Mallory Gizowski '18

Major: Athletic Training


What made you choose this major?

I’ve been an athlete my entire life and I love being around sports. I knew I wanted to pursue this field because human anatomy is something that has always peaked my interest and the passion to learn more of how injuries are caused and how the body reacts when it is put under stress. Sports is just something I can’t seem to get away from and I’m so happy I chose to major in athletic training.

How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?

The material we’ve learned thus far is helping prepare for my future because what we learn in class and the hands-on experience we get is very practical to what my future job holds for me. My professors are preparing the students to take our Board of Certification so we can become certified and licensed. Not only are we learning about all the different sorts of injuries, we are also looking beyond that and focusing on pharmacology and all the systemic, skin disorders and medication we will see in our athletes.

What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?

When I was deciding to pick a college, I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school because I learn better by asking questions in class and having a good relationship with my professors and classmates. My class is a larger class size this year than previous years, but I think this too benefits students tremendously. In this field, we don’t just see the same person and body types every day. We experience and evaluate all sorts of people, and having a bigger class size allows us to learn from different people which we will see in our future career.

Being close and developing good relationship with professors is so beneficial. I was recently offered and accepted an internship at the University of San Diego. I couldn’t have done this without the help of my professors and the athletic trainers on campus. These professionals have guided me through the process and I’ve developed relationships with these mentors which will only enhance my overall career. Every professor I’ve had always knew me by first name in class and even when we would pass each other on campus. All the professors at Carroll University really make an effort to get to know each and every student’s name. Being at a smaller school allows professors to get to know their students and develop that relationship.

What’s one of the most unique experiences you’ve had relating to the coursework for your major?

The most unique experience I have encountered is working with cadavers. About every three weeks, we have our lab at the Michael and Mary Jaharis Science Laboratories. Depending on the chapter/body area we are learning about in class, we will study and look at the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, veins and arteries along with special tests we learned in class. By looking at some of the cadavers, we were able to see, for example what arthritis looks like as well as many other issues rather than looking at pictures in class and what the internet provides. It was something I have never experienced before and going into it, I was very nervous and hesitant.

How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person outside of the skills you’re learning in the classroom?

I’m a member of the women’s volleyball team, and being a part of the team introduced me to my best friend along with many other life-long friends and experiences. I was a little hesitant about playing as I was not sure if I was able to juggle my studies as well as work study in the Athletic Training Department and play a sport. It was important to me not to let it interfere with my education. However, all the coaches and professors are so understanding when it comes to being involved in your school and/or community. Being a student athlete is something I highly recommend. It teaches you to have good time management skills along with many responsibilities. Being a student-athlete introduced me to so many other student-athletes who all had the same passion and dedication as I did. There were many challenging and difficult weeks trying to balance out school and volleyball, but in the end it was such a great experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Why did you choose to attend Carroll University?

This school has brought so many lifelong friends, opportunities and amazing experiences. College isn’t meant to be easy, it takes a lot of studying and hard work to become successful, but with Carroll’s University’s reputation and the help they provide, it is something you will not regret.

Learn more about the Athletic Training program
 

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