Prior to taking this class I had an idea that it would be
similar to the Sport in America class, I
took during my undergrad. Going into the class I didn’t know how much critical
thinking I would have to do and how frustrated I would be after the first few
classes. This class was challenging in such ways of developing another mind
frame of thinking around sport. I think the hardest part of the class was being
able to understand the PROSOC Theory. Through my education I have been told
what to think and how to act. And with this class I really had to develop my
own voice and my own beliefs around this circumstances that were up for
discussion. At first I would leave class so frustrated and just angry that I
didn’t understand the PROSOC theory and I wasn’t able to connect the theory to
social justice issue topic of that week. As time went by I began to understand
the main concepts and were able to better apply the PROSOC theory to my daily
life and the blog entries. This class opened my eyes to many things of sport
that I just overlooked and or just didn’t know about.
Reflecting back on each discussion topic, I think the
hardest class I had trouble with was the heteronormative discussion. Going into
that class I was already frustrated with other things in my life but I was
pleasantly excited to for this class. I found this specific class so powerful
and emotional that I my passion and heart got the best of me. I think the most
significant part of this class that moved me was the fact that one of my
friends allowed herself to be absolutely vulnerable for the sake of educating
others. I only wish I had that much courage and strength within me. I think
this class was the most powerful throughout the semester because it wasn’t
about just talking sports icons or hot topics in sport. I was about someone we
all as a class had a connection too and shared experiences with. That class
will always be a moment I will cherish forever.
As I move on in my journey, this class will and has already
impact my life and future career. There have been times when I have been
coaching where I think oh my gosh is this really happening because we just
talked about this in class. Now when I
teach I am able to reflect on the discussions that we have shared and apply the
knowledge I gained and share it with others. I would definitely recommend this
class to the next year’s cohort of grad students. Throughout this class I have
been able to gain new knowledge before but most of all this class has made me
mature as an individual. This class I would have to say was not the easiest
class for me. But like they say “good things never come easy.”
- Kortney Agdeppa
