Molly Kennedy, senior, was unsure about whether she wanted to go into athletic training or physical therapy, but when she did her ATP Sports Trainer internship, she became certain about going into sports training.

While on the fence of what you’re going to major in, an internship can make all the difference. Never having first hand experience, there is no way for seniors to know if they will really enjoy the career they are considering taking up.

“My major isn’t set to athletic training, but I’m going to switch it to that because I honestly didn’t know what it meant when I was signing up,” Kennedy said.

Woodland has our very own physical trainer, Kate Palm, who was Kennedy’s mentor. Kennedy committed to going every day after school until sometimes 7:30 pm for 3 weeks. Being there so often allowed her to have a very hands-on experience, and she practiced a lot of cupping, and other things that she could do without yet being certified.

A hands-on experience was really good for Kennedy

“It kept me entertained which is good because I get bored easily” Kennedy stated.

She realized that athletic training was much faster paced than physical therapy, and realized her true passion.

Kennedy wanted to work with sports related injuries rather than just fixing seniors’ knees over and over again. She was also able to observe the things she is not yet allowed to do by herself, and learn the processes.

She recommends underclassmen to do this internship.

“I definitely would, yeah, especially if they’re on the fence about it because it really gives you a yes or no answer.”

Kennedy’s internship has essentially shaped her future career path, and now she can say with confidence that she’s passionate about what she’s choosing to do.