So, I know I have a lot of blogs about all my experience with coaching, playing basketball, and traveling around this beautiful country but there is one area I haven’t really talked about too much in any of my blogs so far…school!
I never been a classroom kind of girl. I struggled a lot when I was younger and throughout high school. Yes, I would try but it never came naturally to me. That all changed once I got to Manhattan College. Manhattan is where my love for school and learning really began because it was material that interested me a lot, plus I was good at! I received my undergrad degree in Physical Education and let me tell you that was one of my best decisions. Not only did I have amazing professors and classmates, but it made me really interested in learning for the first time in my life. My goal once I’m back in America is to become a physical education teacher and be that role model I have had throughout my elementary school years in sports. The reason I decided to study Physical Education is because this is the subject as a kid where I felt like I had a purpose. I was never the most intelligent in math, science, or history but when it came to physical education class my eyes would light up and I would have a smile on my face the entire time. It was the highlight to my day every time I got to play sports. I felt like I had a purpose and I was finally talented at a subject in school.
Here at IT Carlow I’m getting my masters in Sports Analysis. On my first day of class I was a little intimidated walking in and realizing I’m the only female in the master program. All of the guys in my program work as sports analysis all around Ireland. Although at the beginning of the school year I was a nervous, now being half way through all my classmates have become good friends and great people to connect with and learn from. I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing program giving me the opportunity to finish my masters at just 22 years old! Sport Changes Life has allowed me to pay it forward to many kids in Ireland and I plan on continuing this once I’m back in America.
Now with a few months left I can’t help to wonder where life will take me next. Physical Education Teacher? Coach? Personal Basketball Trainer? Sports Analysis? All I know if I’m surrounded by a basketball I will have that same smile on my face like I had walking into physical education class as a little girl.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” — Steve Jobs
