I saw a post the other day about academia that said “We’re all smart. Distinguish yourself by being kind.” Obviously very relevant to the education world, but it should also apply to the athletic training world.

I can remember numerous times as an AT student how unkind many preceptors were. I asked for ONE day off (no practice or competition that day) during an eight week rotation because my boyfriend was having heart surgery.

My preceptor reluctantly gave me it off and proceeded to say “Just this one time.”
Every preceptor or peer AT that I vividly remember and continue to have a relationship with were the ones that went above and beyond to be kind to a subpar AT student (myself).

We’re all athletic trainers. We all do the same (if not similar) things, deal with the same BS sometimes, experience the same injuries and rehabs, etc. Make yourself unique by being kind to not only your students striving to learn but your peer ATs, athletes, families, and more.

So thank you to all those ATs who have given up a little extra time of their day to be kind and encouraging to me as a student and now a young professional, even during the mistakes and struggles I have experienced. You are unique and unforgettable.