To commemorate Pride Month in June, NATA Now is highlighting student members who serve on their state, district or national LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and sharing insight into their impact on the profession.
“Service” is the word that comes to mind when Diane Zashin, MAT, ATC, describes her motive behind pursuing athletic training.
Having recently graduated with a Master of Athletic Training from the University of Arkansas, Zashin said athletic training empowers her to form meaningful relationships with her patients as she serves them through difficult and joyful times.
“Being able to be in a health care profession that allows me to have those relationships and be around a competitive sports environment were all aspects that inspired me to pursue athletic training,” she said.
With her newly acquired AT certification, Zashin now works at the University of Kentucky as an athletic training fellow.
Along with her professional endeavors, Zashin has served as the NATA Student Leadership Committee District Six representative advocating for AT students and chairing the SLC Planning Subcommittee. She has also acted as SLC liaison to the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee, supporting the interests of the LGBTQIA+ community among students.
Read on as Zashin reflects on her service to the profession and the growth it has produced within her.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer position within the athletic training profession was on the NATA Student Leadership Committee. I chose to get involved due to my passion to serve. I have consistently been in leadership roles and believe that I get the most out of experiences when I get involved. Throughout my role on SLC, I have been able to get more exposure to NATA and have more passion for the athletic training profession as a whole.
Tell us about your current position as NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee student liaison on behalf of the NATA Student Leadership Committee and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
My current role is to represent SLC and communicate with the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. I am there to provide updates to SLC with initiatives that the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee is completing and be there for any collaboration opportunities between the two entities.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation through leadership is beyond important. I believe the best way to make an impact on a profession is through leadership initiatives. Being able to serve, listen to members of the profession and create initiatives that directly enhance athletic training are all ways that leadership can impact the profession.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering has allowed me to grow my interpersonal skills, helping me gain confidence working with a team, and improve my collaborative skills. Professionally, I have been able to network with peers and established professionals. This has allowed me to make connections and enabled me to be intertwined within the profession.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
My fondest memory has been interacting with students across the country and listening to their opinions to help improve the athletic training student experience. With their input, I have been fortunate to work with SLC to plan this year’s Athletic Training Student Seminar (ATSS) at the 75th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, which presents topics pertaining to students’ interests and covering subjects that they have the desire to hear about. I am excited to see the final product of the SLC Planning Subcommittee at ATSS during NATA 2024, June 25-28 in New Orleans.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
For other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession, I recommend finding ways to get involved at the state, regional, district or national level. Being able to serve benefits the profession and yourself through your member feedback used to improve the profession. Getting involved gives you the best opportunity to grow personally through interpersonal skills and professionally through networking opportunities.
