Emily D Willoughby ‘04

Athletic Training Major

willoughbyI am an athletic training major from Palermo, Maine, a small town about two hours north of the University of New England. I chose to major in athletic training because of all of the athletic experiences throughout my life.

I have been active in sports since I was a child, both playing and watching older family members. Fortunately, I did not experience any injury that would have given me experience with athletic trainers, but as I watched my sister's rehabilitation from an MCL/ACL injury, I realized that I'd found my calling. The human anatomy fascinated me, and my passion for athletics would not allow me to give them up. This major has allowed me to follow my two loves.

What I like best about my major is that I am still directly involved in sports, and dealing with the prevention and treatment of injuries is still fascinating for me. What I find special about UNE is that, rather than taking core classes for the first year or two and then getting involved in our major, we got started in our major first semester. You start out observing athletic trainers and other student athletic trainers from the very beginning.

I have also found that UNE is a great fit for me. A small school, it makes you feel comfortable knowing with whom you are interacting every day. The classes are small so participation is encouraged, and we know most of our professors on a more personal level. Of course, the ocean views and beach accessibility are a major bonus!

As I mentioned, we begin with clinical experiences in the first semester, and by the sophomore year, we are assigned to a site. There's nothing like the responsibility with which we are entrusted: if an athlete walks into the training room, we are encouraged to go to them and begin the initial evaluation. Every experience opens us to more questions, and each question gives us that much more knowledge.

I truly live by the quote, "A goal that is not written is nothing but a wish," and I have stated my goal numerous times. Once I have attained my bachelor's degree in athletic training, I plan to get my master's degree in an athletic training/athletic training-related program to better prepare myself for work in the professional athletic arena. I truly believe that UNE is giving me the resources that I will need to both sit for the NATA certification exam and get into the college that I wish to pursue my master’s.    
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