I have been MIA and for good reasons. Ever since my foot landed in Austin, I have been busy non-stop with not a second to breathe, call anyone, check any networking sites, barely respond to email or text you back unless I’m caught at a red light and you think you’re about to get mugged (inside joke). My schedule is no joke, which starts before dawn and ends with the sun setting or the moon around somewhere, very similar to my school life but I’m realizing that most individuals’ schedules in athletics work the same way or worse, so at least I’m getting trained for the inevitable. I have started my internship at St. Edward’s (SEU) Athletics department and have not looked back. I first think that it would be good to explain the setup of SEU Athletics and then proceed.
SEU athletics is listed under student life; ironically different than most D-I programs I am aware or have worked for. Athletics is not self-sufficient as a Texas or LSU, and is dependent on student fees and whatever funds are given to the department of student life, so you can only imagine how tight money is around here, it’s no joke. Furthermore, the athletics department also has campus rec listed under them, which includes the fitness center, intramurals and sports clubs, all entities that I have worked for. With so many entities being apart of one campus department, numerous programs are not given the correct amount of attention and priorities, thus leading to over-worked staff wearing 2-5 hats and lack luster programs. It’s not easy and I must say from my experience at SEU thus far, some schools do not know how good they have it and the next person at a D-I that complains about showing up to work on a Saturday, I may give them the finger and tell them to kick rocks. They just don’t know how tough it can get. Anywho with so much going on and SEU being understaffed and coaches basically coaching and being directors of numerous divisions, my help is sort of needed and accepted widely by them all, which will be highlighted in my tasks. I plan on helping them get a setup on certain things that need to get done this summer in particular areas and hope that it will be of a great help but on to my week first.
Day one started with a hectic day since the head secretary was going on vacation and saw it as an opportunity to show me all the ropes, important campus locations, numbers, references ect. ect. before she left. Before I could even catch my breath, Coach White (Head Women’s Basketball coach), called me out on my shirt. Ok I know, I love my longhorns and was only wearing it cause it was comfy, but she was like no way maam. I ended up doing a shirt switch with a nice SEU shirt. FYI, I adore coach White, she just rocks and I would do the same thing. Eventually I had my meeting with Athletics Director, Debbie Taylor and it went extremely well. First off I must admit that I’m so ecstatic to work for a department with a female head, oh joy to the world, hallelujah, there’s hope for all. Second, for some odd ball reason I was not nervous at all and was ready to go. As for the day, it went extremely well. I got straight to work, for Debbie had meetings lined up for me all week, project opportunities, and proposals to work on. Basically this internship is no joke and I feel like I’m on line again or something. I speak with Debbie daily and she has the reins to my schedule and basically helps steer me towards my goals that I outlined and spoke with her about. My week would continue to go well. I finally met the two student workers, one a theatre major who wears the best outfits ever and a student golfer, a cool mix. I also met head and assistant coaches and anyone else that flies in the office. Overall, I have a good feeling I may fit in here but we’ll see. All I know is that I’m glad that athletics gear is the business wear in the office. Daily I’m wearing Nike shorts or tights and that’s all good to me. Overall I couldn’t be more excited and extremely tired for the summer and am ready to keep it moving. On to Part 2.
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