Sophomore Sandra Nahhas has been playing basketball ever since second grade, but finding out that she couldn’t play basketball anymore was the most heartbreaking news she had heard. Due to heart conditions, Nahhas can no longer participate in many physical activities. In substitution of playing sports, she has dedicated her time to being a student trainer to keep herself involved in athletics.

Nahhas decided to become a student trainer at the beginning of her freshman year in order to stay involved in athletics during her off seasons. As a student trainer, you become involved with many of the sports teams and you also travel with certain teams in case any injuries occur on the road. Student trainers also help set up for any games, help students recover from injuries, and hand out uniforms.

Being a student trainer is a huge commitment, as you are required to go at least three days a week past 4:30 p.m.. Although the requirement is three days a week, Nahhas goes to the trainers every day after school and helps until at least 4:30pm because she enjoys it so much.

“I’m thinking about going into athletic training as a career and being a student trainer will really help me make this career choice work out,” Nahhas said.

Nahhas not only helps out with the sports teams but she also helps people individually get better if they are injured. Nahhas helps athletes who have had long term injuries or even injuries that have just occurred recover by doing rehab with them after school.

“Sandra follows up with me in and out of school and she always makes sure I continue working on getting my ankle better,” freshman Lidia Fakhoury said.

Nahhas has always loved sports, and she has been playing basketball and volleyball since middle school. Additionally, being a student trainer can really help to escape from personal issues going on. Nahhas says that being with the trainers truly does make her a better person, and she has grown relationships with people she never thought she would otherwise associate with. She truly feels as if the training staff is her second family, and they make her feel comfortable.

“Being a student trainer makes you feel like you belong because the staff is so welcoming. It’s a safe spot, I can get away from any problems and I am able to talk to them about anything,” Nahhas said.

Overall, being a student trainer has really changed Nahhas for the better. She is more open to conversation because she helps people she rarely ever speaks to. She has stepped out of her comfort zone and realized that this is what she loves to do.