Social Media Does Work!

     In today's society, how prevalent is the role of social media?  In your specific field of expertise, has social media changed how things are done? Whether it be interactions between friends, marketing purposes, or networking with colleagues, social media has affected the world in such a significant way that it is difficult  to believe that we ever lived without Blogs, Twitter, or Facebook. It seems that social media has become second nature to people of all ages.

     In the world of Kinesiology, specifically baseball, social media has opened up a wealth of opportunities for me that I was previously unaware of. Before this semester, I had never blogged or even looked at Twitter. The only form of social media I had experienced was Facebook (Myspace as well but that was in the eighth grade). Once I was acquainted with Twitter and blogging at the beginning of this semester, I realized what huge opportunities they both provide for my professional career. Not only does everyone in our class have a Twitter account but the majority of the players/coaches in minor league baseball have one as well. This allows me to interact with them constantly throughout the year, allowing for potential new opportunities within the game. I will be aware of any and all activity that comes about throughout the off-season. 

     I have also come to realize that almost every company that exists in the entire world is active on Twitter. There have been many instances where I have followed companies in hopes to get in contact with them and possibly land a job with them one day.

     Social media today has become a cornerstone for marketing and networking, it will surely be an important part of the workforce for many years to come.

Gangnam Style: Social Media & Athletic Recruiting

    The distribution of information made possible by social media can be highly influential in aiding in the course of a person’s professional career, especially as an amateur athlete. Instantaneous transmission of visual information may be the means by which many athletic opportunities arise.  Exposure creates the highest possibility in landing a place to play at the next level whether it be at the collegiate or professional level.  Social networks such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter have created unobstructed pathways for providing vital visual information to scouts and professional organizations looking for quality athletes. 

    My athletic career may have been very different if Social Media had been available.  In my personal experience, the downfall to attending a small 2A high school in Texas was the lack of exposure.  If you were good and made the daily newspaper week-to-week during season, your success was visible to everyone in the town who read the paper; in my case, approximately 4,000 people.  Yet, when searching for a place to play collegiate ball, the coaches would ask for a highlight video so that they could see you in action.  Providing video to the college coaches required making a disc with a compilation of playing time and “snail-mailing” it, instead of simply recording an adequate amount of good performance and pushing the “upload” button.  The social networks were not as prevalent then as they are today. If smart-phones had been readily available and synced with Social Media networks during my stint in high school, I feel that my collegiate career would have been greatly enhanced.    

    Although my collegiate baseball career is coming to an end, a crucial turning point regarding my professional career is right around the corner.  Baseball is a cut-throat business; utilizing social networks will optimize my chances of landing a position on a professional roster.  If scouts are able to see consistency in my athletic performance then they may be more likely to make me a part of their program. Uploading my highlight videos on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other social networks may have a tremendous positive impact on my future; however, nothing will replace the necessity to perform with excellence on a daily basis.

    Technology has made it possible for many athletes to achieve desired goals via ease of information through social networks.  With the right information in front of the right individual, the possibilities of career advancement may become endless.  May this blog topic be a reminder to use the tools that are readily available to assist you in your ongoing pursuit of excellence. 

Twitter Fans --- FOLLOW US!!!

Do you Tweet?   If so, join our Social Media efforts by FOLLOWING US on Twitter.   What a great way to get a quick daily dose of interesting Kinesiology facts!!!   We would love to FOLLOW YOU as well...let's TWEET UP all things Kinesiology...join the team and show your STRENGTH WITHIN!!!

www.twitter.com/@TSU_KINE_Master

LIKE US on Facebook

Please support our Social Media efforts ... LIKE US on Facebook!   This is a great way to follow our day to day posts about all of the happenings in the Kinesiology Graduate Program at Tarleton State University.  

www.facebook.com/TSUKineGradProgram

Digital Storytelling

The Kinesiology graduate students at Tarleton State University are incredibly creative and excel when asked to think 'outside the box'. Tasked with developing a fresh way to showcase the leadership qualities that our program embraces and expects resulted in this powerful video. Thanks to Colt Molloy & Miguel Ramirez for demonstrating their STRENGTH WITHIN ... these gentlemen are outstanding leaders!

Success Story --- Clinical Exercise Physiology

Kyle Armstrong, Clinical Exercise Physiologist / Research Associate, received his B.S. in Kinesiology at Tarleton State University and then moved to Pennsylvania to study Exercise Physiology at East Stroudsburg University where he completed his M.S. degree. Kyle is employed at the Cerebrovascular Function Laboratory with the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine (Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital – Dallas). An avid learner, Kyle will be graduating with his M.Ed. in Kinesiology at Tarleton State University in December 2012. 

SUCCESS STORY

Kolin Styles (TSU '12) is the Track & Cross Country Coach at Pantego Christian Academy in Arlington.   Coach Styles has been actively involved in coaching athletes for many years and regularly competes in road races and marathons.  He will serve as an excellent role model as he recently won the Cowtown Marathon and qualified for the New York City Marathon.  Coach Styles is a true professional who displays his STRENGTH WITHIN while going the distance!   Way to go, Kolin ... the TSU Kinesiology Graduate Program is proud of your accomplishments!

Elite Class --- Obtaining the Master's Degree

Did You Know --- In 2009, the United States Census Bureau reported that less than 8% of Texans (and less than 9% of Americans) have obtained an Advanced Degree such as a Master's or Doctoral degree.   That is a strong indicator that our KINE Graduate Students are LEADERS in their profession.   These students are among the elite class of individuals who have worked so diligently to become the very best!    As Michelangelo, the famous Renaissance sculptor and painter, so eloquently stated The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.

Hats off to our Kinesiology Graduate Students for always aiming high AND hitting the mark!   There is STRENGTH WITHIN that fuels the professional passion and drive of our Tarleton students. 

 

Success Story

Will Kaing (TSU '11) has just accepted a job as an Outreach Specialist at Tarleton State University's Metroplex Center in Fort Worth.   A fitness fanatic, Will conducted research on herbal supplements and completed a thesis titled: Tribulus Terrestris: A Study of Its Effects on Strength, Body Composition, and Cardiovascular Health.    Fitness, health, wellness, and reaching out to future TSU students ... now that is Strength Within!