News

The FWATA Public Relations Committee Social Media team is highlighting members of District 8 each month.  This month we highlight Student Leadership Committee Chair; Emily Cherpin.

District 8 Monthly Member Highlight: Emily Cherpin ATS
Current Position: Athletic Training Student, University of La Verne
Current FWATA Title: Student Leadership Committee Chair

What first made you choose athletic training? What inspired you to become an athletic trainer?

I have always had a passion for helping others and I loved watching sports. As a Junior in high school, I was in the Sports Medicine ROP class and at the end of the year I was asked by my Certified Athletic Trainer, Heather Harvey, if I would like to volunteer after school as a student aide for football. Of course I said yes! And I fell in love instantly with Athletic Training and began researching the profession and my options for college. I loved being able to watch her manage any injuries that occurred, as well as provide rehabilitation services that athletes benefited from.

How did you first get involved in FWATA?

As a freshman at University of La Verne (August 2013), I wanted to be involved in Athletic Training and learn more about the profession. I was a pre-program student and knew I wanted a leadership role in Athletic Training while studying to become a Certified Athletic Trainer. As a freshman pre-program Athletic Training Student, I attended FWATA. The Student Committee was looking for applicants, so I applied and was accepted!

What advice would you give to AT students?

Get Involved! Too often I find myself encouraging my peers to volunteer for an event, attend Athletic Training related events or even attend FWATA. Stop finding excuses to not participate and go volunteer. You will be surprised by the number of individuals you meet, who may one day be the person writing a letter of recommendation for an internship you wanted or may even be on the hiring committee for that job you have been working so hard toward.

What are you most proud of when you look back on your career? Or what is your most memorable moment in the profession?

I am most proud of being able to help athletes after an injury and be a part of their return to play. I have been able to evaluate athletes, create rehabilitation programs, create home-exercise programs, give athletes coping strategies, and complete a full return to play evaluation to return the athlete to their respective sport. I have worked so hard with these athletes and I have built a relationship of trust with each one. Being able to see them return to play after being out for a certain amount of time… it is rewarding!

What are you looking forward to most as our profession continues to grow and develop?

I am looking forward to learning more about the role of a Certified Athletic Trainer in mentally preparing an athlete to return to play safely after an injury. I am interested in learning about which psychosocial strategies work best with the secondary school level.

Is there anything you would like the members of district 8 to know about your committee or things happening in our district?

For Student updates:
Follow our https://www.instagram.com/fwatsc8/ Page at Far West Student Leadership Committee
Follow our Instagram Page @fwatsc8
If you would like to get involved, we will be recruiting students beginning in February of 2017 for the 2017-2018 school year.

 

Courtesy of the Public Affairs Committee