INTERESTING
I am a strong supporter of volunteering. As full time PTA and part time personal trainer, I volunteer my time on the weekends to work with Special Olympic athletes, specifically the power lifters. I have been an avid weight lifter for a long time and have always enjoyed working with and motivating people to achieve their goals. I started my career because of the numerous injuries I endured growing up. I have spent plenty of time in a PT office on a treatment table receiving therapy myself. After my last injury, I decided that volunteering would be a great way to return the favor of helping others. Through my advanced training and education, I now could provide the support and treatment afforded to me during my recoveries. This is my way of “giving back”.
Becoming a PTA at Ortho RI has offered me a number of opportunities. In-particular, I was awarded the chance to support Special Olympic power lifters. Every weekend, I look forward to training with my athletes. The happiness and joy they bring to the weight room is amazing. The athletes show up, are ready to go, ready to lift and ready to support each other. Their camaraderie is bar none. They push and support their peers to achieve great success. I admire these athletes. They struggle with more obstacles than most of us deal with, yet they show up every weekend with their mind dedicated to one thing; and that's moving weight and getting stronger. Their smiles light up the room, their high fives are full of enthusiasm and their hugs are full of love. What better way to spend some free time. I'm lucky to be able to share a little part of me and my knowledge with them. I'm lucky to call all of them my friends and I'm lucky to be welcomed as part of their team.
Volunteering is something I believe everyone should take part in. The feeling of gratitude and inspiration gained is indescribable.
