Current Workplace: Weslaco East High School

How long have you been in the field, and where did you complete your education?

This is my first year certified and licensed as an athletic trainer.

Undergraduate: University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) - 2022

Graduate: Texas State University – 2025

Why did you choose this profession?

I always wanted to do something in health care as far back as I can remember. My original plan

was to go to physical therapy school. It wasn’t until I got to my Care and Prevention of Athletic

Injuries class at UTSA that I wanted to go into athletic training. My professor for that course

would talk about his experiences covering games, and it made me realize that maybe athletic

training was the better option for me than physical therapy. I don’t regret making that decision.

What skills do you think are most important for an AT to develop?

Adaptability is a skill I think most athletic trainers should develop. You never know when the

schedule suddenly changes and you need to make adjustments on a dime. Being able to use

the resources at your disposal also goes into this.

What is your favorite part of the job?

The thing I love most about this job is that you see your patients - you athletes - from when they

get hurt all the way to seeing them playing again. Nothing has been more satisfying than

watching some of our student athletes bounce back from their injuries and seeing them play

once more.

What’s your mantra or favorite quote?

“I’m enjoying the uselessness of today, and readying my usefulness for tomorrow.” - Gustave

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Who are some of your biggest influencers both personally and professionally?

Professionally, I always think back to my preceptors I had at Texas State and how they were

able to get through the chaotic mess of their athletic training rooms during the busiest hours of

the day. That taught me how to shift from one athlete to another and how to manage an athletic

training room with a lot of athletes needing something.

Personally, I have always looked up to my parents and how much they have influenced me as a

person. My mom taught me patience and learning how to walk away from a problem and looking

at it again another day. My dad taught me that I need to use my voice if I want change to

happen.

Do you have any advice for other ATs or students contemplating a career in Athletic Training?

It’s okay to take a mental health day. The burnout in this career is real, and it’s important to take

care of yourself before you take care of others. It’s also okay to make mistakes. We’re all not

going to be perfect, and learning from our mistakes makes us better clinicians