University of Minnesota Athletics
Campbell Gains Gophers Intern Experience
7/25/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Gophersports.com caught up with University of Minnesota baseball pitcher Cody Campbell. This summer, Campbell is growing both professionally and personally as an intern in the student-athlete development department, specifically with the M.A.G.I.C. program (Maroon and Gold Impacting the Community). He's also interning with Be The Match this summer. Take a look at how Cody is spending his summer in this feature.
Gophersports.com: You're interning with our student-athlete development program and M.A.G.I.C. (Maroon and Gold Impacting the Community).
Cody Campbell: As a MAGIC intern, I get work with (Gopher track student-athlete) Paige Peschel and plan the annual HopeDay Festival. I also get to do is be the point person for volunteering events for our M.A.G.I.C. program. That means recruit student-athlete volunteers and ensure that the event goes smoothly as well as the athletes having a blast while they are there.
GS: You're also an intern with Be the Match. For those who don't know, explain how this organization is special to you?
CC: I got involved with Be the Match my freshman year at HopeDay actually. They were running their bone marrow registry which I signed up for at HopeDay. I was selected to donate my stem cells to help a patient with cancer. That experience made me realize how much I enjoy helping people and decided that I wanted to work for them. My responsibilities at Be the Match are researching and reaching out to companies to be sponsors for the Walk+Run event, create mailing lists recruiting participants for the Walk+Run, and finding other ways to raise money for the Foundation.
GS: Being more than just a student-athlete that goes out and volunteers, how has these internships helped you understand what it takes to put on an event?
CC: These internships have allowed me to see what goes on behind the scenes and the work it takes to put on these events. It has also allowed me to have professional interactions which give me a better understanding of how to represent my organization. The last thing is that these internships have shown me is that in order for an event you're leading to go smoothly then you should show respect and compassion towards everyone that is a part of it. Especially when it is an event where you want the kids to have fun.
GS: What has been your favorite event to work and why?
CC: My favorite event has been Camp Odayin. I was a part of it two years ago and went again this year. The whole atmosphere that surrounds Camp Knutson is so positive and welcoming that it is hard not to have a smile on your face while you're there. The kids always seem like they are having a blast and welcome us like we have been friends forever.
GS: Is this something you're interested in doing towards a career?
CC: Yes, this is something I am interested in. I love helping people and I get a feeling of accomplishment when I know that I put a smile on someone's face, or that I made someone forget about their circumstances for the 3-4 hours that I am interacting with them. I would love my career to be working with athletes or other "celebrities" to take time out of their busy schedules and give back to the community that supports them.
GS: You're also scheduled to do an internship in the fall. Tell us what you'll be doing and why?
CC: I am possibly interning with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I believe my role would be the same as Be the Match, creating mailing lists and raising funds to be given to cancer research. The reason I am pulled into the cancer research field is because I have had a relatives and my pitching coach Todd Oakes battle and pass away from cancer. My goal in life is to beat this horrible disease.
