EP76: GIVER with Jared Oluwek, Assistant Athletic Trainer, Kansas State University

Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks

About the Guest:

Jared Oluwek is an accomplished athletic trainer with a passion for sports and wellness. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Jared's journey has taken him through various states and academic institutions. He pursued an undergraduate degree in exercise science, followed by a stint in personal training, and later transitioned to business. His dedication to health and fitness led him to a Master’s in Athletic Training at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, where he was awarded the MAT Values Ambassador for exemplifying core values such as excellence and servant leadership. Following some professional setbacks at Arizona State, Jared now serves as an assistant athletic trainer for track and field at Kansas State University, where he continues to make significant strides in his field.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of "Becoming UnDone," we embark on a journey with Jared Oluwek, an athletic trainer whose life narrative defies expectations. From facing family changes to embracing new beginnings in various cities, Jared's story inspires with its testament to resilience and growth. The episode delves into the peaks and valleys of Jared’s career, his undying love for athletic training, and the redemptive chapter of his professional life at Kansas State University.

Jared openly shares his trials, starting with his formative years playing and improving in sports, which instilled in him the growth mindset that he has carried throughout his life. We witness the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including a challenging period at Arizona State and subsequent reflective times in Tempe, which fortified his resolve to excel within the collegiate athletic setting. Jared's narrative is a beacon of hope and an embodiment of perseverance, showcasing the power of bouncing back from adversity with even greater vigor.

Key Takeaways:

• Jared Oluwek’s unwavering dedication to his craft in athletic training and personal growth, despite encountering professional setbacks.
• How moments of adversity, such as being put on administrative leave, can provoke both introspection and a redoubled effort to succeed.
• The importance of maintaining humility, learning from mistakes, and adhering to the rules in professional settings.
• Jared’s future aspirations, including his desire to continually improve as an athletic trainer and his passion for exploring nature and national parks.

Notable Quotes:

• "Without sports and the willingness to want to improve my own game, I wouldn't be who I am today."
• "When that door shut, it was not, well, what am I going to do now? It was, how am I going to get back to where I want to be?"
• "You will achieve your soccer goals... But what you don't realize that you're doing, even though you're beating a soccer ball against the wall, they're really molding who you are going to become."
• "The experience that I have, I say to my athletes sometimes, I’ve lived many lives because just the amount of experience that I have, whether it was driving across the country to California and then back... it’s just exponential."
• "My life is not perfect, there's a lot of ups and downs, but I made the most of all of it, I turned it into a beautiful life that is the life of Jared."

Resources:

• Jared’s In

Support the Show.

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.