Not every student can add an internship with Disney’s Wide World of Sports to their resume. In fact, Southeast senior Andi Malick was one of only seven students from around the country chosen for a three-month summer internship program with the sports complex in Orlando.

Malick first became interested in the athletic training field while being treated by an athletic trainer after receiving a sports injury in high school.

“I participated in sports throughout my life, and I loved the sporting atmosphere and athletes,” she says. “I found the athletic trainer’s job to be interesting as well as rewarding. I really wanted to know more about how to evaluate injuries and help athletes get back into the game.”

She says her internship was a great opportunity.

“It was something that has helped me grow professionally as well as personally,” she says. “I was given a lot of responsibility at the Wide World of Sports, and that really helped boost my confidence level and put my knowledge to the test.  Under the supervision of a certified athletic trainer, I was responsible for the care of the athletes who were competing at the complex, and for keeping all the necessary documentation and helping keep the athletic training facility in order.”

Malick also feels her experience was important to her future success.

“I gained confidence, knowledge, patience, independence, communication and documentation skills, and so much more from this internship,” she says. “It helped me to believe in myself and realize what I am really capable of accomplishing.”

In addition to gaining professional skills and experience, Malick also gained new friendships.

“The other interns, my supervisors, and I are all now life-long friends,” she says. “All seven interns were from different states, but we bonded quickly, taught each other, had so much fun, and still keep in touch. The overall experience was so positive,” she added.

After graduation, Malick plans to pursue a master’s degree and eventually teach elementary children or practice athletic training at a high school.

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