Janet Evans speak on: What does it mean to be an Olympian?

Yesterday afternoon 5-time Olympic Medalist Janet Evans was the keynote speaker at the Olympic Sportslink conference at the Antlers Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO. I listened to her story and wanted to share it with you. It's quite an incredible Olympic story and a journey that's not over...

Evans graciously thanked the members of the crowd for attending and asking her to speak. She posed the question, ‘What does it mean to be an Olympian?’ for an athlete it is one of the greatest honors of all time and each person has their own story of how they got there. Evans chose to share her personal story with us and explain what being an Olympian means to her.

In 1984 the Olympic Games came to Los Angeles. Evans parents decided to take her and her brother to the Opening Ceremonies. At 12 years old, she recalls sitting in the crowd watching the Opening Ceremonies unfold and thinking how incredible it would be to be a part of them. At that moment the Olympics called to her, she wanted to be an Olympian. At 80 lbs. and many years of hard work ahead, Evans decided then and there that she would do whatever it took to be an Olympian.

The next 4 years of her life, she dedicated every morning and afternoon to training. In that time she never once missed a practice. From 1984 to 1988 Evans rose to “swimming” fame and burst onto the international stage by making the 1988 Olympic Team in 3 events. She was an Olympian! Evans recalled the time in-between Trials and the Games and the ease she felt for making the team.

At 16 years old, she thoroughly enjoyed the training camp in Hawaii, sunbathing and relaxing because no one expected her to beat the East Germans so what was the point in continuing to train hard. One day as she was lounging by the pool she remembers a man walking up to her and asked, “What’s it like to be an Olympian?”. At that time Evans did not know who it was and responded, “It’s great! We get lots of free gear and we’re in Hawaii!”, the man looked and her and smiled, “Oh yeah I understand. I am Olympian too. I won 7 events at the ’72 Games; I have 7 gold medals and 7 World Records.” The man was Mark Spitz. Feeling somewhat embarrassed Evans later found out that the coaches had put him up to it with the hopes that he could change her mind frame before Seoul. Spitz told Evans to go back to her room, focus on her swims, believe in herself, and beat the East Germans for the USA. So she did. She decided to believe in herself and her ability. She decided to prove others wrong and win Gold for her country.  

In the 1976 Olympics the East German Women’s team won 11 of 13 Gold Medals, the USA? One. Everyone told Evans that the East Germans were unbeatable, but with her new found determination she went out there to prove everyone wrong. And she did. At the 1988 Olympic Games Evans beat the East Germans in all three races. She was an Olympic Champion and immediate inspiration for our country.

1988 Olympics Women's 800m freestyle final

The next 8 years were very difficult for Evans. She experienced great pressure to stay on top and swimming became something she had to do, not something she wanted to do. During the time between ’88 and ‘92 she traveled all over the country with Billy Payne, the president and chief officer of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, campaigning to bring the Olympics to Atlanta.

In 1992 Janet became the first woman to ever win back-to-back Olympic titles in the 800-meter freestyle, but her Silver medal finish in the 400-meter free was enough to break Evans into thinking she wanted to retire. Silver wasn’t good enough in her eyes and swimming felt like a chore. She decided to continue her education at Stanford, quit swimming, and become a lawyer. As she was packing up her apartment in Austin, Evans received a call from Mark Schubert. He told her he was taking the head coaching job at USC and she needed to move there to train with him. When she resisted he told her that she needed to because she was not yet a champion. He told her the true value of being a champion is the life lessons you learn through your successes and failures and she had not learned those yet.

After some convincing Evans decided to move to Southern California and continue her training. Swimming became a part of, not all of her life; she started to love the sport again and was happy to be competing. In 1994 Evans made her third Olympics which were held in Atlanta, the city she campaigned for with Payne years earlier. About a month out of the Games Evans received a call from Payne asking her to carry the torch at the Opening Ceremonies. He didn’t tell her who she would be receiving it from or giving it to, just that she would be the final woman and second to last person. She said no. Janet wanted to win and her best event was the day after the Opening Ceremonies, she didn’t want any distractions. Payne promised her that if she carried torch it will be the greatest moment of her Olympic career. After some thought, Evans accepted the offer with much skepticism.

She recalls running with the torch and looking into the crowd of athletes, this was her 3^rd Olympics and she said it was the first time she really saw the other athletes. She realized that the Olympic Games were about the ATHLETES! The majority of athletes competing would not win a medal, but they were there to try their hardest and each one would give their best. Right then Evans decided that as long as she gave her best, that’s all anyone could ask for. It wasn’t all about winning.  

As she handed the torch to 1960 Olympic champion Muhammad Ali he told her that was his greatest Olympic moment. As she left the stadium she grabbed some guy and cried into his arms for 5 minutes. She had never cried after winning an Olympic medal, but realizing what the Olympics really meant to her brought tears to her eyes. Evans placed 6^th and 8^th in her final Olympics, but walked away content knowing she had given her best and that’s what the Games are all about.

To Janet Evans that’s what it means to be an Olympian.

Start A Chain Reaction: Rachel's Challenge

What an appropriate day to share my story with you...

This morning I attended the Rachel's Challenge seminar at the Penrose House in Colorado Springs. Darrell Scott and his wife Sandy started Rachel's Challenge to honor their daughter Rachel Joy Scott, who was the first victim to be shot and killed during the Columbine shooting on April 20, 1999. Their intent is to honor Rachel's life and help prevent other families from going through what all of the Columbine families had endured. Their focus is telling people around the world how Rachel deliberately reached out to those who were different from her, new to school, picked on by others, or just lonely, and in doing so inspire the change she hoped to see in the world.

Rachel's Challenge is to start your own chain reaction of kindness and compassion because that was Rachel's goal and mission in life. A quote from Rachel's essay "My Ethics, My Codes of Life" which she wrote only a month before her death, she clearly describes her wish, "I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go." Coming from a young high school girl, this is pretty powerful stuff.

I encourage you to visit her website when you get a chance. I feel like my life has been forever changed after this morning.

Now, to share my story. It seems as though Rachel and I have something in common, spreading kindness. I actually find it very strange that I wrote this email to a friend almost exactly a month ago today. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I live each moment of my life like this, but I am inspired every once and a while to make a difference in others lives through kindness and I wanted to share this example with you. Who knows maybe it will inspire you!

Below is an email I wrote to a friend a few days after it happened:

Tuesday, August 23, 2011
To: Susan W.
From: Emily S.

Also – let me share a story with you that I haven’t told anyone else!

I flew into Salt Lake City Thursday and realized I had a 3 hour layover, after spending the past month in and out of airports you might understand my disappointment and frustration realizing this. But then, I decided to just accept it and try to think of my wait as time to relax. I walked all over the airport, did some pleasure reading for about an hour, and then decided to looking for a place to grab a glass of vino. I guess some other people had the same idea cause the restaurant I found was packed.

I sat down at a single table along the wall and pulled out my book. When the waiter finally got to me he seemed quite flustered, I felt for him immediately. I ordered a single glass of wine and water. It took about 10 minutes for it to come. At that point I could have decided that this place had terrible service and choose a negative attitude, but instead I decided to observe. I took in the people around me, the other waiters, customer’s attitudes, food choices. I tried to take it all. I came to the realization that this place was filled with people thoughtlessly stuffing their faces before catching their flights; everyone seemed to be in a hurry, unhappy, tired. My waiter was no exception. Bickering with his coworker, doing his best to meet the needs of his customers, he was practically running from table to table, this place was clearly understaffed. I decided to kill him with kindness - every time he came to my table I did my best to engage him in conversation, smile, use ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’. For some reason I just felt really bad for the guy, he didn’t seem very happy, who would be slaving away in an airport restaurant?

I read my book for a while, enjoyed my wine, and took a minute to think about how I could change this dude’s attitude. So here’s what I did… for a $12 bill, I tipped him $10 and wrote a note on the receipt, “A smile goes a long way! You’re doing a great job, keep it up.”

I smiled at him as I walked out, wondering what he would think of my random act of kindness J For all I know when he read that note he could have thought I had the hots for him, which I definitely did not, but I know for sure he felt better about himself than before I walked in.

Thought you’d enjoy my little story – I haven’t shared that with anyone else, but it’s true; being kind to other people can change the world!

:) Em

Well, that's my story... go out their and start your own chain reaction! You never know the impact you might have in someones life.

Tell those you love how much you care about them today!

Happy Wednesday,

Emily

inspiration.

"One day it will be my turn to pass the lessons I've learned throughout my life on to the next generation. When that time comes and I reflect back on my life, I don't want my lessons to be rooted in regret. Lessons from failed dreams that I never found the courage to pursue. Lessons from years of settling just short of what I really wanted. Or lessons from not taking the time to learn about myself and what is it that I needed to be happy." - Sean Aiken

Photo Credits: Me!

He speaks to my soul.

Bike To Work!

Like this guy. 

So I decided to bike to work today, and I loved it! There is something about being on a bike that allows you to see the world in a completely different way than being in a car.

How come?

Cause you get to smell the air! Some pretty smelling flower is blooming around where I live. And you're definitely more careful - no texting and biking - and therefore more observant of what's around you. I took the same car route as usual and saw local shops on my ride that I didn't even know existed. I found out there's a little restaurant across from my house open M-Sun 8-5. No idea!

And there was something about leaving my cube, changing into riding clothes, and taking off on two wheels. It really allowed me to de-stress from the day and recharged my energy level.

Absolutely loved it. How many days do you think I can go in a row?!

It's on.

Favorite Images

These pictures make me smile/feel something/happy:

This was from one of my first days in Italy. I was by myself for a few days before my traveling companion met up with me. Ate a pizza, drank vino and watched the sunset in Sorrento, Italy. 

Just too cute.

Photo Credits: Pete Saloutos

Photo Credits: Pete Saloutos

Statue made for Burning Man. Check out the people under it. 

Yikes.

Totally makin out.

Them too. 

I want these glasses. 

How cute is this?!

Winter Love.

How is it?

That I never seem to get to bed before 11pm? I wish this was my room! Some day I'll have a place like this...

It's been 13 days...

Keeping a blog is a lot harder than I thought it would be. It's been 13 days since my last post and I have felt guilty every time I think about Beyond the Blocks. Even though my following (people that check this out) is somewhat small - I still feel bad. I feel like I am supposed to write about something so compelling and profound that lives will be changed, when in reality this blog was restarted as a way for me to release and let people know how awesome my job is (yes, I'm bragging), I love it.

What should I talk about tonight?! I do want to write a book someday... should I give you a little bit of what I've written so far? It's kind of embarrassing because in a way I feel like making the relay team for the Olympics wasn't enough. It's almost like saying, "I went to the Olympics for a relay", is cheating, and all those people that made the team because they were the top two really and truly earned it. But making the team meant something completely different for me. I walked into Teri's office 3 months before trials and told her I wanted to quit. I was extremely unhappy mentally and felt like swimming wasn't what I should be doing anymore. I am a perfectionist of sorts/Type A personality - nothing I accomplished was ever really good enough for me, and I didn't think I was going to get any better. So I wanted to quit. I was afraid of failure, not making the team, what people would think, what I would think of myself - there were so many things. Quitting was the easiest way out of having to actually face those worries. But after an hour of discussing things, I decided to take a week off and come back with a carefree attitude. I was truly happy with the things I had accomplished in swimming and even if I didn't make the Olympic team I was going to walk away from my career with a smile on my face.

Anyways - here is something I wrote:

How can I describe what it felt like for me to make the Olympic team? How can I describe what it feels like to almost lose everything I had worked for my entire career less than 24 hours after attaining it? For most Olympians the grief and turmoil comes after a disappointing race at the Games. I saw that in some of my teammates. Mine came the day after celebrating the biggest achievement of my life.

Finish hard. That was the motto of Whitney Hite. He said, "You always have to finish hard. Your finish determines everything. Get that hand to the wall.", So I did. I finished as hard as I could in that 100 free finals at Olympic Trials. I felt it immediately.

My bones breaking.

It wasn't the first time. It might sound strange, but I heard my hand break.

What did I do?! How can I hide this form the 12,000 spectators watching this race right now? Although most eyes were in the middle of the pool, focused on lanes 4 and 5, some might have been looking my way. Act calm.

I tried to take my goggles off with both hands but I couldn't. My right hand wasn't working. How do I get out of the pool if I can't even take off my goggles? I was in lane 1, ironically the same lane that secured me a spot on the Olympic team the night before. I reached for the railing with my left hand and climbed out of the pool. I kept my eyes down and quickly left the pool deck, descending just a few feet below the crowd. I swiftly made my way back up the stairs on the other side of the stadium, I looked  into the sea of swimmers and coaches above. Our team had staked out a few rows of seats about midway up the stadium. I somehow got Teri's attention and waved her to come down. We made our way down the steps to the area in between the two staircases. I faced her straight on, looking her in the eyes, and told her how I thought I had just broken my hand, again. I showed her the swollen version of my right hand. If you have broken anything before, you know how the swelling happens immediately. She looked at my hand then at me, "Are you sure it's broken?". I was a sure. Having it happen twice before made me positive that what I experienced and felt at the time was exactly the same.

I was being named to the Olympic Team that evening. I was set to walk around the pool deck with the other newest members of the Olympic Team, I decided that if this was the only "Olympic Moment" I was going to experience, then I should definitely fake the broken hand and do it. Teri helped me put on my warm-ups over my suit, and even brushed my hair for me. Act normal. I got into line behind Kim Vandenberg and Erik Vendt. I couldn't feel anything - I was an emotional mix of feeling shock, pain, confusion, worry. But, I had to pretend like this was the best day of my life. I remember talking to Kim, later she told me that I seemed a little out of it. Go figure.

I lined up with my fellow Olympic teammates, Erik and Kim stood in front of me. After a few minutes of waiting in line we began to move forward. One by one we marched onto the pool deck - walking proudly by everyone in the stands, waving and smiling as we passed by. I remember looking up and seeing my proud parents beaming down at me, clapping and cheering. Making the most noise they could, indicating to those around them that their daughter had actually made "the team".

As we reached the end of the pool deck we lined up. One by one the announcer said the names of each new member of the Olympic team. The anxiety began to build as I realized that it's normal to shake someone else's hand with the right. I had just broken my right hand, I was keeping the swelling covered with my sleeve and couldn't even brush my own hair. How was I supposed to shake someone's hand? Teri was on the pool deck as well, being named to the coaching staff, and luckily for me pulled the presenter aside telling her she had to shake my left hand, not my right. When it came my turn the woman reached for my left hand, shook it, and awarded me with a medal and stuffed animal. I happily excepted my medal, looking up at all the people who filled the arena, my parents, teammates and coaches, rivals, and friends I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of sadness knowing that this may be as close to the Olympics as I get. Why would they bring along a relay swimmer with a broken hand? The next two days were maybe the hardest of my life.

I'm sorry for screaming.

You might want to turn down your volume on this one. I'm a screamer apparently. 

After we test drove almost every BMW made in Spartanburg, SC we were taken for a drive by a professional BMW School of Driving instructor, Allison Bormann, who you can follow @allison_bormann. On twitter Allison describes herself as, "Professional Driver, Driving Instructor. In a former life I was Allison Duncan, up & coming race car driver. Now I'm loving living stress-free life." Allison is incredibly humble and one of the finest drivers I have ever been privileged to be in a car with. If you can't tell from the video we are going really fast/reckless and Allison is as cool as a cucumber.

After our adventures on the race track, Guillermo Rojas, Madison Kennedy, Mark Gangloff, Nick Brunelli and I had a fantastic lunch at the BMW performance center followed by a tour of the factory where US BMW's are made. They had an entire factory (really huge - wish I could remember the square footage) dedicated to producing X5's. Each one is custom made to order and meticulously inspected by the "associates" in the factory. After the tour Madi and I made the hour drive to the Charlotte airport and boarded our respective planes.

I have been SO tired since both of my trips. First it was Fort Lauderdale, then home for a day, then Charlotte. I can barely get out of bed in the morning. I am taking a "comp" day tomorrow to catch up on sleep, get my apartment in order, and make my way to Denver.

Should be a eventful weekend. I am seeing U2 on Saturday!!! A friend from work offered me a ticket which I couldn't refuse. I've heard they are amazing in concert! Saturday morning I am planning to check out a brunch place a friend told me about - if I could only remember the name of it. Damn you memory.

Ummmmmm, have you seen Bridesmaids?! Soooooo good! It made me laugh out loud, want to get engaged, sing along to songs with my friend, not get engaged, plan a wedding, have a boyfriend, etc.

Ahhhhhhh, my mom just called me and the first thing she said is, "I miss your smile, your smell, your hair." It's so nice to hear her voice and she gave me some very encouraging words, "Stay true to who you are and be Emily. Do the best you can and be yourself and be happy you have a wonderful job. You're surrounded by successful healthy people." She's such a rock star. I love her so much and truly look up to her. She has always been such an optimistic person, even with the struggles she had in her life. I am blown away by the woman she is today, and aspire to look at life through her eyes.

One of our family friends John Pettit (one of my parents best friends) was recently diagnosed with colon cancer, stage 4. It has been extremely hard for my parents. I remember getting an email from my dad the morning he found out what stage it was in, I called him and could hear the emotion in his voice. I can't imagine what his daughters are going through right now, and his wife Barb. It's a situation that can't really be explained or reasoned with. This past weekend they (my parents, Barb and John, and two other families) went to Tumble Creek where the Pettit's have a cabin to spend some quality time together and go for long bike rides. From what my mom told me they had a great time riding, eating, enjoying each others company. I know that my dad likes to cook, he's really good at it and enjoys it a lot, but I've never really heard my mom say how much she likes it until tonight: "Bob Silver, if he can't do anything else he can cook". Melt my heart :)

Have a great weekend! I am seeing U2 on Saturday!

- Em

Best. Day. Ever.

Just got into the Springs, so tired from a long day of traveling. I have so much to tell you about the BMW Test Drive I did today in Spartanburg, SC at the Performance Center.

Will be posting a video tomorrow and promise to tell you all about it. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! I love my job <3

Beyond The Blocks: Charlotte Ultra Swim week/weekend!

Beyond The Blocks: Charlotte Ultra Swim week/weekend!

Charlotte Ultra Swim week/weekend!

Oooofda. It's been a long week/weekend. I have been here in Charlotte, NC since Tuesday night!

Flew in a few days before meet for the America's Swim Team Photo shoot which I helped out at. I was the "Behind the Scenes" photographer for the day/videographer. You can see the pictures I took from the shoot here:

It was a pretty fun day - got to hang out on the pool deck with Jess Hardy, Ricky Berens, Ryan Lochte, Rebecca Soni, and Chloe Sutton. All swimmers I was on National Teams with. It's been so fun for me to catch up with all these guys who I haven't seen for so long. I really love it!! We ended up being at the pool for about 9 hours, I was pretty tired so I came back to the hotel and decided to relax for the rest of the day/evening, order room service, and watch the tube.

Thursday morning I drove Nick Thoman out to Greenville, SC for the Team Greenville pool opening that was taking place that day. The Greenville County Recreation District just built an absolutely beautiful aquatics facility, 6.1 million dollars in the making which has taken the past four years to complete. From what I heard the pool they had before was just a disaster, one of the moms I spoke with told me she started crying when she walked into the new pool because she was so overcome with joy. Felt great to help organize Nick's appearance there. Everyone was so appreciative of him being there and USA Swimming for making it possible. I love giving back! We met with Scott Bonine the Head Coach of Team Greenville, who happens to know my dad. More and more I realize just how small the swimming community is.

Did you watch the swim-off between Josh and Cullen on Thursday night?! I did!! I was sandwiched between Madison Kennedy and Dana Vollmer in the stands right on the pool deck. We had a great view. It was so nerve-wracking watching as they prepared for the race. It's been 9 months coming. Talking with Josh earlier that day he was telling me that it's just been such a long wait and he was looking forward to finally getting to swim it. They both did such a good job, and it was extremely close. If you missed it go to the USA Swimming fan page on facebook, we posted it! So Cullen won the race which means he'll be heading to Shanghai this summer for the World Championships July 24-31. Josh gets to swim at the World University Games - I told him that the WUG's in 2007 was one of my best meets I ever had and to enjoy the experience!

It's so different to be at meet and not compete. I actually got to enjoy the swimming on a whole new level. When I was competing I was such a head case most of the time worrying about myself. This weekend I was able to fully enjoy myself and watch the competition without butterfly’s in my stomach. Although it did make me really miss it, I was so happy to be there. I have also really enjoyed getting to see my old swimming buddies. Sat with Hardy in the stands tonight and will be heading to dinner with Nat (Coughlin) in a little bit.

Tomorrow I'll be heading to Spartanburg, NC to visit the BMW Performance Center and test drive some of the nicest cars in the world on their driving track! Will be accompanied by Madison, Cullen Jones, Nick Brunelli, and Mark Gangloff - How fast should we go?!

I'll try to be better and posting more frequently - although I think Camilla is the only one who actually reads this thing. Oh yes, and my dad :)

Have a great week!

- Em

Did you know?

10 Things You Might not know about me:

1. I love to sign Karaoke.

2. I am left handed and left footed (when I kick a soccer ball), but I throw with my right hand.

3. I have been a vegetarian for 2.5 years.

4. I am the youngest of four.

5. I love photography and find it to be a very attractive quality is someone else.

6. I studied Swahili in college as my foreign language requirement.

7. I had my tongue pierced for 2 weeks when I was 18.

8. I am going to write a book someday.

9. I hate having dry skin.

10. I have broken my hand three times from finishing to the wall. Once in practice, twice in competitions.

Fran Crippen SafeSwim Race Day!

Here I am in Fort Lauderdale. Woke up at 6am this morning for a run along the beach. It's a beautiful day here in Florida, the sun is out, the air is warm, and swimmers are getting ready for either the 1 mile race or the 10K to help raise money and awareness around the Fran Crippen Elevation Foundation.

I feel so proud to be here today and a part of something so special.

Last night was inspiring! I attended the International Hall of Fame induction dinner. There were about 10 people that were inducted including an old teammate of mine, Lenny Krayzelburg. Congrats Lenny!! With each person they showed a movie of their career highlights starting from when they were just children. To think that each one started their career with a goal in mind from a very young age and continued on until they reached that dream.

As one inducted said, it's not always about the final result, but the journey getting there. Coming from a girl who broke her hand the day after making the Olympic team and coming back to swim in the games a month later - that inductee was speaking to my heart.

Take a minute today to count your blessings. Fran died doing something he loved. If he was here today, he would probably be in this race.

Alright - off to the beach...

Decision to Keep the Blog Going

I have decided to keep my blog going! Like I said in the description above, I made this blog as a tool in my interview with USA Swimming for the position of Athlete Relations Manager.

A few weeks after my interview Matt Farrell called me up and offered me the position. I moved to Colorado Springs a month later and started my first official day in the office on March 21, 2011!!

I love what I am doing, and feel so blessed to have been presented this opportunity. Colorado Springs is a small town, but there are so many things to do outside which I love! So far, I have hiked up the Barr Trail and ran down, explored the many trails at Garden of the Gods, swam in the Olympic Training Center pool (where I work), made a few trips to Denver, and have started to make many wonderful friends.

People in Colorado are SO friendly. The day I hiked the Barr trail I think every single person I passed said hello with a big smile on their face. Maybe it's something about hiking and the people you see along the way - when I'm out there I feel proud to be on the mountain, like I'm doing something right and good for the world :)

My coworkers are the best, I will probably be very close with a handful of them for the rest of my life.

There is so much to talk about, but I need to head to bed. I am flying to Fort Lauderdale tomorrow morning for the Fran Crippen SafeSwim event where various National Team members will be working with the community at an Open Water Clinic. I will be filming them and taking lots of pictures!

Stay tuned!

- Emily

Welcome to Beyond the Blocks with Emily Silver

Emily Silver, former National Team Member and 2008 Olympic Team Member

How My Previous Work Applies to this Position

1. Sales Associate at lululemon athletica:

• Managed Research and Development program
• Helped coordinate community events
• Helped to build and maintain relationships with community instructors
• Goal Driven Sales
• Team Player

What my manager at lululemon said about me:

"Having Emily Silver on my team at lululemon athletica Berkeley was a treat. She was professional, positive, confident and hardworking. Emily's work ethic, positive attitude, and creativity will make her a strong contributor to any organization." 

- Megan Donaldson Mason , former lululemon Berkeley store manager

Event:

• Managed Research and Development Appreciation Night

What it was:

• Planned and organized a successful shop night for R&D night

Why it worked:

• Managed budget for the event
• Careful planning
• Strategic marketing

Results:

• Produced the best attended R&D gathering for Berkeley store in 2009, with an increase of 15 percent over the usual attendance.

An R&D member enjoying the event

----------------------------------------------------

Event:

• Students Stay Stress Free

What it was: 

• A week-long event designed to improve mental and physical health of U.C. Berkeley students by providing them with fitness, dance, yoga and other classes

How it worked:

• Contacted local fitness instructors and asked them to hold free workout classes for students during finals week

Why it worked:

• Marketed the classes to U.C. students using both social and traditional media
• Awarded instructors and students with lululemon giveaways 

Results: 

• Had seven instructors participate 
• Strong attendance from Cal students, many of whom made positive comments about the program
• Saw a significant increase of students who shopped in the store

Cal Students after dance class

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2. Assistant Swim Coach at Bainbridge Island Swim Club

• Manage 30 swimmers age eight to 13
• Help manage logistics of swim meets
• Structure daily workouts for two groups
• Collaborate with each athlete on their seasonal and annual goals
• Motivate swimmers through positive encouragement and feedback

BISC Swimmers cheering, Emily (right) watches over

Here is a video of what BISC Coaches have to say about me:

Head Coach Charlie Root and Assistant Coach Leilani Tonsmann

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3. Wellness Coaching, personal business:

During a three-month period I work with clients to set goals and help them achieve those goals in relation to: 

• Energy
• Life Satisfaction 
• Mental and Emotional Fitness
• Physical Activity 
• Weight and Nutrition

Goal: Interested in helping each client reach their "best self" 

Photo credits: Emily Silver

A client's Twitter post on working with me:

"i'm not sure where i got this sudden burst of energy and momentum with regards to work. i think it was all @emily_silver's doing."

Photo Credits: Emily Silver