It’s almost time to return to school! The July NATA News explores some of the various aspects of the back-to-school season and shares tips from educators, program directors and the NATA Student Leadership Committee for AT student success. NATA Now is highlighting them in this two-part back-to-school series.
The NATA Student Leadership Committee provides a voice for students within the athletic training profession. The mission of SLC is to represent and advocate for students, create and promote professional development opportunities and encourage student engagement in the athletic training community.
Here are some tips from the members of SLC to help support their peers as they prepare for back to school:
Incoming Chair Colby Tegt
Master of Athletic Training Program
Washington State University
“Be present during clinicals and stay engaged. Practice skills learned in class repeatedly, so you are prepared for when the time arises clinically. Be confident in your skills and have a growth mindset.”
Outgoing Chair Kayla Jo Bittle
Master of Athletic Training
University of Montana
“There is so much to learn in mistakes, clinical rotations (good or bad ones) and outside of your program. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from preceptors, instructors or peers. Carve time out for you! Go on a walk, go to the gym, sit and watch your favorite TV show or movie. School can be crazy, but there is always time in the day for you. Time flies by. Make the most out of it!”
Outgoing District One Rep. Brooke Venkitachalam
Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
Quinnipiac University
“Make a spreadsheet of all your assignments listed in the syllabus for your classes, and then organize them by weeks of the semester so you can break down your schoolwork by each week rather than looking at a whole semester at once. It helps to prioritize what’s due in the present week and to look ahead if something is due early in the next week.
“Utilize time blocking! I used Google Calendar specifically. Put in your classes, clinical hours and shifts at work or any other obligations first, and then you can use the free space to put in study sessions, homework time and free time. I would even put in time to exercise or take a break so that I held myself accountable to resting as well as working on school.”
Outgoing District Two Rep. Kaley Burgess
Master of Science in Athletic Training
University of Delaware
“Try going out of your comfort zone during clinicals to learn new skills or try working with an injury you haven’t experienced yet. Make it a point to learn your preceptors’ and patients’ preferences for doing things, help with the little task such as restocking without having to be asked and ask your preceptors if you can be involved with more or have more responsibilities.”
Incoming District Three Rep. Emi Reindle
Master of Athletic Training
George Mason University
“Don’t study to memorize, study to learn and understand the material. If you don’t understand something, that’s OK! Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if you have asked a similar one before.”
Outgoing District Four Rep. Seena Ludwig
Athletic Training Education Program
The Ohio State University
“Convert your lecture and lab notes into another form of study material. This could be a typed or written study guide, fact sheet, flashcards or Quizlet. Creating a secondary form of material will help you learn quickly and more efficiently. Focus on your own methods of studying. There are so many ways to prepare for an exam or practical. Do what works best for you and don’t second-guess yourself!”
Outgoing District Five Rep. and Outreach Subcommittee Chair Claire Love
Master of Athletic Training
Saint Louis University
“Practice on your classmates. Use each other and get better together. Invest in your clinical time; it is easier to retain information when you have experience with it. So, make clinicals a priority. Also, study for your BOC exam, but don’t let it consume every part of you.”
Outgoing District Six Rep. and Planning Subcommittee Chair Diane Zashin
Master of Athletic Training
University of Arkansas
“Plan out your goals, plan out how you will stay organized and plan out what tasks you have to complete throughout the year. Stay open-minded. Throughout your entire time as a student, go into every opportunity with an open mind because you never know where it will take you.”
Outgoing District Seven Rep. Woohyun “Andy” Lee
Master of Science in Athletic Training
Weber State University
“Take care of yourself. Workout and make your own stress relief techniques. Participate with NATA, your district or state organization as well as in your program. You can expand your professional network and it will be your invaluable asset. Have your peers’ back, share resources and enjoy the journey as a team.”
Incoming District Eight Rep. Annaliese Andersen
Master of Science in Athletic Training
San Diego State University
“Don’t stress about the details. Keep your priorities straight for your personal and academic obligations. Make sure to make time to enjoy the process; this won’t last forever, and you are growing more as a person than you ever have.”
Outgoing District Nine Rep. and Nominations Subcommittee Chair Patrick Monahan
Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
Middle Tennessee State University
“Study in whatever ways work best for you. Ask preceptors and peers to help you practice your skills. Learn information and skills from a variety of quality sources.”
Outgoing District Eleven Rep. Taylor Fuerstenberg
Master of Science in Athletic Training
University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point
“Make good connections with your peers and preceptors; these are the people who will make great mentors for you now and in the future as a young professional.”
To participate in NATA’s student advocacy, visit the athletic training student community on Gather. Learn more and access resources for NATA student members on the NATA students webpage.
