Why did you choose UNI? 

I am a transfer student from Iowa Lakes Community College, and I chose UNI because I felt the faculty I was in contact with before I transferred were so helpful and genuine. I liked that the class sizes were small, which helped make the transition easier. I had visited family in Cedar Falls several times before attending the university and loved what the area had to offer. I am so glad I chose UNI and I couldn't picture myself earning my degree anywhere else. 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I have enjoyed how much UNI feels like home. All of my professors have been so friendly and approachable. They truly care about the success of their students and want each student to feel like they matter. I have also really enjoyed the balance of interesting and challenging coursework and fun activities on campus. A few of my favorite activities include attending Panther athletic events, exercising at the WRC, and going to Campus Activities Board (CAB) events.

How did you become interested in your major? 

I had an injury in high school that required me to spend a lot of time with the Athletic Trainer at my school. I have always been interested in anatomy and how injuries affect the body. After observing what the day-to-day duties entailed, Athletic Training felt like a perfect fit. I have now switched my plans and my career goal is now to become an Occupational Therapist. My advisors at UNI were incredibly supportive when I told them I had decided to switch paths, which made the process so much easier. Occupational Therapy is interesting because it requires some creative problem solving when patients need assistance in their daily activities.

What have been some of your favorite aspects of the major? 

My favorite aspect has been the professors. They are all knowledgeable and helpful and made class fun. Another favorite aspect has been the large number of hands-on experience opportunities we are offered in our major courses. Courses such as Gross Anatomy, Clinical and Gross Human Anatomy, Foundations of Orthopedic Injury Assessment, and Clinical Healthcare Experience are all designed in a “learning through doing” way to ensure we get the most out of each course. In the Clinical Healthcare Experience, each student is paired with a UNI sport team, local high school, or PT/OT clinic to obtain observation hours. This course truly allows us to get a feel for what the AT/PT/OT careers require. Having taken those courses, I feel confident to take the next step in my educational journey.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

As a transfer student, it took a little time for me to get involved. By the end of my first semester, I had found some friends by going to CAB events and attending sporting events. In my second year at UNI, I had the opportunity to help restart the UNI Student Athletic Training Organization (UNISATO). We revived an organization that aims to help any undergraduate student interested in learning/practicing skills and receiving assistance in applying for graduate programs. Another group I was involved with on campus was Panther Mayhem. We tried to attend as many UNI athletic events as possible. I also was a member of the ping pong club in my final semester as a Panther. Being involved has allowed me to meet new people and have fun on campus.

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

Dr. Tricia Schrage and Dr. Todd Evans have been the most influential professors during my time at UNI. Both truly care about their students’ success inside and outside of the classroom. Dr. Schrage is experienced and personable; it is so obvious that she loves her job and helping students. If I have a question about a course or just need some advice, she is the first person on campus that I go to. Dr. Evans always has a fun story to tell and seeing him in the halls meant that I would most likely be laughing by the end of the conversation. Both have left a lasting impact on my time here at UNI.

What are your post-graduation plans?

My post-graduate plans include attending graduate school for Occupational Therapy. I am still in the process of being accepted and selecting which school to attend.

How has UNI helped prepare you for these plans? 

UNI has given me several opportunities that I might not have had access to if I had gone to another school. I had several opportunities for hands-on learning in all of my classes. For example, learning and practicing several special tests for wrist injuries during class helped me get a headstart on skills I will need to master in graduate school. Not every school offers a gross anatomy course, so having the opportunity to learn in that environment has given me a better perspective on how the body works as one unit. Being able to work with college teams and local schools through my clinical healthcare experience course prepared me for what I can expect to find when I enter the healthcare field. 

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

My advice for someone who is considering this major would be to take every learning opportunity offered to you. Attend the UNISATO meetings each month to meet other students in the major and learn something new. Get to know your professors and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Enjoy it all! Go Cats!!!