November 19, 2025
DAT Life Moments | Whitney S.
When I began my Applied Research Project (ARP) in the online Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) program at A.T. Still University (ATSU), I was excited, organized, and convinced my project would unfold exactly the way I planned. But the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process quickly became a major hurdle. No matter how hard I worked, the approval just didn’t come through in time. But like many things in the DAT program, the ARP has a way of teaching you more about yourself than you ever expected. And to top it all off, life hit me with some personal conflicts that made the balance of school, work, and life feel even heavier.
There was a point where I genuinely considered quitting or changing my topic altogether. It felt easier than fighting through the obstacles in front of me. But my advisor and instructors refused to let me give up on the work I cared about. They supported me through every setback, helped me reframe my thinking, and reminded me that my passion mattered. That I mattered. Instead of abandoning my idea, they helped me pivot and reshape my ARP into a format that still met the course requirements while preserving the project I want to pursue once IRB approval and timing allow. That flexibility saved me. It kept me moving forward academically without losing sight of my original vision.
To future DAT students: your ARP may not go the way you expect. Barriers happen. Life happens. But don’t underestimate the value of your advisor(s). Lean on them. Listen to them. And don’t be afraid to pivot instead of quit. You can still honor your passion, even if the path looks different than you planned.