For this project, I asked Barbara Fraser, owner and head coach of TAG Sports Centre, a few questions to understand what she does for our community. I chose to interview Barbara Fraser because I do my gymnastics at her gymnastics club and I am very passionate about gymnastics.
Interview Questions:
Why are you passionate about your job?
Sport and music have been my lifelong passions! I was raised by a single parent and things I chose to do were on my ability to pay for them. I was privileged to attend a private girls school and music and physical education were a major part of my life there. Both my teachers were awesome and my passion for gymnastics started there. I was pretty good and already had a great teacher in our school gym team. She encouraged me to carry on at a gymnastics club being opened and taking my sports sciences at Seneca College. The rest is history. There was no turning back. I was hooked.
Seneca College, the college Barbara Fraser attended.
2. What obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today?
I was lucky to have great mentors and opportunities. I fought to be my best and went after it. I worked hard and made things happen. My mentors respected my talents and gave me many opportunities to progress quickly as a national coach at the very beginning of my career. COVID-19 is my biggest obstacle at the moment!
3. What advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?
Pursue your passions and believe in your dreams! Hard work always pays off!
4. Would you be open to further contact from Riverside students and if so, how can someone contact you?
Yes. You can contact me by email, gymnut@telus.net
5. When things got hard, what motivated you to keep going?
Again, my life was a challenge but my mom was amazing. She steered my siblings and me in the right direction and taught us to do things for ourselves. Later on, my husband was a huge supporter for me to “just do it”. It takes a very understanding man to cope with the demands of a national coach.
6. How does your job impact the community and what do you do to engage with the community?
I am a supporter of the local community by offering introduction to gymnastics classes. In working with the Community Parks and Recreation department, it is available to all children to enjoy physical literacy! My programs in the gym reach all ages and levels of any gender.
An image of TAG Sports Centre.
From this interview, I learned a lot about the hard work and determination needed to create a successful gymnastics club and business. I also learned about different support systems. It has helped me to understand the hard work that went into the gymnastics club I attend today.