Wait a minute, that is mine! Being the gentleman I am, it was cold out so I let her sport that....but first, not without proper representation! Dilla says "Go!"
Thursday, March 26, 2009
East Texas loves Dilla
JJ rocking the Dilla hoody! I have no idea what turf she's is throwing up, but I want that hoody!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Rotation - IV
Emergency Room/Ambulance ride-out
The ER is an enjoyable clinical rotation because it is as close to real-time action as we are going to get during our first year. Arguably the Physician Assistant rotations are comparable, but the ER and ambulance gets the edge, in terms of real-time involvement and interaction, while the PA rotations are beneficial because of the practical knowledge gained, and its immediate use in the classroom.
I personally find the ambulance ride-outs to be more pleasant than the ER. Watching the EMT’s work is quite fascinating. In some ways it is similar to the work of an Athletic Trainer, in their abilities to process situations and the information being given to them, decision making, and communication with patients through question asking.
My time there was diversified with various events happening from kids playing with fireworks, heart attacks, to a double homicide, which I tearfully missed. The Monday I was there had already been a quiet day, and it just continued through the night, which according to the men and women there was a “good thing.” We began with a few transfers, where the ambulance provides complimentary rides back home for discharged patients. We traveled some distance to the outskirts of town and instead of heading back to central station (Nacogdoches Memorial); we stayed at the South Station Firehouse where I got the chance to hang with some firemen. They noticed my SFA Sports Medicine shirt and we talked about…yep, you guessed it, SFA Sports.
The following day, there was a new EMT who had just found out he passed his licensing/certification (?) which made him a full-EMT, if that is the correct term, so he was being congratulated and being given a hard time from the veterans of the group. After all the excitement and energy subdued, there was a call about a woman, who according to the EMT’s was a “regular,” experiencing severe chest pains and thought to be having a heart attack. As we approached the housing community where she lived, the ambulance stopped as we had to wait for the police escort into the facility. I thought that was interesting as someone could be dying at the moment, yet, our safety doesn’t trump hers, but is just as important. There may be other reasons as to why that is, which I talked with the EMT about later that evening, but I didn’t think too much into it. They basically gave me the explanation that since there are sometimes a lot of children around, especially with there being a middle school next door, they tend to cut the sirens and hopefully preventing a crowd from gathering, and the police helps with that effort. Gotcha! They later joked about the projects being not as scary as some other parts of East Texas. This is when one of the EMT’s proceeds to tell me about the small-town communities off the loop, where the locals don’t wear shoes, and have been known to walk around on all-fours. The EMT’s continued to say, “Now in those places, we definitely need the police escorts!” When we got back to the ER, the woman was treated for ulcers on her hands and problems unrelated to heart attack signs and symptoms.
The very next day was the much-heard double homicide involving four men in what seemed to be a bad drug deal. The EMT’s gave me all the details and were very distinct in their descriptions. I am unsure if I would have wanted to witness that, but the story was definitely intriguing as this one man was outnumbered and took on three other armed men. The EMT’s speculated whether the victim was a former soldier of some sorts, because the fashion in which he took out one of the other men, and because of the army-issued weapons and knives that were found at the scene. It must have been a wild sight.
Overall, this was a very fun rotation. I think the best way to sum it up is with the words of most of the EMTs, “you just really never know.” I think I learned more about people and interaction than practical and useful stuff directly related to Athletic Training.
The ER is an enjoyable clinical rotation because it is as close to real-time action as we are going to get during our first year. Arguably the Physician Assistant rotations are comparable, but the ER and ambulance gets the edge, in terms of real-time involvement and interaction, while the PA rotations are beneficial because of the practical knowledge gained, and its immediate use in the classroom.
I personally find the ambulance ride-outs to be more pleasant than the ER. Watching the EMT’s work is quite fascinating. In some ways it is similar to the work of an Athletic Trainer, in their abilities to process situations and the information being given to them, decision making, and communication with patients through question asking.
My time there was diversified with various events happening from kids playing with fireworks, heart attacks, to a double homicide, which I tearfully missed. The Monday I was there had already been a quiet day, and it just continued through the night, which according to the men and women there was a “good thing.” We began with a few transfers, where the ambulance provides complimentary rides back home for discharged patients. We traveled some distance to the outskirts of town and instead of heading back to central station (Nacogdoches Memorial); we stayed at the South Station Firehouse where I got the chance to hang with some firemen. They noticed my SFA Sports Medicine shirt and we talked about…yep, you guessed it, SFA Sports.
The following day, there was a new EMT who had just found out he passed his licensing/certification (?) which made him a full-EMT, if that is the correct term, so he was being congratulated and being given a hard time from the veterans of the group. After all the excitement and energy subdued, there was a call about a woman, who according to the EMT’s was a “regular,” experiencing severe chest pains and thought to be having a heart attack. As we approached the housing community where she lived, the ambulance stopped as we had to wait for the police escort into the facility. I thought that was interesting as someone could be dying at the moment, yet, our safety doesn’t trump hers, but is just as important. There may be other reasons as to why that is, which I talked with the EMT about later that evening, but I didn’t think too much into it. They basically gave me the explanation that since there are sometimes a lot of children around, especially with there being a middle school next door, they tend to cut the sirens and hopefully preventing a crowd from gathering, and the police helps with that effort. Gotcha! They later joked about the projects being not as scary as some other parts of East Texas. This is when one of the EMT’s proceeds to tell me about the small-town communities off the loop, where the locals don’t wear shoes, and have been known to walk around on all-fours. The EMT’s continued to say, “Now in those places, we definitely need the police escorts!” When we got back to the ER, the woman was treated for ulcers on her hands and problems unrelated to heart attack signs and symptoms.
The very next day was the much-heard double homicide involving four men in what seemed to be a bad drug deal. The EMT’s gave me all the details and were very distinct in their descriptions. I am unsure if I would have wanted to witness that, but the story was definitely intriguing as this one man was outnumbered and took on three other armed men. The EMT’s speculated whether the victim was a former soldier of some sorts, because the fashion in which he took out one of the other men, and because of the army-issued weapons and knives that were found at the scene. It must have been a wild sight.
Overall, this was a very fun rotation. I think the best way to sum it up is with the words of most of the EMTs, “you just really never know.” I think I learned more about people and interaction than practical and useful stuff directly related to Athletic Training.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
25 Random Things....yada yada ya
25 Random things you +
don't know +
want to learn +
thought you knew +
heard +
feared was true +
about me.
2. I think everyone's role model are their parents by default. Therefore, the person (non-related) I look up to the most is a man named Wayne Kitchen. Simply put, if not for him I would not be in the position I am today. He is the former Director of Cal-State Hayward's Upward Bound program, and has had the most influence on me.
3. In 2007 I had three different people (all peers) genuinely tell me they admired me, and looked up to me, and I really valued that.
4. My best friend Kwesi is getting married in 2010. Other than getting my Master's degree 1 month later, that is hands down the biggest thing I am looking forward to in the near future. I have been best friends with him and one other guy for 12 years this July. I consider them both my brothers.
5. I can't remember the last time I've been under 200lbs. Right now I am 5'11" 225lbs. and I feel good as ever. A lot of that is muscle because I am stronger than I have ever been, too. And my body has never been as cardio-efficient as it is now. Yes, everybody say "cardio-efficient"
6. I cried during President Barack Obama's Election Night speech. I secretly only moved to Texas to help in the efforts to get him elected. Haha I told someone that once, and although I soon mentioned it was just a joke, I think that person still believes me to this day =)
7. I think anyone who tries to act hard while in college is a fraud! A wanksta, if you will. You are f*cking up the game, wanksta! Real thugs are out banging and don't have 8:00am class in the morning. Just be yourself. How can you getcha thug on, but be in college? You can't.
8. I stopped watching BET and MTV about 3 years ago. Thank goodness for digital cable which carries channels/shows for specific targeted groups, and not just sheep who believe everything they see or hear. I remember when VH1 was considered only for old people...you probably think I'm old just for saying that
9. I think a lot of people are naive, and truly have no clue as to what exactly is going on around them, and, often in front of their own very eyes. I think a lot of people are satisfied being told what to believe. It's hard to think for yourself sometimes, but it is necessary, in order to have meaningful discussions.
10. After reading #9, the thing I admire most about people is their ability to be an individual. I have always been an individual. As soon as too many peole beging to do something - I stop. I used to wear a lot of Triple 5 Soul, used to rock braids/cornrows, listen to certain music, etc., but when the bandwagon got too full, I got off at the next stop. I guess you can argue that those were phases in my life, but I would argue against that. However, there are some things that are just too good to stop loving, regardless of the number of people who jumps aboard.
11. Kinda going along with the individualism theme, I cannot come to understand why soooo many people (girls) rock Coach bags, with Coach shoes, Coach sweaters, sunglasses, earrings, etc. Oh lord, you can see the most unpolished person in the streets jeans, flip flops, and white t-shirt, and almost always expect to see a Coach bag, like the bag just goes with every outfit, and completes everything they're trying to accomplish. I'm not trying to offend, but it's pretty nauseating.
12. The reason I am never stressed is because I have already gone through the most toughest, most distressful, times of life. This is the easy stuff now. Ask the people who have known me the longest and they will say that cannot remember a time of me "snapping" or "losing it."
13. The first instrument I learned was the alto saxophone which I played for 2 years, and was first-chair in my high school orchestra for two years. Then I picked up the piano, and the rest is history.
14. I think a person can be too smart for their own good. Once you start overanalyzing and thinking too hard, I think the message gets muddled through all those metaphors and similies and brain processing activity which eventually leads to another question...which eventually leads to another question, and then another, and then....
15. Whenever I go online, there are (4) websites I absolutely must visit. In no particular order http://sfgate.com, http://huffingtonpost.com, http://mail.yahoo.com, http://bankofamerica.com.
16. In 1999, I created a website called Tha FreakStylaz Board, which is essentially a huge message board where writers/emcees submitted and posted their work, only to be critiqued and and reviewed by other emcees. This year August 12, 2009 will be the 10th Anniversary. I never quite figured out how to generate revenue off it. This site isn't mentioned in #15 because it's a given ;-) Also another interesting fact about this is I never even owned a computer until last year (2008)!
17. I believe only boring people, get bored. When I was little, I never had shit to do, and was tired of feeling that way. So, I just learned a bunch of things that would occupy my time. Everyday, my older brother and I stayed home alone while my mom was at work, and there just wasn't shit to do. So I learned piano, write poetry/raps, read books, moved furniture, watched the news (we didn't have cable), styled my hair, played stickball, memorized and wrote out lyrics to songs, flip through Eastbay magazines, cleaned toilets, watched Jeopardy, did push ups, folded clothes, learned to DJ, re-laced my shoes, all kinds of stuff - just so I wouldn't be bored. I This may explain my cleanliless habits now haha
18. The first "movie moment" (you know the type of thing you "once saw in a movie") of my life came in 1997 when I was in 7th grade, and I dated this girl whose parents didn't exactly approve of her dating, and we were getting "close" in her parents house one afternoon, when she heard them return home from wherever they were. Luckily her friend was in the living room and was able to stall them. So I jumped out of the window and sprinted down the block, glad to still have my life. They later found out all about what happened and about 1 month later we split. I think the ruined window screen, shrubs and bushes outside the window, tipped them off.
19. My "brush with death" came two years prior when a kid in my complex was really drowning in the 6ft-deep end of the pool, and I jumped in to try to save him, and instead ended up almost being drowned myslef. Once I got ahold of him, he climbed on my back and kicked me underneath the water, and all I remember is seeing the light from the sun, from under water, and seeing legs, arms, and bubbles, everywhere, and waking up on the side of the pool hyperventilating. Turns out someone else jumped in and got him off of me, and I pulled myself from the water, and passed out. There was no supervision.
20. I sacrificed a lot, I mean A LOT, of fun, to make my mom happy, because I had a feeling it would dissappoint her. She once told me, "it's a sin to make your mother cry," and I still believe her today. She also told me when I was in kindergarten, "if I didn't wear my glasses, I would be blind in 2 years," and she TWICE locked herself out of the car and called the Fire Dept. saying, "she locked her baby in the car," so they would come faster. Wild, but true! That last one sooooo puts things into perspective.
21. My 1-yr older brother and I didn't truly become "close," until he moved out. Prior to that, we had an okay relationship. I think if I was ever in trouble, he would have my back and the same for me, but other than that, we weren't that cool
22. My longest relationship was 2 years during high school. Very unique relationship it was. The closest I've ever come to that was 8 months.I like a variety of types of women so I usually don't categorize the specific characteristics. But I will fall in love with a woman who wears glasses, plays basketball, is passionate about something, understands herself, fashionable, as comfortable at night as she is in the day ;-) and can dance! A little bit of self-steem, wouldn't hurt...j/k
23. The four years I spent studying at the Univ of San Francisco was hands-down the best four years of my life! I enjoyed everything about it, and I am so thankful for the people I met, things I learned, and to have gone their and survived. It is actually true what they say about "learning more outside the classroom" than inside, because the people I met, and things I learned, helped me to become the influential person I am today. College was truly the bridge from childhood to adulthood. I left college with an entirely differenet outlook on "how life should be lived," than what I originally believed.
24. I would describe myself as artisitc. I certainly appreciate academics and smart people, but I think the truly amazing folks are those who make us laugh, smile, cry, and laugh some more, admire, grow, love, and all those other emotions and sentiments you feel when your eyes open wide, jaw drops, and knod with approval
25. It would be nice to be married with children...someday. I think too many folks fall victim to the idea of having to be married and beginning families, as if that is what will validate their successes and happiness. There are plenty of people who are perfectly happy (or at least they say they are) single and without kids, or one of the two. I think there are benefits to both but ultimately, everybody wants to be loved. Same thing goes for home ownership versus renting. This all goes back to #9, 10, and 11 - about people not thinking for themselves, and just believing the whole notion that "if everyone else says you must own a home, get married, and have kids," then it must be good. Not asking you to think, just use your head
I know I am late with this whole 25 Random Things... list, but thank God I finally finished it. It's been lamping on my Treo for weeks
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
This one is for Dilla
As seen on Dilla fans everywhere...
Snapping photos suprising folks
Still not ready, lemme find my pose
Making sure I'm fresh
Baby why you all up on me??!? Haha having too much fun
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Rotation III - Softball
Alright. So here's the deal, everyone is saying 'what a lucky guy I must be' because my last rotation, which was softball, was practically on-the-road the entire time, and as a Level I graduate student, I am not allowed to travel with them. During the scheduled two-week rotation (excluding weekends), I spent a total of six days with the team, which were all practices, and consequently equates to time away from the sport. That is just not the case. I really wanted to see this team play! The main reason I wanted to see this team in action is because they have one of the most relaxed practices I have ever witnessed, and I wanted to see if that transcended onto the playing field. I know they are currently under .500, but they did suprisingly knock off a nationally-ranked Texas A&M team, and boldly exceuted this in the Aggies' own house! I mean, they went whole hog on 'em.
As for the clinical rotation itself, I very much enjoyed my time there. The Level II graduate student assigned is Donyelle, and there is also an undergraduate student assigned to this sport, Katie. So between two other coaches and I, there were three males around the entire time. That certainly did not bother me. The Clinical Instructor is Jana, who is a 2nd year Graduate Assistant with SFA. This was Jana's first time being a Clinical Instructor, and I was her lucky first subject. Knowing this information, I entered this rotation with no expectations, mainly because I had nothing to go off of, like prior students detailing her personality. What I liked about Jana right from the beginning is that she actually quizzed me on injuries, anatomy, rehab, and treatment options! I loved that! Never before has a Clinical Instructor done that. Jana was also good in explaining her other duties with softball that are not necessarily relevant to athletic training. Such duties as hotel information, food, and travel. She opened my eyes to the many responsibilities an athletic trainer may have to be well-versed in. Additionally, she was well prepared in having her staff prepared. Everything is always much better when everyone is on the same page and her student athletes seemed to know their roles and procedures. I can definitely see that in her personality.
What I did not like is that I was unable to talk about anything related to classwork, for example, proficiency testing/practicing unless it was scheduled 24 hours in advance. That, I did NOT understand! For instance, there was one particular time when it was super dead in the training room, and there was one softball athlete recieving treatment. Jana's own words were, "wow, it must be a slow day today," and I, seeking opportunity and taking initiative (because that is my biggest complaint on my evaluations), asked politely, "well since it is slow, do you think we can practice some head/neck stuff?," and her response was a swift "no, schedule it." Okay. And some variation of this happened two other times, one where an athlete was recieving a paraffin treatment and I asked if I do it, can I count this as a practice? Answer was a "no, schedule it 24 hours in advance." That is fine, I understand it is your rotation/sport and you manage it however you want. I mean, I would manage it the way I wanted, also! But the line between unreasonable and overmuch, here - is thin.
I liked the rotation because the players really seem to enjoy Jana, she knows her stuff, and she does not interact with them like they are elementary children. And this in turn, meant the players treated me and the other student trainers with apropriateness and respect. This probably reflects some of the coaches' personality as well. But without reading into all of that, softball definitely is a cool rotation. I really appreciated Jana asking me questions regarding injuries and athletic training related things, because afterall, we are here to learn.
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