Meet Tyler Otto, a first-year (A1) student of the Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program.
Name: Tyler Otto
Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Degree program: MAT
Graduation year: 2025
I want to pursue a career in athletic training to bridge a gap that I have seen and experienced between AT's and athletes. I have had great AT's and not so great AT's. In light of that, I think there has been a large disconnect in reference to the fact that an AT is actually there to help an athlete not just rule them out of the contest. Additionally, I want to inform more of the general public/athletic world about the value of an AT and what an AT actually does.
Although Drake's AT program is new in reference to others around the country, and I looked everywhere, I just did not see a level of investment made by any University like the investment I saw Drake making in their AT department. From facilities, to resources, to educational tools, nothing really compared. And I was actually shocked at how little other programs invested in their AT programs that have been around for decades. Additionally, I made a connection with the faculty right away. I felt as if this faculty both believed in me without ever meeting me in person and actually wanted to know who I was outside of education.
The power to teleport would be pretty sweet. A close second/third would be flying and superhuman strength. Just the ability to be able to go wherever you want whenever you want to do so would really take "finding time" out of the "I want to travel and see the world" situation.
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