Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Busy Times

Now that I have been back at school and the Olympics are long over, maybe it is time to update everyone on what my life has been like post-Olympics. In my head I created a "spin-off" blog that focuses more on the profession of Athletic Training and things that stand out to me in my coursework, but after evaluating the amount of time I have available to blog versus study and work I realized that the idea would have to wait.
The UWM ATEP certainly keeps you busy, especially if you want to succeed and do well. I'm taking 18 credits this semester, which seems to be a lot to people, but in all honesty one course is a Ballet class which does not require much else than dancing. My athletic training courses keep me busy. I constantly need to be reading my textbooks, which I fail at more often than not, as well as practicing what I'm learning in class, which I do. I am much more interested and motivated to do the hands on side of my courses than anything else, which is not always a good thing.
Since my return from the Olympics I have done 2 more interviews for UWM and one little "blurb" for my work; the Milwaukee Ballet. The UWM interviews were for the Alumni magazine, as well as the website. For the website I did a video interview where I worked with an athlete and answered the questions of the staff who were interviewing me. I was nervous but overall I think it turned out well. If you are interested in seeing it you can follow this link:

http://www4.uwm.edu/discover/video.cfm?v=84C725BB71ABA513:JjqXug8VHTA

I had never done a video interview prior to this, that I can recall, so it was an exciting experience.

Hopefully those were the last of my interviews to do. I find myself wishing for more time throughout  the day and I also have been putting a lot of pressure on myself to excel. This is for a few reasons, one because I need to, and two because these interviews are public and I feel more pressure to do well now that this story is "in the public". So many people still don't know me, but is seems like a big deal to have a video, and I want to represent the sponsors who made if possible for me to go to the Olympics and UWM's Athletic Training Program well.

Hopefully in the near future I will have more free time to keep a better update on this blog, I wouldn't want it to go to waste just because the Olympics are finished for this year. Now my sites are set on RIO 2016!!




Friday, August 17, 2012

Withdrawal and the Future???


It's all over. London seemed very quiet and contained the last two days of my visit. What do you do when everything you prepared and hoped for has come to an end? Where do you put your energy and excitement when there's no expected event?

The past year has been filled with preparations for this trip, along with school and work, but my excitement and anticipation was building for the sole purpose of being involved in the Olympics. Now it's finished.

There isn't anything else I would have rather done with the last two weeks, and if I was asked to do it again I would not hesitate, but now it's done. The thing I look forward to every two years, Olympics (whether summer or winter), is done and to have been a part of one has been invaluable.

I met other volunteers from all over the world, I made great friends, I saw new things, I learned about sports that I had minimal experience with and I have enjoyed every minute of it. I miss the Olympics, I miss London, and I miss my friends in London. I'm going through withdrawal. Now on the plane ride home I think about life and what's ahead for me. There's no doubt in my mind that I want to have a career in athletic training, that has most definitely not changed and if anything that decision has become more concrete, even if I have to be in school for 5 more years, although unlikely, I will become an athletic trainer.

But what will I do along the way to that goal? The Olympic winter games will take placed in Sochi in 2014. Should I add winter sports to my experience? Will I take time and money to learn to speak Russian in order for this to be possible? It's a good idea and one that I entertain on a daily basis, volunteering has its rewards, but although I need experience in the winter games they do not fall at a
convenient time like the summer games do. Unless I will have graduated from UWM by that time.

I also was fortunate to make a contact who works for the Commonwealth games. These are something I didn't even now existed until I volunteered at the test event. Quite honestly I'm not confident trying to explain it, I understand it to be a mini Olympics that happens halfway through the "off" time for the summer games. But I don't know what sports and countries participate. Anyways, if I were to get the opportunity to have a paid job, through my contact, at these sporting events I would have to take time off and move to where they are taking place, which is Glasgow. I've never been there and I think that
opportunity would be invaluable but then that brings up the topic of school. I will most likely have to take time off of my courses in order to take a job there.

Which brings up another question. If I were to get a job at the Commonwealth games would it be possible for me to add/take a course in Europe that would add to my current and future degrees and allowed me to practice as a physiotherapist in the UK? The UK does not have the career of athletic training, as far as I am aware, but if I would take just one or two courses that allowed me to be a physio
in Europe then what would stop me from taking time off from my courses at Uwm, moving to Glasgow, if I got a job for the Commonwealth games, and take courses there while working? 

So many questions, so many feelings and emotions, and I'm still over water. I haven't even landed in the U.S. yet!!!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Last match photos



Last Shift

For my last shift we were scheduled to arrive at the venue at 6:30 am. Of course this was impossible for the majority if the volunteers as the first tube did not leave until 6:20. I arrived at 7:30, after previously alerting my team leader of my arrival time. 

There was nothing to do. It was actually quite a normal shift despite starting early. No weigh-in's needed preparation or assistance. Only two weight classes were competing and it honestly ended up being the most exciting day to watch the wrestling matches. Fortunately help was needed in the tunnel and I managed to snag a spot doing that work. I was able to watch all the repechage and medal rounds of wrestling. It was especially exciting when the U.S. won the gold medal in the 96kg round. The spectators erupted and there was so much excitement. The atmosphere was incredible.

The day finished early so that athletes were able to go to the closing ceremonies. There was a small get together for the wrestling volunteers at the venue, but it actually ended up being very anti-climactic. Pictures were taken and goodbyes were said and then a few of us went to get dinner and find somewhere to watch the closing ceremonies.

I found out later that the volunteers who worked at the Olympic park had been invite to the opening and closing ceremonies, that was not an option for my group unfortunately. I would have liked to have watched the closing ceremonies in  the Olympic park, instead we found a screen in a park to watch the ceremony.  It was very busy at the park and I didn't stay for the whole thing. I ended up watching the final parts of the ceremonies back at my hosts house, which was great. No crowds, no shoving, and the ability to determine how cold or hot I was.

Then it was done. Two years of anticipation, application, interviews, preparations, fundraising, planning, scheduling, and in two weeks it was all over.

Now what?





Friday, August 10, 2012

Jumping around

So I am going to jump around in this blog and try to catch everyone up on my week. I have been kept very busy during my shifts, and exhausted when I'm finished so I haven't really organized my thoughts or what I should put on the blog. Although Clarissa's bronze medal win had to be put up because it was so exciting.

Let me go back to this past Sunday, this was the first day of greco-roman competition and it was fairly exciting. The USA had two athletes competing and one lost and one won in the first round. The athlete who won his first round lost his second, and the other athlete did not make it back in to the repechage.

During their matches I introduced myself to their athletic trainer and doctor. The AT is from Colorado Springs and works near to the Olympic Training Center. He was very nice and helpful to me and didn't mind talking about athletic training and working with the athletes. One of the wrestlers injured his elbow, in his second match, so the AT came in to the store room to get some ice. He told me he had a possible Ulnar collateral ligament tear in his athlete and invited me to watch him evaluate it, of course I did. The AT went through a history, observation, palpation and special tests. He explained everything that he performed after speaking with the athlete. It was great to be able to be involved in that evaluation, there was no torn ligament.

This athletic trainer does not work with athletes of the other disciplines of wrestling so I did not see him much this week. After Tuesday he was gone and we haven't had any injuries in general in wrestling which is good although I haven't been able to observe because of that. The women's team and the freestyle have not had an athletic trainer, although team USA has had the same doctor here all week.

My volunteer job has changed a little bit. I'm not sure if it's good or bad honestly, I get to do more things, but only because a different group hasn't show up to do their job really. My team has started working as security of sorts during the day. We make sure that when athletes are making their way to the media that a. They don't skip out on press time and b. the spectators aren't crowding them and blocking their path. Their path crosses the areas spectators enter to get to their seats so I guess we are more of traffic control, telling spectators to stop and directing athletes and coaches in the right direction. It is kind of a nice job as we get to watch the wrestling matches and see the different countries reacting differently to winning or losing. Other than that my job is the same. In the morning I get things ready for the field of play, at 4pm we assist with weigh in's, and at the end of the day we help with clean up.

I now have two more shifts left and I am starting to get sad. Even though I haven't done as much athletic training type things as I would like I have loved being here! It's been exciting, I've made friends, I've observed a lot about how emergency action plans and medicine works in different countries, it's been a great experience and I'm not ready for it to end.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Clarissa Chun takes Bronze!

Today was the first day of the women's freestyle wrestling competitions. Wow! Much more excitement today then the previous days. Not that Greco-Roman wrestling isn't interesting but it's much harder to follow; with freestyle wrestling I actually can understand what is happening. 

Again the competitions went by weight class, so today the U.S. had two women competing, one I each weight category. Clarissa Chun won her first match and lost her second. The other U.S. athlete lost her first match. 

In wrestling the losers get the opportunity to continue competing in what is called repechage. This allows the loser of the original match to get back in to the competition, they just need the athlete beat them to win two more matches. So the U.S. athletes had a bit of time to wait in anticipation hoping that the person they lost to would win. 

For Clarissa Chun, that's what happened. Clarissa was able to get into the repechage and compete to go on for the bronze medal. A different thing with wrestling is that they give out two bronze medals. If Clarissa were to win her first match she would move on to the bronze match, which she did. She battled inane won and had a break before competing against Ukraine for the bronze medal.during the match she flipped her opponent amazingly and scored 3 points! She had fought 3 times before the medal round and went on to win the bronze! Her first Olympic medal (she had also competed in Beijing) and the first women's wrestling medal.

I had the pleasure of meeting Clarissa during my internship in Colorado. She is a wonderful person and so king and friendly. I was very glad to be able to watch her compete and very proud to say that I know her. I couldn't be happier for her! 

That's my excitement for today!





Monday, August 6, 2012

What Number Please?

So let me explain wrestling now, but please keep in mind that I'm no expert, so I will just explain what I confidently understand.

There are three styles of wrestling but two different disciplines; the styles are women's freestyle, Greco-roman, and freestyle wrestling. The different disciplines are the freestyle and Greco-roman, women only compete in freestyle. The difference between the two disciplines is: Greco-Roman wrestling the athletes can only attack from the hips up, they are not able to attack the legs to flip and gain points. Freestyle wrestlers are able to use the legs in addition to the upper body to flip and gain points. There are additional differences but I'm not sure what they are.

Similar to other combat sports, such as judo, the athletes compete in weight groups. The smallest or lightest group to start the Olympics competitions off was 55kg (for those similar to myself who are bad with the metric system that is about 121lbs) Yesterday two weight classes competed, 55kg and 75kg. In order for the athletes to compete they had to weigh in to determine if they matched the weight class they registered to compete at.

As a sport equipment team member we had to prepare the scales for the man who would calibrate them for each weight group. We also stood outside the weigh-in areas with stress balls with the number the athletes had in the draw on them and gave them to them after their weigh in. Just as a souvenir and a reminder as to what order they wrestle in.

Weigh-in always happens the day before they are scheduled to compete, and it seems to be a slightly stressful time for the athletes. They typically let themselves be a little heavier than they want so they wrestle and practice against heavier counterparts, then when competitions come around they do as much as they can to drop weight and get in the category they register in. Once, in Colorado, i saw wrestlers in the saunas on bikes in hoodies and sweatpants, at least for an hour. As far as I can tell, if the athlete doesn't fit in their weight group, or "make weight" they are done. Kicked out I suppose you could say. Here they have 30 minutes from the time weigh-in starts to the time they can't weigh in. We had one wrestler take the whole 30 minutes and we could tell that he was trying to get down to weight. He made it. No one has gotten kicked out yet.

Please Mind the Gap

Saturday was my first shift for the Olympic wrestling competition! The actual shift wasn't too exciting. But I'll start with the morning, as I had venue training first.

I arrived at the venue much earlier than I had planned. It's been advertised everywhere in London that the tube will be busy from 7am to 9am. I left about 7:45 expecting to be late, I had to be at the eXcel arena at 8:30 and the trip planner said it would take an hour. I arrived at the venue at 8:10. Much faster than I thought it would be. As soon as I stepped off the train I heard someone say my name and sure enough another volunteer that I had met in December at the test event was stepping off the train with me. It was very nice to have someone else to do everything for the first time together.

During training I found the rest of my assigned group, who except for two, I had met in December. It was so nice to be back together and it seemed like the test even had just been last week. My team leader was just as funny and energetic as he had been and everyone gets along great. The actual training itself was repetitive, essentially all the same information we received at the test event we got again,  but not everyone volunteering currently was at the test event, so I suppose they appreciated it.

After lunch our actual shift started, and almost everyone in my group had to work immediately. We started putting up the flags for the dressing room assignments so that athletes and coaches knew what room they should be in. We organized our storage room, and threw away some things that the judo volunteers had left, and then we had some downtime.

Most of what my team does happens out where the competition takes place, the field of play, but there was a turnover of the field of play from judo to wrestling which needed to be done in 24 hours. To be honest the turnover itself went smoothly, but it took longer than expected I think. We were to be done with our shift at 6pm but we were unable to get equipment out to the field of play until the mats, arena, and technical/electronic things had been set up. Although things ended up getting done, nobody likes delay, and of course no one would admit that things were behind.

While waiting for the competition area to be finished weigh-in's for the following day's competition took place, which fortunately my group is involved with. We had to get the scales into the weigh in rooms, there are three, and organize some stress balls with the number 1-22 on them for the players to have when they did the draw. For people who aren't familiar with wrestling I will explain weigh-in's and the disciplines of wrestling in a following post. I ended up leaving the arena at about 9:30. Some of the other competitions at the arena were finishing at that time so the train back to the flat was busy but of course emptied along the way. 

Friday, August 3, 2012

Photos from the day








There's a palace here?? Who knew?


Today I decided to go and watch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. There is a website you can go to and find out the days and times the changes will take place. The guard changes every day but with the Olympics taking place here their schedule has changed just a little. The change takes place at 11:30 officially but before they actually change the guard the guard "band" walks around the fountain and road in front of the palace with the current guard walking being them, and then the new guards will take a turn, following the band, of course. So the entire process is close to a full hour long.

The band is very entertaining. Today I heard renditions of the Indiana Jones theme song, Star Wars theme song, a Lady Gaga song (which I couldn't identify) as well as the national anthem. They were all executed wonderfully, which is what you would expect from members of the Queen's guard I suppose.

I arrived early, or what I considered to be early, at 11am, only to find the entire court and surrounding areas of the palace completely crowded. This event is not just commonly attended by tourists but the residents here are high in attendance as well. I did not get anywhere near the palace for quite a while. My standing place was along the road and I did seem some of the guards and the band pass by from my position, but not very clearly unfortunately. But I was able to hear the band very well which was nice. When I got up to the gates I was near the front as the area had emptied out about half of its spectators. While standing at the front close to the gates; the flag bearers, and I think section leaders, marched right up to the gateand stood there smiling. Just so people could take pictures of them. They had their bright red coats on, sabers at their side, and huge black hat things that came just below their eyebrows making me wonder how well they could actually see. When they got near us and stopped everyone around was pretty quiet, possibly wondering why they had come so close to the gates, as none of the other guards had. After about half a minute of silence one of the guards smiled and said, "Good morning", everyone started giggling and snapping pictures, the guards counter part took his turn and said, "Lovely day", of course that brought more laughter and after about two minutes the gentlemen turned and walked away. Even though I wasn't able to see the actual "changing of the guard" that exchange was well worth the trip to the palace.

Once I had stopped taking pictures and being a tourist, I started my walk back to the flat. This had been determined last night after looking at a map and seeing that Buckingham Palace was only about three miles away. This morning I rode the tube to Buckingham but walked back so I could walk through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and past Kensington Palace. Although it was not far, I like walking so three miles didn't seem too bad, my initial route had to be changed. I kept coming upon signs that stated "ticket holders only" so I had to go around, or down a different street. But I did get to walk through Hyde Park, and past an Olympic venue, I think it was for triathlon. I took a few pictures but whatever was competing there had either finished or hadn't started. I also walked through Kensington Park and was very excited to see Kensington Palace as well, when i came up to where it is located a sign said "Kensington Palace is being transformed" not quite sure what that means but whatever it is, I could not see the palace. So I walked the rest of the way, which was maybe half a mile, back to the apartment.

London is so compacted that what seems like a far way away is actually very close. You just pass by lots of buildings to get to where you need to be. Kensington Palace and Gardens is probably a ten minute walk away from where I am staying and all this time I thought it wasn't in walking distance.
So I got some pictures and will put a few up with this post, I walked around London and discovered there are very nice parks walking distance from where I am staying.

Tomorrow, venue training and shift one.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Olympic Excitment?

I was asked recently, by one of my readers about the weather, the people, and if there is any excitement from them. Also if I had heard any conversations or talked to anyone here in London about the Olympic Games.

First of all, the weather. It hasn't been too bad here yet.mit rained a bit on Sunday but raining here is different than raining in the Midwest. I was caught in a downpour while walking and a few hours later it rained again. This happened while I was out in the Westminster area and fortunately had just received my umbrella with my uniform. I do not like using umbrellas at all, I'm not sure why, but I held out as long as I could but finally it was just raining too hard and I had to bring it out. Yesterday was cooler with no rain, but today it's going to rain. It's been misting all morning and there is an 80% chance.

On to the people. There is a general excitement here in London for the Olympic Games, I'm sure there was much more excitement on Friday night when the opening ceremonies took place. There is probably also more excitement nearer to the venues and read that competition is taking place. I am not staying extremely far from competitions, but far enough where it would be possible to go the whole Olympics without knowing they are here in London. There are signs at pubs saying "Watch Olympics here" but aside from that and souvenirs there is no indication that the Olympics are taking place. I haven't had conversations with anyone about the Olympics since my first day.

When I fist arrived and was speaking with the customs officer at the airport he was telling me about the opening ceremonies. He had enjoyed them very much and thought that England put on a good show. He told me I would probably enjoy it but that it was "very British". He seemed quite excited that his country was hosting these Olympics. I did talk to a security guard at the Westminster abbey gift shop. He told me to have fun and enjoy my time here, but he just wanted to know why I was here, I had been walking around with my hosts and he wanted to know if we had come to London together. He was more interested in the why and how of my visit than anything else.

When I went out this morning I expected there to be a little more excitement about the games, especially considering the men's gymnastics team had just won England their first medal in the sport in 100 years, but nothing. Life just goes on.

I haven't made any plans for tomorrow as far as sightseeing, I should make some I think. but on Thursday I will be going to the Olympics village and hopefully there will be more excitement in that area of the city.

Monday, July 30, 2012

First Olympic Volunteer Experience

On Sunday I woke up pretty late, due to staying up very late and the time difference. Once I had "breakfast" I took the tube with Cassie and her family as I started my journey to the Uniform and Accreditation Center to pick up my ID and uniform.

The tube ride was uneventful and not too long. Once I got off at Canning Town I had to walk a little ways to wear the pick up center was. I did not realize that the DLR (docklands light rail), another train, stopped right in front of where I needed to be. So of course, on my walk, I got lost.

It really was a simple walk and I knew I walked right past the street I had to turn on. I looked down the unidentified road and thought "wow that road looks shady"' there was no one walking down the street, which in London is rare; and I walked past it. I was by myself and slightly scared of walking down that road myself. But finally I had no choice because the place I needed to be was down there. I pulled out my ipad every now and the to look at the map and would get nervous about the area and put it away quickly. So I finally got there and got my ID, and uniform. My ID picture looks pretty much like a mug shot, very similar to the athlete photos that have been popping up.

After getting everything I needed I met Cassie, her dad, and her sister again at Westminster. We just walked around and took photos of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, Big Ben and other sites in the area. During our time out it rained quite a bit somit was good i had picked up my uniform as i got an umbrealla with it. When I left them, because my bags were getting heavy from carrying everything I got when picking up my uniform, I got some groceries and went back to the flat to skype my family.

Overall it was a good day despite fearing for my life when walking to pick up my uniform.

First Impressions

Well now that I've adjusted to being in London for two whole nights I can go back over my weekend and say that I love it here! I like the city of London, the people, the transportation. There are so many great things about this city and being here during the Olympics just adds to it.

Now that I have declared my love for London I can recount my weekend.

Saturday, after arriving at my hosts house and meeting her and her family, I quickly "freshened up" (in actuality I just brushed my teeth), and went off with my host, Cassie, (and her dad and sister) to Portobello Market. It's basically a 2-3 mile long farmers market. They had a lot of fresh fruit and vegetable vendors, antiques, teas, lots of hats, it went on and on. It was enjoyable, very busy, but I was so tired I probably looked like a zombie. I bought some white cherries, 1 lb. for 1pound 50. It gets confusing when trying to tell someone how much things cost; "1 pound for a pound".

After the market we dropped things off at the "flat" and went back out to buy me a cell phone and to dinner.  For dinner we went to a pub. The front of the building is an actual pub, the back is a Thai restaurant, which in my opinion is an odd combination, but the food was great! We finished about 4 or 5 and Cassie wanted to continue walking around and do more things with her family. I decided it would be best for me to go back and take a nap at the apartment, considering I almost put my face in my food at dinner. It was quite a struggle not to fall asleep.

Back at Cassie's I took a nap for about an hour. I didn't want sleep too long because I still had to sleep through the night. When I woke up I watched Michael Phelps compete and wrote the previous blog about my traveling experience :D. so if you didn't read it you should. When Cassie returned we watched the rest of the swim heats and the opening ceremonies, as they had also missed them due to other commitments.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Traveling to London

Well after an extremely long day I am in London, at the apartment I will be staying at. Let's start with my trip. It actually was quite uneventful and boring. I took a coach bus from Milwaukee to Chicago O'hare airport. It took about an hour and a half. Not too bad. Once I got to the airport I went though security very quickly. It took maybe all of 10 minutes, which is quite great. I was at the airport at 12:45 and my flight was scheduled to leave at 3:50. To waste some time I got some Starbucks and sat at the gate and read a book. The flight ended up being delayed until 4:20. Not a bad, long delay, and we started boarding about 3:30. I got on the plane, got to my seat and settled in and finally I started to get excited and the feeling of butterflies in my stomach. Suddenly theres a click and we hear, "Sorry for the original delay folks, this is your captain. I'll update you on what's going on. The original problem has been fixed but the refrigerators are broken and need to be fixed. I'll update you as we get information." No big deal. This should be an ok fix and not take too long. Nope. They didn't have the part they needed. So finally we push back at about 6:20. Only a 3ish hour delay. Made an already 8 hour flight into 11 hours since we were on the plane the whole time. But the captain was great and the actual flight in air time was only 7 hours. Fortunately I had some friends willing to pick me up at the airport and the last leg of my flight to the flat where I'm staying was enjoyable catching up with old friends and making new ones. Now I'm sitting in the living room in the flat I'm staying in watching Michael Phelps swim.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

2.5 Days to Go


Today marks two days until I board a plane to go to London so I can volunteer for the Olympics. Yesterday I said goodbye to my parents and for the time I have until my flight I will be packing, cleaning, and doing all sorts of other preparations.Yesterday my parents took me to dinner before their own trip to Atlanta to pick up my little sister. It was great to spend time with them and of course felt
completely comfortable until they dropped me back off at the UWM dorms, which have been my home for the summer. While saying goodbye I suddenly felt very sad and lonely. It dawned on me that for all other trips I have made one or both of my parents have been there for the initial departure. At least I typically see them on the day I leave.

This time is different.

They left first and when I move out of the dorms I will be going home to an empty house, not counting the dogs, and it will be eerily quiet. I will pack my suitcase with no one around to get advice about my clothing, what I shouldn't travel without, or what I should most definitely leave behind. I'm sure this is a
common traveling process for most people, to pack without input from others, or on their own, and while my parents do not pack for me, they have always been in the house. My family is close, so it will be quite a different send off as I embark on one of the most important trips of my career/life.

Bittersweet you could say. Despite being thoroughly excited, and having knowledge of multiple people and families praying for me, this is a different way to experience leaving the country. Right now I don't like it. 

On the bright side I should be able to get my to do list completed without interruption. 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Nine

I meant to write a new entry when I had 10 days to go but now I'm only nine days away from leaving to go to London for the Summer Olympics. More and more every day publicity for Olympians and the Olympic Games are becoming more frequent. It makes me pretty excited actually. I honestly hadn't been super excited up till now, more nervous than anything, but now I'm definitely excited.

There aren't many more preparations that I need to make. I got the address for the place I will be staying while in London, I have a flight there and back, I have gotten donations to fund my trip, and now I just have to get there. Of course I still need to pick up my uniform and accreditation information. But that will happen the day after my arrival.
Honestly I don't have much to report at the moment. I'm sure I will have more to say next week.

In the meantime does anyone have any recommendations for what to do in London when I'm not volunteering???

Monday, July 9, 2012

17

There are only 17 days left until I board a plane bound for London. 17 days until Team USA walks into the stadium and presents the U.S. flag to the world and athletes from all over the world compete for the title of the best, fastest, strongest, etc.
I will, of course, be sleeping on a plane while the opening ceremonies take place. I will catch the highlights later I'm sure. The Opening Ceremonies are exciting, although they can drag on. But you get to see the countries that are competing, hear the announcers talk about the favorites to win and where the most exciting competitions will be...it can be pretty exhilarating.
Last week a few donations came in pretty quickly and it was quite exciting. I am now very close to my initial goal of funds for this trip. As I continue to prepare I kind of have a running list, in my head, of things to bring/not forget. But I also keep thinking as long as I have my passport and border pass letter (I did not need a Visa but a special letter from the director of Olympic volunteer's to "work" in England), I won't need much else.
I am also trying to think of things/places to see in the week leading up to my volunteering. I'm really hoping I can connect with some of my contacts for Team USA and get into some venues with them, but if not I need to have some ideas for touristy things.
As I get closer to the date I get more excited and more nervous. I'll probably forget something slightly important.

Monday, June 18, 2012

5.5 weeks

It's hard to believe that in 5 and a half weeks I will be on a plane to London, England. I have my papers and forms in a specific spot at my parents house, hopefully all ready to go, and although those are the important things; I feel like I'm missing something.
This weekend my life was consumed by the ballet. I moved in to the UWM dorms on Friday and unpacked. Decorated and prepared for students on Saturday, and students arrived Sunday. There are 87 students living in the dorms, give or take. It was pretty chaotic on Sunday explaining all the processes they will go through this summer and making sure everyone was in their correct room and had the right keys.
Now day one of classes all the students are nervous but don't want to ask questions even though they have them. Its kind of funny to watch them. But exciting to see the kids in their classes.

Now that I'm slightly counting down to my departure I'm trying to think of things that I want to do while I'm in London and have some free time.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

50 DAYS

Wow! It's pretty crazy how quickly time passes. A year and a half of applying, interviewing, planning and now the Olympics are 50 days away and I'm going! Now that I see how many days I'm hoping I can get everything done that I need to.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Little Reminders

Last week I received multiple emails from London regarding some "Role-Specific Training" that I needed to sign up for. These training sessions are either way in advance or way after the Olympics actually take place. Originally I emailed back saying that I would be unable to attend these training sessions due to airline ticket costs and travel. I did not hear back from London after I explained why I couldn't make the training. Later in the week I got a text saying I needed to pick my training.
Needless to say I started to worry. And my sister will tell you that this was ridiculous, but I was nervous that I would get an email or phone call from the London Olympic Organizing Committee telling me I was dismissed as a volunteer. They have the ability to dismiss my service whenever they choose fit and while I hope this doesn't happen I thought that being unable to attend a training session would give them reason to excuse me.
I logged into my olympic volunteer account and checked the box that stated I could not attend the training and left it at that. If they dismissed me that was it.
I put the issue out of my mind and enjoyed my sisters graduation from high school and final ballet performance as a student. While waiting in line to get seats at the ballet performance my mom began talking to the elderly couple that was standing behind us. During the course of the conversation she told them that I would be going to London as a volunteer for the Olympics. This embarrasses me, my parents often tell people that I am going to London as a volunteer and while I don't mind my parents talking about it when I'm not there I do not like them to talk about it when I'm standing next to them. It's not a bad thing but it embarrasses me. Anyways, the gentleman asked how my fundraising was going and I told him I have what I need to get there and get by. This man pulls out his wallet and, generously, hands me a 100 dollar bill.
I was absolutely shocked. I tried to give it back but he wouldn't let me. So I have $100 more towards my goal. Of course he will be getting a thank you letter like the rest of my sponsors. But I was floored that a perfect stranger who I interacted with for less than 5 minutes would do that.
Another reminder from God that I am in His hands. No matter what He is/does/will take care of me and the needs that I have. This gesture from that gentleman and the reminder from God encourage me that I am on the right path and that the London Committee will not dismiss me for not being able to attend the training.

I appreciate that God is humbling me and molding me through this experience.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Words to Live By

There will always be things that disappoint us, there will always be struggles we go through. There will, hopefully, be triumphs we experience, moments of pride and success. I hope that I will always put credit where it is due.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts but the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:1-5

I will never comprehend the love that God has for me. I am constantly reminded of how much He gives to me.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Summer has Started


Finals week was stressful. I’m glad its over. I don’t do well with tests, they always stress me out and I’m not a very good test-taker anyways. I had Monday free of exams to practice and study, which I did all day long. Luckily I had fellow students studying with me, which at times helped. Sometimes it was a distraction but it was more helpful than disruptive.
            My first exam, on Tuesday, was the practical I had to take, with this exam I had to get an 80% or better to move on to the second semester of the Athletic Training program. I had prepared all day Monday and felt ready. When my turn finally came I walked in to the classroom where the scenario was taking place and needless to say, I choked.  I felt like I remembered some important things and forgot others. When I left I did not feel confident about my performance at all and was very disappointed in myself. During practicing and other scenarios I felt confident, I talked through the process and didn’t forget very much, but of course when the time came to be graded I forgot everything I had been working so hard to remember.
            Wednesday I had the written portion of my final exam for the same class the practical had been in the day before. We had the option of finding out our grades for the practical before or after we took the written. I chose before because I knew I would race through the written exam just to find out my grade. I had anticipated failing it, which I did…by 1%. 80% was a passing grade and I ended with a 79%.  Fortunately I was able to redo the practical and passed it the second time around. But during the rest of finals all I could think was how I had failed the practical the first time and that wasn’t good enough.
            Thursday brought me 2 exams, which I could have done better on. But there is always room for improvement and at the time those classes were not my priority. I did my redo practical on Friday and passed. Afterward I talked with my professor about why I had failed it the first time. He was very encouraging; again I was frustrated about failing it the first time. But the reasons I failed were not things that would drastically affect a person in a real life situation. Which I suppose is encouraging; at least I’m not going to kill anyone.
            Now summer’s here, and I don’t have to worry about exams for a little while. I’m still working at the ballet for a couple more weeks. I’ve moved home, which makes my commute to work lovely, going from a 15 min drive to 45 minutes is not the most exciting thing. But at least I can see my dog every day. And in a few weeks the ballet will start their summer program and I will move back to UWM and live in Sandburg until I leave for the Olympics in July.

Until that time I will read a lot of books, sit by the pool and get a tan, and play with my dog. 

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Passport Please

My tickets to London have been bought. :D
Earlier this week I met with the appropriate people at UWM and we went through the process of finding a flight. It's pretty exciting. The lady I worked with was very excited as well. She kept giggling and saying "this is so exciting" while we selected the tickets. At one point she even said "take me with you". It was pretty funny.

So I will leave the US on July 27'th. I'll be picking up my volunteer uniform on July 29th. If anyone is interested in seeing what I'll be wearing maybe I will post a picture; once I get the outfit. My first volunteer shift will be August 4'th so I should have plenty of time to get situated and experience the atmosphere that will be around the city during this time. One downside is that I will miss the Opening Ceremonies. I'll be flying high on my way though.

Once my shifts start I have one day off to rest, the day before the wrestling competitions begin. I have found out that a number of wrestlers I met while interning in Colorado Springs will be representing the US. I couldn't be prouder of them or more excited to experience this with them. I'm hoping I will be able to watch them compete even though I will be "working". I have a feeling it will be much different than when I volunteered at the Test Event. Less laid back.

As the Olympics get closer God is putting everything into place for my trip, in His perfect timing.

Housing-Yes
Plane Tickets-Yes
Friends in England-Yes
Volunteer Uniform-Date to be picked up chosen
Volunteer Shifts-Yes

82 Days until the Opening Ceremonies in London

Thursday, April 26, 2012

It's Going Down

Finals are coming up. I'm not excited. I'm actually loathing them. Every time I go to my classes I feel like I am not retaining any information. I am not confident in myself for my finals at all. Hopefully the two more weeks of preparation will encourage me, but at the moment I'm not counting on it.

This morning I woke up after getting an email regarding my airline ticket. It needs to be bought ASAP. I went to bed worried that I would not find out my shifts for the Olympics soon enough to get the best ticket for my trip, again God is good and when I just start to worry that this is not going to happen, or I feel completely unprepared He steps in.

I checked my emails before going to class and sure enough I had an email giving me my entire volunteer schedule for the Olympics. It's real, I'm going, even though it is a few months away I feel prepared, although at times it is surreal. I have a place to live, I have my volunteer shifts, I have an airline ticket (to be purchased next week) and God is taking care of me.

Just have to make it through finals and then I can make all the preparations I need for the Olympics!!!!

Monday, April 16, 2012

A Few Good Things

UWM Spring Break: It was Great. Relaxing even though I still had to work. I took a few days off work and visited my brother, sister in law and niece. That was absolutely wonderful. I was also able to see my former mentor for a little bit and catch up as well as spend some time with my best friend who I constantly miss.
Milwaukee Ballet Spring Break: It was very nice to not work. I enjoyed just lounging around and relaxing. I still did rotations in the Athletic Training Room at UWM, where I now work with the swim team. It is their off season so some days are more interesting than others. I spent some time at home, housesitting, as my family took a road trip to Utah. I also housesat for by boss while he took his vacation with his family. It was nice to get out of the city and my apartment for a little while and have my own space. So nice that I didn't want to go back to my apartment.
Easter: I got to see my little niece again and celebrate her 6 month birthday with my brother's family as they came down to visit Wisconsin for Easter. We had a great time together as always. Although at some point during the weekend I began to worry about my fundraising for my London trip this summer. Every now and then I feel overwhelmed about what I should be doing and if I really should be going and is there something more or different I should be doing to raise money.

My work spring break ended well, at UWM, where I got some wonderful news from Dr. Earl regarding my fundraising for the London Olympics. God is good. And of course He wants to remind me He is in control. No matter what I do or don't do He has everything planned out. My airline tickets, to and from London, are paid for. What a blessing, and of course God's timing is perfect as the weekend before receiving this news I was completely worrying about how I would pay for this trip if the money in my bank account today was all I had to go on. Silly me for not realizing and understanding that these are things that I need to take to God and that if I am in His will He is going to provide. That news combined with my tax return and encouraging words, and a little extra funds, from my Granddad made for an extremely encouraging Friday.

God is good, and He constantly provides for me.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Time Flies

Well technically spring break starts in two days, but I don't have classes tomorrow or Friday, so I guess mine started today. I do have some assignments due tomorrow, and 5 hours in the athletic training room. But those things aren't stressful, sometimes the athletic training room is fun. Well most of the time it's fun, which is good because I want to spend the rest of my life in one I suppose.
I am incredibly ready for spring break though. This first half of the semester has been very stressful. It's been interesting being in this program, working, and living away from home. I like these things, but on different levels haha. OR in different ways is a better way of saying it.
School is stressful and hard. Not that its ever been super easy, but I'm pushing myself more and I feel like more is expected of me now because I already have a degree, because I'm older, and because I just should be a more serious and mature student. So most of that stress I have put on myself. I'm not a good student. I should be better.
Working is good. I'm getting a little bored with it. I have asked my boss if I can teach more consistently next year. He told me I could teach all the summer camps. But there was no definite answer about a year round school class. I do appreciate being able to work on homework while I'm at work though. And in two weeks I get to teach two classes.
Living at home this semester is different. I find myself more tired. I really just want to go to sleep when I'm at the apartment but I know I have other things to do. I also am unsure how to interact with my roommates. We are all on different levels, and have different personalities. We have different priorities and very different goals. Sometimes its just hard to live with other people. I have no idea what I will be doing next year.
Next week I'm hoping I can get a couple days off work and go to MN and visit my brother and his family. I miss them.
As far as the road to London. I have dropped off my final support raising piece. I have heard back from the Milwaukee Brewers, they cannot donate money, but I can request merchandise. I have heard from Dick's Sporting Goods, I need to make an online request.
On a different note: I began the application for the Sochi Russia 2014 Winter Games. If I'm going to do summer I should try and get winter on my resume also.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

AAaaaaannnnddddd We're Off

So this morning the first thing to do on my list.....send the rest of my support letters! DONE! I had about 20 letters sent out. I was pretty proud that I got them out in the mail. I'm excited and relieved to put these things in the mail, one thing off my list of to-do's. I've never raised support before so its kind of exciting to have this done. Even more excited to see what happens.

School is going well. Today I was pretty productive in the Athletic Training Room. I finished 5 practice logs and one clinical proficiency. Practice logs are things that I learn in class and have to preform for an upper level student or a certified athletic trainer. I have to do each skill twice and they are generally in groups of 8. So in the first 3 weeks of school I had to complete about 8 different skills twice and get someone above me in the program to sign my papers. So I got a few in the next set done. A clinical proficiency is a skill that we have to do that we are graded on. We are graded on our skills in completing the proficiency, what we say to the athlete/patient, etc. I have now done 4 of the 6 proficiencies we have to complete. I prefer working with athletes in real time as opposed to working in a mock situation with someone grading me. But its part of the program and its good experience.

Hopefully I will get some good responses from my support letters!

Monday, February 20, 2012

It's Going

Thats generally my answer when people ask me how things are. I'm busy. I work. I go to school. I typically don't get out. But its ok. Theres a purpose.
Last Friday I assisted in the "coverage" of a track and field meet at UWM. As much as I enjoy watching specific events, I can't say it was the most exciting time. Fortunately no one got hurt, and even though thats when I actually get to do something, no Athletic Trainer hopes that an athlete gets injured. But coverage was long. I was at UWM at 8am for classes, reported to the Athletic Training room at 1:30 and left finally at 10:15. It made a long day. I did enjoy myself though. Talking with the athletes and seeing them in action.
It was a busy weekend in addition to that. I worked from 8am-3pm on Saturday at Milwaukee Ballet. I got a lot of homework done so that was super good. After I was finished with work my sister and I made our way to O'hare International Airport. We had to catch a flight to Atlanta, GA.
My younger sister, who is a senior in high school, is currently pursuing a professional job as a Ballet Dancer. She had an audition in Atlanta on Sunday and I volunteered to go with her. We got to Atlanta about 11pm rented a car and drove about an hour to our cousins house to spend the night. She had her audition on Sunday morning which went well for her. Then we went right back to the airport, got there around 2pm. All flights to Chicago were of course oversold. Stacey and I enjoyed our time waiting in the gate area and walking around the airport and we finally got on a flight at 630pm. Made it back to Milwaukee about 10.
It was a good, successful trip and I'm super proud of my sister for going to the audition and performing as she did. I'm excited for her to continue with her auditions and pursuit of a professional job in ballet!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Wait....What?

The title of this blog is dedicated to my little brother. He's 15 and his favorite thing to say is "wait...what?" Sometimes just to annoy his family members...rarely does he say these words because he actually didn't hear the person talking. He's great!
Anyways, the reason for this title: For the first time since going back to school I second guessed the decision. Not just questioned the decision, which I have done before, I seriously thought maybe I should drop out. This came about I believe on Tuesday of this past week. I was not happy with this feeling of un-surety. The reason for this: One of the athletic trainers, who works for UWM, had a birthday. We sang to her, she smiled, then I found out; she had just turned 23. That was the moment I thought "Wait....what?" I turned 24 in December, and now I will be working under and taking some hard criticism from someone a year younger than me. For the rest of my rotation in the athletic training room, roughly 4 hours, all I could think about was how I should have transferred from Northwestern and gone to an accredited school, then that would be me.
But I didn't. And reflecting on this week, and my decisions that have led me here, I'm glad. Despite that after spring break I will be working very closely with this woman I'm ok with it. I'm learning to trust in God during this, let go of my pride, be humble, be the "newbie" and learn/absorb whatever I can. I am the student, and this was my choice. And I think it was the right one.
During my time at Northwestern I met some great people, I had my first mentor and will cherish her forever, I developed a friendship that will last my whole life, I led a hall of women and learned how to be a leader, and I was pushed to pursue and take on the role as an intern with the United States Olympic Committee. Which brings me here. So many things would not have happened if I had transferred from Northwestern College.
Ultimately I wouldn't be volunteering for the Olympics. God has been faithful, despite the many times I have fallen and disappointed Him. So this position that I am in is a learning experience and will be something I look back on and cherish.....Hopefully

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Information Overload

So two weeks ago I got a call from Dr. Jennifer Earl of UWM. She was calling to tell me that I had passed the application process, interview and everything, to be selected as a first semester athletic training student in the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee's Athletic Training Education Program! I was so excited. After I had my initial interview I was not confident at all, I felt like they could make a decision either way. I felt like I had interviewed well but I just wasn't confident that I would be admitted into the program.
Fast forward to day 2 of classes in the spring semester..........completely freaking out right now! I knew this semester was going to be a lot of work, but I finally got all the information today of what I will be doing.....WOW. UWM sure knows how to run an athletic training program. In addition to the 8-10 hours a week I will spend in the Athletic Training room with the Track team (which honestly isn't that many) I will have to complete 15 PDU's, which is basically the undergraduate student equivalent of CEU's, 6 clinical proficiency's, which I still don't know what that means, x amount of clinical hours each month, in addition to exams and homework. That's for one 3 credit class! Once that class was finished I was talking with some of my classmates and we were all saying how we had no idea what any of the papers we were handed meant. SO CONFUSED!
It's ok though. I'm slightly excited for the semester. Its going to be a lot of work, and even though I don't feel prepared for it I think I'm ready. Weird, maybe a little, but athletic training is something I love, so hopefully, aside from reading textbooks, I will be motivated to complete all my work and I will enjoy it also :).
On another note, I have one support letter out to a contact. I hope to get another two out this week. The semester is moving and the London Olympics are coming, even though they seem far away, I got to get a move on with my arrangements!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Pictures from London

I decided it was time to put up some pictures from my trip to London! Enjoy!!
I was in Trafalgar Square for this picture. Lots of people around, it's a big tourist site. But they had a countdown for the Olympic and Paralympic Games so I had to get a picture! :)
Trafalgar Square

Had to be a tourist and see the Palace!

This was where the wrestling competition took place

View from the stands