|
News  |
|
|
|
Staff member finds balance between coaching and event planning
As student events coordinator and head coach of the softball team, Meadow McWhorter finds herself making fond memories
The Advocate
Meadow McWhorter has been coaching softball at MHCC for seven years, but her new duties in the College Center are giving her a new perspective on working here.
McWhorter, the head softball coach, is in her first year as student events coordinator — and says she loves it.
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
“One thing I love about this position is it challenges me everyday,” McWhorter said. “You have different tasks each day. You don’t know what each day is going to bring. You have to roll with the punches.”
This requires certain qualities, according to McWhorter.
When she first applied for the position, she thought, “This is the most perfect position for me.”
McWhorter said, “I’m a positive person. I think that’s one of the most important qualities in this position.” McWhorter also tries to be open-minded and creative.
“I’m a very motivated person. This job is a very busy position. There’s so much reward in this position and that’s what makes it addicting.”
While blending the two jobs might seem hectic, McWhorter said there is little conflict.
“Thankfully, they’ve kind of balanced themselves out.”
Most of the team’s practices are in the evening and the games are on weekends, while McWhorter does most of her work during the day.
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
“When I first came to this position, I really thought there was going to be this difference, but really it’s inspiring,” McWhorter said. “I work to inspire my student-athletes and I work to inspire the students I work with on a daily basis at the College Center.”
McWhorter is coaching in the very program she was a part of while attending MHCC.
“I enjoy watching my student athletes grow and it’s amazing the transformation they make in two years,” McWhorter said. “I love what I do so much (and love) watching them love what they do.”
Despite the differences between coaching and being student events coordinator, McWhorter finds many similarities.
“I always have to handle the different situations and go into ‘coach mode,’” McWhorter said. “The adviser role and the coach role, they’re so similar.”
According to some of the students she works with, McWhorter is truly a mentor.
“She’s amazing,” Director of Student Activities Board Heather Nichelle-Peres said. “She’s dedicated to us; she’s also dedicated to helping us.”
Director of Diversity Rae Peres said, “The more I got to know her (McWhorter), the more I felt connected. I was able to go to her with things of a personal nature. You know that she’s listening to you.”
With the end of the year approaching, McWhorter is looking toward next year while reflecting on her first.
“They always say your first year is your most memorable year. I’ve enjoyed the event planning and watching my students start with this seed of an idea and go with it,” McWhorter said. “Those are things I’m going to look back on with fond memories and smile.”
With this in mind, McWhorter looks to the future.
“One thing I’m looking forward to next year is making it my own (and) getting involved in different processes,” McWhorter said. “It’s going to be exciting to see how things come full circle.”
In a way, things have already come full circle for McWhorter, now an employee at her alma mater. She said, “When I interviewed, something I made clear was how much I love Mt. Hood.
“The campus, the faculty, the staff. We are so lucky to work here. I felt lucky to go to school here,” McWhorter said. “I am so proud of this school.”