DANIELLE BURNETT
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"PUSH, PACE, POSITION, POISE"
Within the sport of Track and Field I compete in a long sprint event called the 400 meter dash. This is longer than a typical 100m or 200m sprint and therefore, requires a bit of race strategy. A famous Olympic 400m runner named Sonya Richards-Ross, coined the strategy called, “The 4 P’s”. Push for the first 100m, the second 100m is a maintaining, the third 100m is assuring you are in good position relative the other runners, and the last 100m is all a matter of who has the most heart and conditioning. I believe that the 4 P’s transcends track and field. It is a pinnacle mantra in my life. It can be applied to academics, and in the work environment.
Push, Pace, Position, Poise… Set yourself up for success, remain steadfast, remain competitive and engaged, and lastly always remain composed.
WHO IS DANIELLE BURNETT?
Danielle Burnett is a senior Business Management major at Charleston Southern University (CSU), with excellent communication and time management skills. Danielle is a business honors student, who has found equilibrium in balancing college Division 1 athletics and academics. She is eager to transition her team and goal oriented mindset into the business world, to not only further her own personal career but, to increase cohesiveness of any organization she may find herself at, and promote a “team” comradery.
Danielle is among one of the best Track and Field athletes in the Big South conference. Her performances and leadership qualities have earned her many accolades ranging from: Women’s track and field sportsman of the year, Runner-Up at The Big South Championships, to being honored at the South Carolina State House for National Student Athlete Day.
Danielle Burnett’s passions for service have also being recognized by CSU Magazine, in a full-page highlight spread. She was selected by nomination of her head coach and interviewed in regards to her passions for serving the community.
[Full article available at http://csumagazine.com/2016/03/20/track-teams-impacting-food-bank/ ]
Quote:
“None of us got to where we are as Division 1 athletes without the assistance of others…Volunteering as a team is a way to pay respect back to the community, while building our character as individuals.”
~Danielle Burnett
STRENGHTS AND VALUES
DEPENDABILITY AND RESPONSIBILTY
My 4+ years of college athletics has instilled a deep sense of responsibility and professionalism into me. As a student athlete, you have a high expectation upon you because you represent the school. An entire institution has their branding embroidered on your chest. With this comes a demand of excellence and maturity. You do not only answer to your teammates and coaches, but to the entire student body and staff of the institution.
ADAPTABILITY
The world in constantly changing, nothing remains the same. To be against change is to be against personal growth, which is simply foolish. Throughout my work career, I’ve undergone many tests of my flexibility. Evidence of this attribute can be expressed by my recent employment at a vocational rehabilitation center for adults with disabilities, called BHI. I was hired with zero experience in psychology, social work, job coaching or experience with special needs adults. However, I did not allow my lack of experience stunt my growth, or prevent me from being a stellar employee. By the end of my time at BHI, I was offered two jobs through client supervisors that I had worked alongside of and was given many accolades by both co-owners of the organization. Though it was initially uncomfortable being in a situation I had never operated within before, I remained steadfast and flexible in order to reach my goals and excel.
CONFIDENCE AND POSITIVITY
If there is one thing that being a part of team sport has taught me over the last 7 years, it is that, negativity kills. Not literally of course. But, the effects of it can be felt deeply and leave lasting scars just the same. Possessing a positive attitude allows me to complete the assignment at hand and allows me to motivate team members around me to do the same, without slowing progress do to inevitable road blocks. Confidence works hand in hand with positivity. How? When you are confident in your ability, remaining poised and engaged in the task at hand becomes simple. It is difficult to be a leader who motivates, when you are pessimistic and unsure of yourself. Throughout, my athletic career I have resolved to lead through action and always remain positive.
FAQ
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE?
Vice President of Student Athlete Advisory Committee
•Organized formal and informal meetings to improve communication and student-athlete relations.
•Collaboratively authored legislation
•Worked collectively with national reps to address athlete issues
•Active liaison for fellow student athletes
•Communicated and delegated duties with representatives
SKILLS IN WORK EXPERIENCE?
•Customer service
•Report writing
•Data documentation (Microsoft Office)
•Coaching/Training
•Marketing/Promotion (via Social Media)
GREATEST ATTRIBUTE?
My single greatest personal characteristic is persistence. This can be exemplified by my dedication to my sport. I underwent a detrimental hamstring injury in my sophomore year of college which put an immediate end to my competition year. This event could have put me into a depressive state, and became a crutch for me. However, I trained harder than ever and rebounded healthier and more competitive than I had been prior. This motivation and persistence, led me to be runner-up in my event at the conference championship. The silver medal that I acquired has become a memento and an everlasting artifact of my summit over weakness.