Why did you choose UNI? 

I choose UNI because it was a perfect mix of what I was looking for. It was big, but not too big. It was a few hours away from home, but not too far away where I couldn’t visit home when I wanted to. It also has a great reputation for teaching majors, and I wanted to be prepared for entering the teaching field. Lastly, when I visited campus, it felt like home.

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I have enjoyed all of the connections that I have made with my friends, peers, and professors on campus. 

How did you become interested in your major at UNI? 

I knew I wanted to be a Physical Education Teacher before ever stepping foot on campus, but the classes I took made me fall in love with teaching even more. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I was involved with UNI Club Baseball, UNI Physical Education Club, UNI Men’s Varsity Glee Club, and the SALT Company. 

Club Baseball was a blast. It allowed me to continue playing organized baseball at UNI. We would play weekend 3 game series against other club teams in the Midwest, with a spring break trip to Panama City for a tournament. 

UNI Physical Education Club provided me with professional development opportunities that I took advantage of. I attended many SHAPE Iowa Conferences with friends in the department, and learned from guest speakers we brought to campus as well. 

UNI Men’s Varsity Glee Club is a men’s choir on campus. We are most known for our yearly Christmas Variety Show during December. This organization allowed me to continue a hobby of mine, singing, while also meeting a bunch of great friends in the process.

SALT Company is a campus ministry at Candeo Church. Being involved in this club allowed me to grow my faith in Christ, meet great people, and create life-long memories with friends. 

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI?

Dr. James Hall has been my most influential professor while on campus. He sets very high expectations for his students but does everything in his power to help them reach the expectations. He taught me a lot about teaching, but he also helped me grow as a person in my 4 years on campus. I will always remember the teaching and life lessons that I learned from him. 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

I have recently accepted a position at Nevada Middle School as a Middle School Physical Education and Health Teacher

How has UNI/your major helped prepare you for these plans? 

I feel very prepared for entering the teaching world. The classes I took have given me knowledge for teaching Physical Education to all ages. UNI has also provided me with ample opportunities to practice teaching while receiving feedback from professors. 

What advice would you give to students who are considering this major? 

Understand that teaching Physical Education is more than just sports. Physical Education is an important subject where students learn motor skills, teamwork, health, and life-long activities. Get very comfortable with public speaking, be prepared to receive lots of feedback from professors, and willingly implement that feedback in your instruction.