Indiana University Athletics
Where Are They Now? - Jennifer Brooks
1/26/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving
Jan. 26, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Over the 2005-06 campaign, IUHOOSIERS.com will catch up with former Indiana swimmers and divers to see where life has taken them after graduating from IU. Jennifer Brooks, who swam for IU from 1996-99, took the time to fill in IUHOOSIERS.com on her life since graduation.
What have you been doing since graduating from Indiana University?
I've been teaching English and history at The Hockaday School, a private school for girls in Dallas, Texas. I recently accepted a position as head senior coach of Frisco Aquatics, a growing swim club in North Texas. In my spare time, I compete for the Plano Wetcats. (Yes, I'm still swimming!) I'm currently training for the USMS 2006 World Swimming Championships, to be held in Palo Alto, California in July.
What did you enjoy the most about your time as a Hoosier?
Wow. Tough question. I spent seven years in Bloomington--first as an undergrad, then as a grad student. I most enjoyed my undergraduate and graduate English and history classes. I still keep in touch with some of my professors. As a teacher, they are an invaluable resource for me. I also enjoyed volunteer coaching for the Hoosiers in my second year of graduate school (2001-02). What an inspiring group of swimmers! Finally, I enjoyed training and competing for the Hoosiers. I always marvel at how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity to swim for Indiana.
What piece of advice would you give to any current Hoosier?
Carpe diem. Seize the day. Though we hear it all the time, we seldom heed it.
Would you say that being a student-athlete at Indiana University has helped you get to where you are today?
Absolutely! In applying for jobs or to graduate/professional schools, I always hear how interviewers or admissions committees are impressed by my experience as an Indiana student-athlete. More important, though, is the fact that being a student-athlete builds character, a formidable work ethic, self-discipline, organization, leadership and sportsmanship. Now that's a rare and valuable set of skills!
