Aggies in Action

Malazzia Jimenez, SPMT 2022

The Facility and Operations internship was a great experience. As you go through the internship, you will learn more about preparing for athletic events at Texas A&M. Through this internship; you will learn to become a better leader, adapt to a constantly changing environment, and learn to work effectively in team settings. Some of the tasks you will complete in this internship are court preparations for men's and women's basketball, ensuring the cleanliness of those courts, setting hospitality for these sporting events, and much more. You will also learn what it means to upkeep each facility in different ways. All facilities require you to learn new skills to help with that. I assisted with replacing lighting at Reed Arena, reinforcing the windscreens at Ellis Field, and making modifications to basketball hoops so they would properly fit in the practice gyms. A great work environment will also surround you. The culture there is excellent and will keep you motivated when you may be doing something less enjoya ble.

Words of Wisdom

• ASK QUESTIONS! You don't need to know everything when you start, but you build your knowledge of the job by asking questions that will help you in the future.

• Failure is okay, everyone makes mistakes, and it may feel like the end of the world, but no one will remember. What they will remember is the way you reacted to the situation.

• Always have a positive mindset! Keeping a positive mindset will help you find more joy in your work

Chasey Brim, SPMT 2022

Special Olympics Texas served as an excellent organization to intern with because of the opportunity to experience work from all areas. I was given a chance to work with staff from all departments and implement new ideas to create change on a greater scale. I was given a great deal of responsibility from the moment I took on this role. With most internships, the work is repetitive and mundane. However, that was different with Special Olympics Texas. I was trusted with many tasks that continued to change and grow throughout the semester. I was trusted and encouraged to take on any projects that excited me. I learned more than I had ever thought possible in four months. I truly couldn't imagine a better internship experience!

Words of Wisdom

• Take every opportunity, and don't be afraid to reach out!
• Take every opportunity to take on new responsibilities and expose yourself to every department. In order to have the greatest understanding of the organization's history, mission, goals, and staff, it's crucial to get involved in all areas of SOTX.
• Take the time to get to know all staff, coaches, and volunteers; you never know where you may meet more connections. Build your network!

Find projects that excite you and run with them! Special Olympics Texas is always interested in growing its reach and implementing new, creative ideas. Don't be afraid to speak your mind and propose new ideas.

GET TO KNOW THE ATHLETES! Attend events and meet the athletes. Hear their stories and keep in touch with the teams throughout the semester. Working at SOTX is a lot of hard work , but having a deep connection with the athletes makes every hour worth it. It's important to remember your main purpose for serving Special Olympics Texas and the impact that your work can have on the athletes' lives.

Ryan Connors, SPMT 2023

I started personal training when I was a senior in high school at a local gym. This idea started when I got a herniated disk from high school football, and it all started in the weight room. I realized how overlooked this aspect of high school sports was and how under-educated most coaches are regarding proper weightlifting form and safety. There are no requirements for coaches to be educated before entering a weight room. Many high schools will hire strength and conditioning coaches for this reason, but there is a problem with this. Many times, when athletes are in the weight room, those strength and conditioning coaches have other classes to teach, so they aren't always able to be present during the lifts. With this course, I plan on empowering all coaches to have a baseline of knowledge on this aspect so the liability is mitigated and fewer athletes are injured.

The current course I have right now covers basic lifting safety and movements (squat, bench, deadlift, power clean, etc.) This course can be used for all coaches and athletes, no matter the sport. The entrepreneurial track for my capstone allowed me to learn how to build a business plan for my business, Advance Athletics, and how to execute it. I plan on eventually getting more specified with making courses for each sport, but as of now, this course will bring a good baseline level of knowledge to these coaches. I have partnered with a corporation that provides online training services to coaches for continuing education, and I will continue developing content for them.

Words of Wisdom

• Focus on finding something that ignites your passion.
• If you love what you do, you won't view it as work.
• Don't be afraid to take risks; success favors the bold!