Summary: <br> As a single mom AT you have to make a lot of sacrifices. Dr. Erin Hassler has gathered a few friends to share their stories.<br> <br> <br> <br> <a href="https://sportsmedicinebroadcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Single-Mom-AT.png"></a><br> <br> <br> <br> Dr. Hassler, start us off with your story of getting into AT.<br> <br> <br> <br> Went to school in Atlanta and always playing some sort of sport.<br> <br> <br> <br> When I got to college I put the two together.<br> <br> <br> <br> The 1996 Atlanta Olympics<br> <br> <br> <br> Currently a teacher<br> <br> <br> <br> Own SportzFactory<br> <br> <br> <br> Own a non-profit<br> <br> <br> <br> Work with Olympic Track and field<br> <br> <br> <br> Teach adjunct online<br> <br> <br> <br> Paula - <br> <br> <br> <br> 20 years out of college and 28 years in AT world<br> <br> <br> <br> I started as an aide at 13 years old<br> <br> <br> <br> I hated PE and tried to find my way out of it.<br> <br> <br> <br> As a cheerleader, I jumped down the stairs and had to visit <br> <br> <br> <br> First 5 years I was at a private school and then after school stuff<br> <br> <br> <br> After that I became the sports performance coordinator.<br> <br> <br> <br> I loved being part of the team and celebrating and getting better.<br> <br> <br> <br> It was neat as a high school student to understand the psychological pressures<br> <br> <br> <br> Chakaia - <br> <br> <br> <br> Athlete with a lot injuries<br> <br> <br> <br> My high school AT taught me a lot <br> <br> <br> <br> Tennessee state for undergrad<br> <br> <br> <br> Fell in love, got engaged, had a baby, we split and went our separate ways<br> <br> <br> <br> I knew it was time for me to complete my schooling.<br> <br> <br> <br> Te Shondra -<br> <br> <br> <br> Born and raised in Florida and I was into sports.<br> <br> <br> <br> A close family friend was the AT and she became my ride to and from school.<br> <br> <br> <br> I was active but always found a way to help in with AT.<br> <br> <br> <br> Went to school in South Carolina<br> <br> <br> <br> Was married for about 7 years and moved back to Florida.<br> <br> <br> <br> About year 7 or 8 we were pregnant and about that time he bailed<br> <br> <br> <br> I did not make the adjustment until my daughter was at an age where she needed more hands-on for competitive practices.<br> <br> <br> <br> When did the kid(s) come into the picture?<br> <br> <br> <br> Tell me about your Tribe:<br> <br> <br> <br> Co-workers that all started at the same time and were in similar situations.<br> <br> <br> <br> These are the emergency contacts for my daughter<br> <br> <br> <br> Now I have my “mommy squad” that I have met through my daughter.<br> <br> <br> <br> Being willing to pick up and drop off your friend’s kids and it is reciprocal.<br> <br> <br> <br> You need someone to celebrate and sorrow with.<br> <br> <br> <br> Dr. Hassler - I do not call myself a single mom<br> <br> <br> <br> I do not label myself as a single mom so that it does not look like I am missing a piece.<br> <br> <br> <br> “You do not need to try to make up for someone else”<br> <br> <br> <br> K - I am a thinker and a planner. I will manage my emotions, but sometimes that is at the end or the process.<br> <br> <br> <br> I have to let someone else help me<br> <br> <br> <br> Advice for K<br> <br> <br> <br> Let your story show your passion and desire<br> <br> <br> <br> Build your network now<br> <br> <br> <br> Reach out to everyone you know.<br> <br> <br> <br> Know the presence the ATs have in the area.<br> <br> <br> <br>
