take more chances – I wanted to get the Certified Functional Strength Coach certification for 4 years before I finally went through with it. I honestly wish I did it sooner. The more I’ve put myself into new environments, the more I’ve learned, grown, and had great experiences.
Detach – You are more than your job. You are responsible for helping people heal and get better, it really is that simple. If what you’re doing isn’t working, no problem. Just find a way to do it better next time. Ken Ravizza said it best: “You have very little control of what goes on around you, but total control of how you choose to respond to it.”
You’re going to burn yourself out – You should learn your signs of being burnt out. Speak up, ask for help, confide in friends, and make sure you don’t get resentful. Only you can help yourself.
KEEP IT SIMPLE – It took me years to figure out that I overcomplicated things without meaning to. Embrace simplexity: making complex things simpler.
People don’t care about what you know, until they know how much you care – Burn this phrase into your brain.
Always do the right thing – Your conscience is always right, make sure you’re listening to it.
