Kara Arend - Introduction

My name is Kara Arend and I am the TA for SM 4250 this semester.  

I am from Toledo, Ohio – it is the region along the border of Michigan and Ohio, which was officially obtained by Ohio after the Toledo War.  Local college football fans in my hometown take the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan very serious.  I completed my undergraduate studies at The Ohio State University and it is difficult to hide the fact that I am an avid Ohio State fan.  Although I received my undergraduate degree in psychology, my interest in the sociocultural aspects of sport grew when I met with Dr. Spencer in 2010.  When choosing what university to attend for my master’s degree, she had a great influence on my decision to come to BGSU.  Go Falcons!! 

My participation in sports ended when I went to college.  In high school I ran cross country and I played lacrosse.  Now, I would rather run for fun (if that is possible) and there is no professional women’s lacrosse league (hopefully that will change).  I follow both collegiate and professional sports and there are very few sports I will not watch.  Currently, if I had to choose one female athlete to see compete it would be Missy Franklin at one of her high school meets.  I think that her story in fascinating and if I had the opportunity to interview her that would be an added bonus.  The Detroit Tigers are my favorite baseball team as well as my favorite professional team; I follow them from pre- to post- season.  Every time I have the chance to see Justin Verlander pitch I feel like I am watching something memorable.  However, I’ve always wished that I could have seen "Iron Man" Cal Ripken Jr in person.  Specifically, when he broke the record for most consecutive games played on September 6, 1995. 

In the graduate program my area of emphasis is Sport Administration (SA).  Graduate school has challenged me and I truly enjoy my own classes.  However, I have high expectations for the undergraduate courses I TA because I find your options/thoughts on various subjects very valuable.  Critical thinking is a necessary skill and this course continues to help you develop that skill.  My concern for this course is that discussions will be stalled if people are fearful of sharing their thoughts.  I am looking forward to respectful and insightful class discussions.  If there is a fear to share thoughts publicly then I hope they are expressed in your journals because it is important to reflect on the content of this course.  The readings will supplement the content and your discussions so it helps when you reference them in your journal entries and blogs.  I am excited to get to know everyone and this is going to be a great semester.