Rylie Miller

     Being a sports medicine volunteer for the AIDS Lifecycle was an incredible experience that helped me improve in more ways than I expected. While I of course gained clinical experience and factual knowledge about common cycling injuries and evaluation techniques, I also gained confidence and learned how to be more of a leader.    

     

     During this week-long project, I definitely put myself out there in various uncomfortable situations for the sake of growth; whether it be trying to evaluate an injury, talking to strangers, or being immersed in a culture that is not prevalent in my everyday life.

    

     The money, time, and sleep sacrificed to participate in this event was well worth the many priceless things I gained such as friendships, networking opportunities, mentors, hands-on experience, memories, tolerance, sympathy, and amplified passion for sports medicine.

     

     I’ve learned that an important part of being a good leader is learning from others and humbling yourself enough to ask for help or for criticism.  I had the opportunity to work with sports medicine professionals and students from all over the country, and I took advantage of that opportunity by asking them for help and for advice on what I could do better as I treated my cyclists.

 

    In my rotations now, I have applied both the clinical and personal skills I developed on the AIDS Lifecycle. Doing so has helped me have the courage to take charge of various situations on the field/court or in the athletic training room. I am more willing to put myself outside of my comfort zone for the sake of growth and experience.