A-Team Chronicles: FISH

So, Academic Team is fun. It sure is. Okay, stop looking at me like that, it is! Despite the studying intensely and the scheduling/time management problems, A-team is a very exciting and fulfilling activity. I'm so much more culturally literate now than a few years ago (pre-Ateam). However, despite how fun practices can be, there are people that don't dedicate their time and energies to the program. That's all fine and dandy. We're not a cult that requests ownership of your soul. But, our coach, Our Beloved Hauck. The Hauckinator himself is not a "oh well, let's just see how it goes, don't worry too much about it" kind of guy. He's more of a "WHAT?! We still can't get Pragmatism off William JAMES!! People, COME ON!!" (only not at all mean, more constructive than anything else). He makes us strive for greatness, just as he strives for greatness. So,...he decided to inspire us with a little anecdote about FISH.
Okay, what is fish?
Fish is a way of life. (stop the funny looks!!!). He read a book called "Fish Sticks." In that book it talks about one of the nation's best nursing units. The nursing unit had once been less than the best and they decided to change it by getting rid of negativity and encouraging a good environment in the workplace. Soon, everyone was striving to give their all to this great place that they played a role in. They were the best in the nation and everyone wanted to work there and work like that. Then, there was something about this super-waiter at a Sushi restaurant who went out of his way for his clients to be as comfortable and attended to as possible. He went out of his way. HE WENT OUT OF HIS WAY. He did more than the minimum required of him.
So, what does this mean for an A-teamer? What does it mean for a coach?
Well, basically, for me it means: Come to practice with a smile, study with friends, study on notecards, make little mnemonics. It means, sign up for every tournament and SHOW UP. It means being a great leader. It means being a great player and friend to my teammates.
For the coach it means, making practices fun and enjoyable. It means finding alternative methods of making things stick (ie, instead of reading lists, go see a play)

Anywho, the whole FISH concept makes me happy. I actually jump around a little (on the inside of course) when practice is coming up. We get little prizes and whatnot. We have a great time. I love A-team. It's not for everyone, but, it's definitely for me.

I'll blog again soon :D :D :D (practice tomorrow) :D :D :D :D :D