In honor of Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month in May, NATA Now is highlighting some of our Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders at the state, district and national levels.
While getting treatment for her college sports injury, Zeny Eakins, ATC, CAA, developed an undying passion for athletic training.
“I was in the athletic training [facility] so much that I was able to observe the daily interactions the athletic trainer had with a variety of athletes,” Eakins said.
Eakins said she was in awe of how the medical professionals not only treated the injuries but also the person. She said she watched with utter admiration as the athletic trainers adapted to relate to different students and situations.
“I also loved the idea that no day is ever the same,” she said.
Having served on the Hawaii Athletic Trainers’ Association Foundation, HATA Governmental Affairs Committee, Far West Athletic Trainers’ Association Managing Board and now, the NATA Honors and Awards Council Athletic Trainer Service Award Panel, Eakins shares how her athletic training heart keeps beating as a volunteer leader in the profession.
In her following words, she delves into her journey and what fulfills her about volunteering.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer position with HATA was as the state representative to the Far West Athletic Trainers' Association. In all honesty, I was actually “volun-told” by a mentor. Initially, it was a daunting task as I was continuing the role of someone who had been a trailblazer in our athletic training organization. I had great mentors who encouraged me to use my perspective and my own experiences. As I learned more about the association and groups within the association, I found more and more ways I could contribute. Learning about the association was the catalyst to staying involved and continuing to volunteer.
Tell us about your current position as NATA Honors and Awards Council Athletic Trainer Service Award Panel member and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
I have had the opportunity to learn what members from different districts are doing for our profession at their local and state levels. Everyone’s journey of volunteerism is very different. Some people lend a specific talent and others add roles as their careers and professional organizations grow. I have learned that members doing the work at the grassroots level drives our membership and leadership forward. The panel has been working diligently to simplify the review process. I hope my contributions are impactful to its accomplishments. It is an honor to be part of the process that helps to recognize the hardworking members who continue to advance our profession.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Engagement begins when we see people who share our same identities and experiences. I hope each member sees a bit of themselves in our leadership. I feel continued volunteerism and investment in our organization are because our leaders are relatable. Our profession serves so many diverse populations in ever-expanding settings that we need different points of view to encourage a growth mindset as a community.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
After getting involved in my state association, I was able to see the bigger picture. I saw the impact of what others do on my behalf and for those around me. I’ve learned that giving back to the profession really means giving back to others. It’s about learning from those who came before you, helping those around you and setting a foundation for the athletic trainers who will come after you. Volunteering helps folks better understand how their organization works on behalf of its members, but more importantly, it gets members invested in their organization. Personally, volunteering gives me a sense of accomplishment. However small the act, it always feels good to contribute.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
I recently had the opportunity to coordinate a community event for my state association. Of course, colleagues helped to make the event happen. During the event, I was able to take a short pause and see a small portion of the athletic training community – the athletic training family we had created ourselves. Our community included our family members, former and current students and coaches and their extended families, coworkers and friends of friends of friends. Our paths together may be short, but our work and the relationships we foster surpass time and proximity. How humbling it was to see a small representation of the community’s love and support of athletic trainers.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
I am fortunate that helping with a project or assisting others was part of my upbringing and naturally part of the culture I am in. There is a proverb that says, “No task is too big when done by all.” Understand that contributing to your profession and your colleagues’ growth doesn’t begin with an elected or appointed committee title. Participate in your local meetings. Offer your perspective in conversations. Help with the community project. Assist your colleagues who are already involved in committees. Guide the next generation. Most importantly, be honest with yourself about the time and energy you can give.
