Someone once said, "There are those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened."  I consider myself one of those rare people who really knows how to "make things happen."  I have gone from being a follower to being a leader, from being someone who was shy and uncertain to a person who is self-confident and assertive.  It has been a remarkable metamorphosis, and it has changed my future professional plans and personal goals. 
	The awakening of my independence happened during the end of my softball season my freshman year in college when my head coach had cut my scholarship because of lack of funding.  I was faced with making my first mature decision into what my future was to hold. The following year I transferred to Thomas College hoping to play ball again which did not materialize because there were not enough players recruited to start the softball program.  At Thomas College, I realized that I was going to school for the wrong reason -- to play ball.  The idea hit me that being at Thomas College was not going to get me where I wanted to go in life.   I then transferred to the University of Charleston, where I am presently.  I wanted to pursue a sport management degree, while using my athletic abilities to participate in softball. I have no regrets on the decisions I have made, because I would never be the person I am today or have met all of the key people along the way.
	Throughout my college career, I have attempted to learn as much as possible about the field of sports management through various work experiences with many different types of sports organizations.  Through my experiences with people in a minor league baseball association, fitness club, public relations department, athletic departments, and various recreation centers, I have had the opportunity to develop and hone my  communication and public relation skills in several different areas. These experiences have helped me gain a better understanding of my career goals in the sports industry.
	In addition to the time spent out in the field, my education at University of Charleston has further developed my skills and knowledge of sports management, specifically in the areas of marketing, promotions, public and media relations, and management.  I have also had the opportunity to be involved in various extracurricular activities that have provided me with the skills and knowledge that I have employed in my work experiences.  Many concepts that I have learned from these activities were not taught in the classroom, but were instilled through practical experiences.  As well, I feel being a participant in athletics has helped me to grow both personally and professionally.
	The variety of  field experience, ranging from a minor league baseball program to being a activities coordinator at a resort, to becoming a sports information assistant to my university has given me a full perspective of the broad spectrum of the sporting industry.  I aspire to a career in promotions in the sports industry because I enjoy meeting new people and having the opportunity to participate in sports, but most importantly the feeling of excitement I get right before a sports competition, is comparable to the feeling I get working behind the scenes preparing for a sporting event.  I truly enjoy coordinating the events that lead up to the main event.
	As I look toward my future in sports promotions/public relations, I believe one of my greatest assets will be associating with others.  Presently with my position of sport information assistant, relations with many varieties of groups of people (such as local media, acting as a liaison between departments at the University, sponsors, fans, students, and athletes)  is extremely important in order to maintain effective communication.  Through meeting new people, I believe one learns more about oneself, which ultimately helps one to understand and associate with other people better.  
	The people that have aspired me to apply to Ohio University's Sports Administration program, have graduated from OU.  Working with and for,  Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Jeff Boals, have helped me to understand where I can and could go by entering this program.  Also, two other employers that I have interned for are both alumni of the graduate sport administration program at OU:  Dr. Steven Rader, a former athletic director and currently the coordinator of an undergraduate sport management program, and Heath Brown, former General Manager of the Charleston Alley Cats.  I feel that Ohio University will assist in giving me the tools to make my career happen; therefore, I want the knowledge and experience I have gained through my classes, practical and professional experiences, and involvement in athletics, to secure me an interview.  Through my interview and credentials, you will see I can be a valuable asset to the Ohio University Sport Administration program.  I want to "make things happen" and I will.