Why did you choose this degree -- and to pursue this degree at UNI?
I chose this degree on a whim. I did not know too much about the department as a whole, but Dr. Fabio Fontana (the head of the Department of Kinesiology) made such a strong first impression that I decided to give it a shot. I had no idea that I would attend UNI as a high school student. I am originally from Illinois, and had never heard of Cedar Falls until I came for my visit as a junior. My tour guides were great, and I had such a good feeling when walking around the campus that first time. I came back for another visit, and knew that this was the place I wanted to be. I did not know anybody else attending this school, and I had no idea what I wanted to study, but I had a very good feeling about UNI being the place for me to figure everything out.

What kind of path did you take to achieve your degree?
I never had any idea what I wanted to do with my life. I switched majors multiple times before I ended up in the Kinesiology Department. I played sports my whole life, and due to my diagnosis of Crohn's disease, I started lifting weights. Due to this, I emailed the head of the department just to see if I could learn what goes on in the department, as I really had no idea at that point. Dr. Fontana got me into the WRC that day, walked me around the entire building and introduced me to several faculty members. This included my future advisor, research leader, and ultimately friend, Dr. Mick Mack. Dr. Fontana's kindness and openness to show me around led me to trying a class in the movement and exercise science major, and I never looked back from there.

If you had an some kind of additional experience outside the classroom, how it has prepared you for your career?
I had the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research for the previous three to four semesters. This is quite the opportunity, and by the time I graduate this May, I will be the first author of a published research paper. Graduate faculty at a number of schools that I met with all said the same thing: research experience will set you apart from other applicants. UNI offers so many different opportunities to get involved with research, and I can't recommend getting involved with it enough. This research has given me so many different skills that will translate directly into my master's program. Learning the processes and what all goes into a research project before a graduate program is extremely beneficial.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
It means everything. I went from a student who never truly knew what I wanted to do with my life, to someone who has so much passion and drive for what I do and want to do going forward. I love the major, the professors I have had, and the classes I have taken these past couple of years. Finding what I am passionate for is something I have always wanted, but never envisioned happening. Being where I am at is surreal honestly. I am extremely blessed to have found this degree and to now be finishing it this May.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease right when I switched into this major. I lost around 70 pounds, and was extremely underweight. This gave me the motivation to start lifting weights and gaining muscle back. The classes I have taken have given me knowledge on nutrition, training and how my body worked overall. My disease affects me differently everyday. Some days are better than others, and it really is unpredictable. The professors I have had all have been unbelievably understanding and compassionate consistently. They care and check in with me consistently to see how I am doing. They have offered advice with my lifting journey. They overall have become a support system, and I can't stress how grateful I am for each and every one of them.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
I owe everything that I have learned and achieved these past four years to the staff of the University of Northern Iowa. The faculty and staff have challenged me, educated me, and given me more opportunities than I ever would have thought I would receive. The professors in Kinesiology are top notch. Each and every one wants all of their students to succeed, and it shows in and out of the classroom. The professors show consistently how much they care about you and your future goals. Each student is more than just a number to them.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
My best memory at UNI has to be winning the "outstanding officer in a student organization" award at the student leadership award ceremony last year. I spent countless hours reinstating the soccer club here at UNI after it was disbanded during COVID-19. To be recognized for my time and efforts meant the world to me, and I did not anticipate winning an award in the slightest. It was a complete shock! It was such a cool feeling to be rewarded for my efforts, and it made me super proud of myself and how far that I have come.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
My advice I gave to students during orientation and welcome week is to make yourself uncomfortable and get involved. College is the time to try things, and honestly, to fail occasionally. Trying things that you consider as a weakness, or things that you don't think you would enjoy or be good at, is so beneficial. Involvement on campus can lead to so many different things. The amount of experience, skills and friendships you can gain by joining a club or student organization cannot be fully stated. You can join one, and leave if it isn't something you truly like doing. At least you tried. You won't know unless you try, and you won't regret that someday. Students will regret the things that they didn't try after they graduate. There are so many different opportunities out there, you just have to take a step out of your comfort zone!

What do you plan to do with your degree?
I have been accepted into Northern Illinois University's Sport and Exercise Psychology master's program. While completing my master's degree, I have recently been accepted to a very unique graduate assistantship. I will be working for Project FLEX, which leverages the power of sport to unite individuals and develop a culture of opportunity for incarcerated youth. I will be able to work with incarcerated youth through different activities that work on team building, leadership, goal setting and so many more. It is a super exciting opportunity and I cannot wait to get started with it. It will be extremely rewarding work.