Final reflections - blackout
Today was my final day, a rather weird day also as there was a black out due to a storm outside. Throughout this time, there was no electricity in 7000 homes, no signal was working, and the players were in the pitch black. This was a first for me, we had to escort all the children to the corrode were there was SOME light and everyone had to be kept in one area. I thought it was appropriate to name my final thoughts blackout as it symbolized my final day here at Lakeland. It also taught me a lesson which, which was what to do in this situation. No one was allowed outside this was very important and the weather was dangerous, trees fell down and there were also car crashes. It was my first emergency situation!
Looking back at the mentorship and how it has aided my personal development has been very valuable. I have learnt how businesses are run and the costs involved. Something which I didn't initially consider is the bills: electricity for such a big venue, and paying for the water to water the courts for example. Another aspect of the business which I have come to take more notice of is the amount of people involved thus meaning the payrolls which have to be implemented.
In relation to my academic studies the Human rescuers aspect has been helpful. Learning when people get paid, that certain aspect of this is not discussed publicly. Who to go to if there are any issues. When I first arrived I was introduced who is who and shown where everything is kept, rules and regulations and how the club is ran. The quality of supervision with me mentor was excellent. We formed a good relationship, I felt comfortable to go to her is there was any problems but she also let me know if there was anything that needed to be adjusted or changed. When I first started this job I was interesting in becoming a tennis manager, this means looking after professional tennis players, organizing their schedule, their fitness and travel. Since being here and working for an academy my goal was to learn more about the american tennis system. This is something which I have gained much more knowledge in. Due to the different systems in England to America if i wanted to pursue my career in America I needed the required knowledge. By traveling to tournaments and and being in the general american tennis environment I have been able to do so. I still want to be able to presume this career however I have understood that, to be able to do this you need to be in a certain environment and that coaches tend to do this job. Therefore I would then have to be a traveling coach. As much as I enjoy traveling, doing this for a long period of time would be difficult, however it is something I would like to pursue. I Would also like to move open my own academy which has the same outlooks as Lakeland does. This would be in Brazil however.
To pass on any information to other interns who are looking to work in this position I would say... be tough. Coaching players of all ages for 4 hours in the afternoon is mentally hard. You have to love tennis and embrace everything. Being outside in 90 degree heat and playing which is a must at this club you need to be passionate. As I have played apt of tennis, I was working with the higher level players in the mornings and afternoons. This then meant that I had fitness and playing in the morning also. Some of the players play for 6 hours a day. You need to be able to keep them motivated but also yourself. Overall this has been an amazing experience for me and enjoyed every 200 hour of it!
