Fresno State Athletics
Senior Swimmer Proves She Can Balance It All
10/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Oct. 8, 2008
FRESNO, Calif.- - When she isn't enduring intensive training in the pool and weight room in preparation for the returning season, senior swimmer Rebecca Sussman is making a difference in the medical community while gaining pertinent experience in her major.
As a kinesiology exercise-science major, Sussman, a Walnut Creek native, is setting her goals high, both academically and athletically at Fresno State.
Twenty hours a week, Sussman works in the emergency room at Saint Agnes medical center as part of "The Scribe," a program that gives students the opportunity to assist doctors and medical personnel in a behind the scenes medical setting.
"I assist the doctors on filling out charts, organizing patients, watching procedures and helping determine where they need to go," said Sussman. "I wanted to do something in my field, and I started this position as a job, and now I am getting internship credit for it."
Emergency room doctors act as mentors to participants of the program, offering students the opportunity to learn skills that will benefit them later in life at chosen professions.
"I learn something new everyday I work," said Sussman. "We help keep a steady flow through the emergency room."
Like many student-athletes, Sussman must balance the demands of school, work and training with her team and at times training on her own.
"I have to have good time management and study any time I have a free moment," said Sussman. "I knew it would be tough but I wanted to swim and do it all anyway."
Sussman got her start in swimming at the age of four. Being the youngest of two siblings who were swimmers, Sussman followed in place. She was a four-year letterwinner in swimming in high school, and came to Fresno State as a freshman.
"I was really excited when I heard swimming and diving was coming back to Fresno State," said Sussman. "I've always been near the pool and I have been athletic all my life playing soccer and tennis, but swimming was always one of my favorite sports."
Sussman most looks forward to travelling with the team and competing this season.
"Travelling brings everyone closer together along with competing," said Sussman. "It is a great combination."
Sussman has enormous future career goals as she wants to attend medical school or physician's assistant school upon graduation at Fresno State in May of 2009 and will continue to take the steps toward both academic and athletic success in her last year of college.
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