How did my journey really start? Is my undergrad even in kinesiology? Was this always the plan? The truth is, my background looks a little different from a lot of other athletic trainers. Yes, I knew early on that I wanted to be an athletic trainer — but the route I took wasn’t the traditional one.

I began by earning my undergraduate degree in Adapted and Regular Physical Education K–12 at the University of Puerto Rico – Bayamon. While I loved that field, I knew it was only the first step. During my education degree, I learned about all kinds of sports, the mechanics behind them, anatomy and physiology, and how to teach them effectively — skills that later became a strong foundation for athletic training. Those experiences gave me a unique perspective when I started working with athletes during my clinical rotations, helping me understand movement, performance, and how to communicate effectively with athletes of all levels. I had one clear vision the entire time: getting my master’s degree and becoming an athletic trainer. I could’ve chosen to study athletic therapy in Puerto Rico, but that just wasn’t the route I was meant to take at that moment.

After finishing undergrad, I had the opportunity to move to Pennsylvania and complete my master’s degree at East Stroudsburg University. And yes… I was a grad student during COVID. That alone made the experience a journey of its own. I navigated online classes, telemedicine, quarantines, and the constant uncertainty of a world that was shutting down and reopening — all while trying to learn, grow, and get hands-on experience in athletic training.

During the two-year program, I completed four clinical rotations, each of them helping me grow into the professional I am today. Two of them — my first and last — were at Lafayette College, a place that shaped me more than I expected. I learned from incredible professionals and preceptors who are now my colleagues, and I’m grateful for every minute I spent there. I also completed a rotation at Muhlenberg College, where I mostly covered practices due to COVID restrictions, and another at Nazareth High School, where I had the privilege of working with athletes who are now competing in the pros.

Looking back, my path wasn’t linear — but it was absolutely mine. Every pivot, every unexpected turn, and every opportunity I said “yes” to helped shape the athletic trainer I am today. And while my story is different, I hope it shows that your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s for it to be meaningful, fulfilling, and worth chasing.

Thanks for reading and see you next time — Chasing Quality.