My first day at Swimming WA

Monday was the big day! I had tossed and turned all night, worried I would be late for my first day, worried I wouldn't know what to do. Hadn't I gotten over these fears? It felt like starting high school all over again.

I woke to the news that a stabbing had occured in Northbridge, and went in to a small panic about potential traffic delays, but there was little I could do to avoid it.

I was relieved to find my journey in to North Perth was without drama, and I was fashionably early for my first day at Swimming WA.

As I nervously climbed the stairs to the administration office, I was greeted by the friendly face of Clare. I had spoken to her a few times on the phone, exchanged a couple of emails, and felt confident we would get along once we met. I was not disappointed.

I was introduced to a number of new faces. It all happened so quickly, I wasn't able to remember who was who and who did what, but am sure I will become more aquainted as the weeks roll on. Everybody seemed cheerful, well mannered and BUSY.

I was shown an office and computer that would be mine for the day. Most executives crave an office the size of mine. It was old and worn, but had a mystery about it - it had been the home of swimming in WA for many years. The usual occupant was away on holidays.

The walls were filled with information and contacts on swimming, events, upcoming duties and activities. Many of the names were familiar from my involvement with our local swim club, over the years.

Clare presented me with The West Australian, while she sorted out some duties for me. I sat there and took in the noises and voices around me. Some of the staff were talking about the footy results over the weekend. I ached to join in their conversation, but I was the new girl and sheltered in the safety of my luxury sized office.

I had arrived at 9.45am and it was now 10am. Clare explained what she wanted me to do for the day. I was being thrown straight in to the deep end, and I was going to have my writing skills challenged.

Clare explained that Swimming WA were in the process of revamping their web page. This sent a shudder though me, knowing that web technology was not my strength. Today, I would be doing 'copy' for their new and improved site.

I was given an email of instructions and some material that had been researched by a previous work experience student, who had left to take up a paying full time position. I was to use this material and any other research, online or in their library resources, to pen a welcoming page for the new site.

I sat there for what felt like hours, glancing at the paper work, looking at the blank screen, feeling like a small child presented with a large meal, not knowing where to start or finish. I played with the papers like the child, with the large meal, would twirl boiled cabbage on a fork.

But I read. I read more and more. My fear turned in to hunger, and from within came a passion I really felt I had lost years ago.

Suddenly, the words just came. I felt confident as the words flowed, and I was excited by what I was producing.

I emailed my finished work and waited for Clare's reaction. She was pleased and said, "This is perfect..just what we were looking for!"

I was still feeling out of sorts, but felt a sense of achievement to have survived my first duty.

Time for lunch.

Clare suggested the Beatty Park cafe. She instructed me to tell the staff I was working at Swimming WA, which would result in a substantial discount.

I made my way past the day time swimmers in the outdoor pools, reflecting on the history and former champions that would have spent many hours there. I then took a seat at the cafe.

I felt a little bit lonely. I don't like to lunch alone. I listened in on parents discussing their kid's swimming lessons, muffled by the splashing sounds of young children in the paddle pool.

The cafe food was surprisingly good. There was a healthy aspect to it, which was something I have always felt was important at recreation centres. I hate it when kids are participating in something active and healthy, then fed a bucket of chips.

The afternoon was a little bit more interesting. Clare had spent the morning working on the Summer Almanac (a substantial booklet that outlines the calendar of swimming events for the season). She had more time now to show me how she was putting it together, then explained how we would have to proof read the printer's first copy, before they would go to final print for the swim clubs.

We then went through the Swimming WA web site and looked at ways we could change material, transfer material and prepare for the new look site. Clare's goal is to teach me how to upload and edit, on my return.

I spent the rest of the day editing material to be used for the site. This included a large list of names and profiles for their honours page. It was amazing reading through the achievements of WA's former swimmers.

At 4pm my head was spinning and I was delighted when Clare suggested it was time to go home.

I feel I have been given a wonderful opportunity. Clare is intelligent, passionate and full of encouragement. She is finishing her own studies, so has a good grasp of what is important to learn in the PR industry. I was impressed by how, despite her own busy programme, she made time to come and teach me a few things and was conscious of the need to challenge me.

I also love that I am putting some useful time in to helping a sport I am involved in. I use their website and resources constantly, so am enjoying having a powerful contribution.

I was in bed pretty early that night!