When I grow up… | Nichole Pompa, Athletic Training
In honor of NAU’s College of Health and Human Services’ third annual Health Careers Week, we invited our alumni to think back to their childhood to answer the question: What did you want to be when you grew up? Today, they serve patients, communities, and the broader health system in impactful ways. Read on to learn how Nichole Pompa turned her passion for athletics into a career in athletic training.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Why did that career interest you at the time?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a dentist and a comedian. I’m not really sure where dentist came from, but I knew I always wanted to work in healthcare. I also loved making people laugh. Thankfully I ended up in athletic training where I can combine healthcare and being funny.
What led you to your current career?
I was a lifelong athlete and loved sports, I took sports medicine my senior year of high school and was floored to discover that you could work as a healthcare provider with athletes every day.
What do you love most about what you do now?
My favorite part of being an athletic trainer in the secondary education setting is working with athletes who are on the cusp of being functional adults, and providing mentorship to help them grow up into capable, kind people. Some of our athletes don’t have readily accessible healthcare, which is why it matters even more to have athletic trainers at every high school, especially in rural and lower socioeconomic areas.
What advice would you give your younger self about choosing a career?
Don’t let what other people think you should do with your life steer you away from following your dreams!
What part of your job would younger you think is cool?
Getting paid to enjoy being outside and watch sports, and help athletes be the best version of themselves!
Interested in exploring what you want to be when you grow up? Join us for our third annual What Should I Be When I Grow Up? event on March 25.