How did you decide on your path of study?
I first became interested in rehabilitation studies when I went to see the chiropractor. While I was there, we talked all about chiropractic. I knew UNI had an undergraduate program for fields like athletic training, physical therapy, chiropractic, and more. I also knew they had a graduate program for athletic training. After exploring some majors, I decided that this is what I wanted to try out. So far, it has been very enjoyable and something that I really want to pursue.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?
I chose UNI for this degree because I really enjoyed UNI my first semester compared to Iowa State my second semester. I just feel more at home at UNI compared to Iowa State. I feel like UNI is a much more friendly environment where you get to meet more people compared to a bigger school like Iowa State where people don't seem to want to talk to strangers and get to know them.

What challenges have you faced as you've worked toward this degree – and how have you overcome them?
I have had a couple of difficult classes, but I never gave up on myself because quitting would definitely prevent me from getting to where I want to be. Another challenge is the fear of not getting into a master's program. Every day I think about graduating with this major and then not getting into a graduate program. I think that fear helps drive me to do my best and to work hard on my schooling.

What’s been your favorite memory at UNI?
Getting to know the people in the program like my fellow classmates, teachers, and students in the master's program for athletic training. They have helped me enjoy school and, when you enjoy school, your learning capabilities increase.

How has UNI helped you achieve your goals?
I think the best way UNI has helped me achieve my goals is by having a phenomenal staff within the athletic training program. I enjoy every time I get to talk to them. This semester was the first semester of schooling that I feel I learned a lot. Not only did I learn a lot, but I also really enjoyed this semester.

How has your experience at UNI shaped you?
I think my time at UNI, and within the athletic training program specifically, has helped me find out what I want to do with my life. I want to be an athletic trainer.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
It is a nice, smaller school where you will get to know your professors and classmates. I feel like that is a very underrated aspect of schooling; because schooling doesn't feel like a chore when you enjoy what you are learning about and who you are learning from. Getting to know your fellow classmates is also important not only for social reasons but also because your classmates can help you with your classes and reaching your goals of graduating and making it in your career.

What do you plan to do with your degree?
I would like to get into the athletic training master's program here at UNI. Then I think I would really enjoy being an athletic trainer for a college sports team.