Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI? 
I choose athletic training because of my love of sports and helping people. Athletic training gave me both.

What kind of path did you take to achieve your degree? 
I came to the University of Northern Iowa knowing that I wanted to be an athletic trainer. With the help of professors, preceptors, and student athletes, I fell completely in love with the profession. 

What does completing your degree mean to you?
It's an amazing achievement but I couldn't have done it without the support of my family, friends, professors, and preceptors.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree? How did you overcome them? 
A major challenge that I faced was when we had to go online due to COVID-19. As an athletic training student the material that we study is mostly hands-on. Trying to learn hands-on skills is hard to do online. I overcame this challenge with the help of videos and reviewing the material once we were back in person.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
I had amazing UNI professors and preceptors to help me achieve my goals. They were there for me every step of the way and supported every decision. Their doors were always open to talk and for me to ask them questions. They helped me prepare for my board certification exam and interviews. 

As a graduate student, was there a focus to your research or a thesis? 
Yes.  I completed a research project on the "Evaluation and Utility of the King-Devick with Integrated Eye Tracking as a Diagnostic for Sport-Related Concussion: An Evaluation and Review of a Previously Conducted Research Project." 

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
Being able to be with the UNI football team as an athletic training student when they won the homecoming game against Youngstown State.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI? 
Your professors are there to help and support you during your time at UNI. Don't be nervous to introduce yourself and to get to know them!

What are your next steps? 
I will be practicing as an athletic trainer. I will be covering games and practices. As an athletic trainer I will be helping athletes get healthier and stronger for their athletic events.