Coach Talks: 3 Floors Down

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog article. Usually, I write the Coach Talks series because of personal or professional experiences. This is about both, and I’d like to share the story with you.

Three years ago, I applied to be an athletic events staff through the Athletics & Recreation department. Honestly, I remember what drew me to the position, but the path I took changed within the first year.

I remember the interview I had in August of 2012. I think I was in the phase of posting everything on Facebook, but here is the status update.

August 8^th, 2012. I think I just got home, and my boss called me. I had always wanted to work in some sort of sports-related job. After the interview, there was this status.

This made me very happy. No words can express I felt, but this picture.

And so, it began. For the last 3 years, I had a job that I liked, and still to this day, it is one of my top positions that will be remembered. This year, after I had been establishing contacts throughout SFU and the lower mainland announcing at sports games and working with children, I became the Promotions & Mini-Game Coordinator. I knew that when my boss offered me the position, good things were to come, and I would love it.

My co-workers in the office and during events are amazing. I can’t thank them enough about dedication and hard-work they do. I can truly say they are some of the most genuine, honest, and caring staff I’ve ever worked with. It’s something that I’ve been looking forward to, ever since I dreamt that one of my jobs would be a sports job.

But there comes a point where everything can and will change.  I want to dedicate this article as a letter to my former boss. I will be using “you” in reference to my boss. So here it is.

Hi,

In the last year, I’ve changed. I have skills that I wouldn’t have thought about gaining. I’m happy that you offered me the position of Promotions & Mini-Game Coordinator. I’m honored that you thought of me for this position. Though I know you are only going three floors down from the office, you have given me more than a job and will be missed. You gave me a true genuine, honest, and professional relationship over the last three years. I have made some great friends in the process of getting to know you.

Truly, you have inspired many people to be the best. Although I’m sad that you are leaving, you are being the best and “living the dream.” Thanks for giving me this opportunity and your friendship. You are a true friend.

I wish you good luck again. I know we had our coffee chat and you reassured me that everything will be OK. I will see you soon. We both know this isn’t farewell.

Thank you,

Stephen

And that is pretty much it.

I am so proud to be part of the SFU Athletics team. We are currently hiring new athletic events staff for the 2015-16 year. If you want to be a part of the team, please go to myInvolvement or visit athletics.sfu.ca and look under job opportunities. You can also go to the athletics and recreation general website for other postings.

If you would like to be part of the experience that I had, please apply. If you have a love for sports and want to be part of the SFU community, this is the position for you. You meet so many people with different beliefs, ideas, and backgrounds. Who knows, I may be your co-worker next season. And if you’ve read this blog article, and you get the position, on your first shift ask to meet Stephen Kaita. 

I want to congratulate you in person.