May Spotlight on Service

Can you tell me a little bit about the service you are involved in? What specific role do you play/what things do you do?

This year, I have been coaching the Upper School Track team. I attend every practice and meet to help the team members in any way I can. I help sprinters with their form, help long jumpers understand technique, and, ultimately, support the team by cheering them on and getting them things that they need. Our team is big and diverse skill-wise, so on a day-to-day basis, my roles change from sprint coaching to field work.

What made you decide to become engaged with this project?

Mairéad can attest to how excited I was for track season since the very beginning of the year. I am a 100 and 200-meter sprinter, and I joined the TASIS England Upper School Track team last year. I traveled to the Netherlands with the team for ISAAs, competed in local meets, and enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, I was injured at the very start of this season, and was absolutely devastated because I couldn't participate in track. I still wanted to be involved, so when I was given the opportunity to coach, I jumped at the chance. 

Did you find any aspects challenging in any way? Was it emotionally difficult?

It was really hard for me to watch the other team members run when I couldn’t. Especially on days when my knee felt good, and I felt like I could be running, even though my doctor told me I would only make it worse, I wanted to be out there with the team. Being prevented from it by my own body was extremely difficult and frustrating.

Has your service had any impact on you as a person/your perspectives?

It made me appreciate being able to play sports so much more. When you are able to do everything, you complain and take things for granted. Last year, I remember there were days when I would be tired and not want to go to practice. Now, I would give anything to be able to run with the team. I know that I won’t ever take my sport for granted again.

What is your favorite memory of your service?

Honestly, the tournament that we just went to! It was the first time I felt truly helpful, because Noor, one of the long jumpers I had been giving tips to, won her event. Everyone on the team did so well in their events, and the energy was so amazing.

Did you make lasting relationships or connections?

Yes definitely! I made friends with people across grades, people I never would have had the opportunity to interact with. I have really enjoyed being a role model for underclassmen and looking up to older team members. It was awesome to have these people who were strangers to me before becoming close friends.

Would you recommend it as a service opportunity, and why?

Yes, it is so nice to get out and motivate other people, especially as someone who knows exactly what kind of support a runner wants before, during, and after a race. Building up your teammates and helping them be their best is incredibly rewarding. Also, I think it is super important to take part in a service project you are personally interested in because it makes you so much more driven and engaged. I don’t just recommend this specific service opportunity, but any opportunity you are passionate about, so you are intrinsically motivated to give all your efforts to your project. 

 

As a part of the Track team myself, I have seen firsthand the amazing effort and attitude that Amaya brings to every practice and race. Although I miss running with her, I know I speak for the team as a whole when I say that her coaching this season has been invaluable.

 

Interviewer: Mairéad, Grade 12 student