In the College of Education and Human Development, our students participate in a wide range of educational opportunities – both inside and outside of the classroom.
This holiday season, Kyle Delin, a student in the MS Athletic Training program, is engaging in the unique opportunity of working with the Radio City Rockettes! Keep reading to find out more about his Practicum experience:
Tell us a little about your Practicum experience. . .
“I am working with the Radio City Rockettes’ Athletic Training department under Madison Square Garden (MSG) Entertainment as their Athletic Training Student Associate. I will have this position for the entirety of the Christmas season while the Rockettes have their Christmas Spectacular show. Since I’ve been here, I have been working with other athletic trainers, physical therapists, and doctors since I’ve been here and have learned a lot from each of them. I’ve also been able to provide evaluation and treatments and prevention techniques for injuries to the performers that they may have sustained during rehearsals. While the show stars the Rockettes, they are not the only performers that I have been able to work with. There are over 100 cast members that I work with between the Rockettes, Ensemble, Singers, etc. Now, we are finalizing the show and have been opened to the public since November 17th. From this point on, I will be working with the other Athletic Trainers to cover the shows through the new year until close of show in January.”
What does a typical day look like in your Practicum experience?
“My typical day consists of reporting to Radio City Music Hall to complete pre-rehearsal/show treatments, covering run-throughs of the show/performances, complete post-rehearsal/show treatments. However, these next few weeks will be a bit different. This is because of a handful of appearances that the Rockettes will be having, from the Today Show to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I feel lucky enough to have the opportunity to either attend the appearance or attend the rehearsal preparations for the appearance on site.”
How did you find out about this opportunity?
“I learned about this opportunity through one of my professors, Dr. Ambegaonkar. He had received an email from an MSG employee regarding the position and had our program director, Dr. Mrs. Caswell, share it with everyone in the program. I originally did not believe I would get the position when I had applied but decided to take the chance. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview for the position with the creator of the department and my current mentors/preceptors. The whole process for getting the position, from application to interviews to receiving my offer, took about 4 months and I couldn’t feel any luckier.”
How has this experience shaped your interests/career plans?
“This experience has opened my eyes to the numerous possibilities for my career. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone and could see myself working in this type of setting, however, I also can see myself working in other settings as well, based on my experiences at my other practicum sites. At this point, it’s difficult to say where I would like my career to take me, but either way I know that I will be happy.”
“This experience has opened my eyes to the numerous possibilities for my career.”
Kyle Delin
What has been your favorite memory of Practicum so far?
“So far, my favorite memory that I have of my experience is seeing each of the parts of the show come together. I’ve been able to watch each of the numbers from initial rehearsal to nearly final product come together with choreography, props, stage elements, costumes, etc. and it’s been amazing to see.”
What advice can you share to students going into a new Practicum experience?
“For all students going into a new practicum experience, take the opportunity to learn as much as you can. New techniques, new methods, everything, and anything. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone does and it will be all right. Make sure to talk with your mentor/preceptor and listen to their feedback. No one is ever perfect, especially not during practicum experiences. This is the time to make mistakes and to learn. It can be nerve-racking and there will be times that you will be completely lost, but it will be okay and you will get through it. Believe in yourself, rely on what you’ve learned from your professors, but also be open to criticism and open to learning other methods/techniques that your mentors/preceptors may have to offer. Doing this will only make you a better professional.”
Are you engaging in an exciting Practicum or internship experience?
Let us know about it! Reach out to Communications Coordinator for Student and Academic Affairs, Anna Ondieki, at ahornber@gmu.edu with details about your upcoming or current opportunity.
