Camille Cole is no stranger to blood, sweat and tears. She is a senior with a major in exercise science, a concentration in athletic training and a minor in Spanish. Last summer, she received at an extremely competitive internship and spent her time working with the Pittsburgh Steelers football team as an athletic training student. Additionally, she completed a study abroad program in Peru emphasizing medical Spanish. She hopes to put that knowledge to use after graduation working as an athletic trainer for a Spanish-speaking football team and pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy.
Hometown:
Marietta, Georgia
High School:
Sprayberry High School
Degree objective:
B.S. in exercise science with a concentration in athletic training and a minor in Spanish
Expected graduation:
December 2006
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
I was a presidential scholar for three semesters, and I made the dean’s list for five semesters. I am also a Jim Gallaspy Student Leader SEATA (Southeastern Athletic Training Association) Scholarship Recipient.
Current Employment:
I am currently an athletic trainer, which is an unpaid job and great time commitment. I am also a tutor at the Rankin Smith Academic Center. Last year, I tutored classes in Health, Introduction to Athletic Training and Human Anatomy and Physiology.
I chose to attend UGA because…
Unlike many other incoming freshmen, I knew what I wanted my major to be even before stepping foot on campus. The reputation of the athletic training program and the sports medicine team at UGA was fabulous. I knew that I wanted to be a part of that success and receive the best education possible.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
…to workout at Ramsey and relax on North Campus. As an exercise science major, I rarely have classes on North Campus, so its nice to see another side of campus and relax.
When I have free time, I like…
…shopping, working out and reading. I also enjoy spending time with other CaribSA (Caribbean Student Association) members thinking up new ways to improve CaribSA, to promote Caribbean unification on campus and to expose our culture on campus.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
…working with the Pittsburgh Steelers this summer. I never thought I would ever work in such a prestigious position and be a part of the medical team. I realized how important the medical staff is to each player’s livelihood.
My favorite place to study is…
…Cups or Hot Corner because I like the atmosphere of a coffee shop and, unlike studying at home, I find it easier to focus and study in these places.
My favorite professor is…
…Dr. Micheal Ferrara. He is a very encouraging and caring professor.
With such rigorous schedules, athletic training students tend to become
discouraged, but Dr. Ferrara is our antidote and always picks us up when
we are on our way to falling down. Regardless of my situation, he is
always willing to help or find a way to get the problem solved. Dr.
Ferrara has made a genuine difference in my career as an athletic training
student and given me a drive to accomplish what others say I can’t.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…Harriet Tubman or Nanny (a Jamaican national hero). Both were strong women and trailblazers fighting against slavery during their times. They made a difference and a change in a male-dominated society. I have many dreams of accomplishing feats in roles not yet held by women in the world of athletic training and sports medicine. I would love to draw from their strength and knowledge to be able to accomplish my goals in life.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…love to be the athletic trainer for a Spanish-speaking soccer team. I would be able to speak spanish, have a career I loved and be one of the first women in a position like that.
After graduation, I plan to…
…travel and then pursue my doctorate in physical therapy.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
…Medical Spanish Study Abroad in Peru. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have had in my entire career at UGA. I was able to make new friends and learn more about a culture and profession than I could from any textbook or Web site. It solidified my drive to be a healthcare professional and spend part of my career helping nations less fortunate than the U.S. I would do it all over again, and I recommend a study abroad program to all the students at UGA.