From Trauma to Triumph: Ameerah's Journey From Introvert to Elite Coach at SOHK
Coach Ameerah
Coach Ameerah
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Bridgetown
Favorite Sport: Rugby (Soccer a close second)
Ameerah’s journey to becoming a coach at the School of Hard Knocks is one of resilience and transformation. Through her experiences with trauma and determination to help others, Ameerah has inspired young individuals facing their own challenges. Read on to learn more about her background, the hurdles she’s overcome, and the invaluable advice she shares with her students.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?
I’m a person who went through a traumatic experience and did not know how to express what had happened to me or how to speak about it. Keeping it in is what destroyed my mental and spiritual well-being, and it almost ended my physical being. At that point, I knew I wanted to make a change in someone’s life, especially from a younger age, so that they can grow up and learn how to cope with challenges and what they need to do to take care of their well-being. I wanted to be there so they can have someone they feel comfortable around to vent to.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?
Because of my past experiences, I grew to be a shy and isolated person because of my low self-confidence and self-esteem. I never trusted myself enough to put myself out there. Because I doubted myself, I began to see that people also doubted my abilities. I knew that being at the School of Hard Knocks was the environment I wanted to work in because the people in charge care about how you’re doing and coping. I knew I had to make the change and that change starts within me I began to tell myself that I need to step up if I want to help the kids. I needed to trust my abilities, and my determination to be a support structure for the kids is what drove me to overcome my shyness.
How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?
I’ve learned from coaching that you cannot pour from an empty cup. You cannot give your best self to the participants if you are not feeling the best. I prioritise my mental health by taking time out to do self-care routines such as spending time with loved ones, taking time to myself, and reflecting on how far I’ve come and the progress I’ve made, I do the things that I love such as rugby and reconnecting with nature, I also take note of the emotions I’m feeling because I know that if I can’t pinpoint my emotions, I’ll not be able to work through what I’m feeling.
What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?
I always reiterate that they cannot be their best selves if they do not take care of themselves. They have to use positive coping mechanisms, such as journaling, creativity, de-stress mechanisms, getting enough exercise, relaxation, and wellness programs.
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