After surviving midterms, we finally had the chance to enjoy the outdoors and Florida sunshine. I had the opportunity to complete one of my co-curricular learning (CCL) activities. CCLs are a graduation requirement at NUHS that encourage students to participate in volunteer activities that benefit the school and/or the community. I volunteered at an ITU Triathlon in Sarasota that brought pro triathletes from all over the country as well as Elite Junior and Youth Athletes.

During the event, I handed out waters and masks, prepared snack bags and ice bags for the athletes, and notified medics of any athletes that needed medical attention. Throughout the triathlon event, I also shadowed a sports medicine chiropractor and observed how she communicated with distraught athletes, her ease as she performed physical exams examining muscle strength and dermatomes, and her speediness bandaging up injured athletes. There were several other types of medics working that event and it was inspiring to see them all work together discussing potential diagnoses and treatments.

The whole event was an amazing experience, and I loved the atmosphere! All the athletes were so determined to compete well, yet they were also great co-players.They approached each other after running through the finish line, congratulated others for their successes, and complimented competing athletes for triumphant moments in each sport.

It was an invaluable experience, and I am grateful I had the chance to support my community, cheer on fantastic athletes, and observe the medic involvement. I was able to learn so much from the medical team and plan to continue volunteering for sports events at Nathan Benderson Park.

{{cta(’88d1f92c-eec6-45a6-ada7-5a0fa717195b’)}}