Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose to come to UNI because I grew up as a panther and was introduced to the Kinesiology department, and I loved it! I also loved the size of UNI, it’s small enough where you really get the chance to know professors, but also big enough to really feel like you get the college experience! I may also be biased, but I love the community in Cedar Falls! 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

The thing that I have enjoyed the most UNI is the Kinesiology Department Staff. They are the most amazing people and really care about you as a student, but they care about you 100x more as a person! The group in that department are really just a group of special people that make being a UNI student so amazing. I have also really enjoyed getting to know new people and having so many opportunities to help further myself as a student and as a person. 

How did you become interested in your major at UNI? 

In high school, I really had no idea what major I wanted to pursue, but I knew I wanted to be a Pre-physical Therapy student. I discussed my undergraduate options with my high school counselor, and she mentioned that she did her undergraduate studies in exercise science, and she said I should look into it. I went to the website and chatted with some current UNI students and decided that it was the major that would get me to where I wanted to be while also fulfilling my personal interests! 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I was on the executive board for the Kinesiology and Exercise Science Club as the Exercise is Medicine Representative. In this club, I worked with other members to put together different events for students throughout the school year. I also worked closely with another representative, Dr. Bourbeau, and Dr. T to get the EIM initiative up and running, and I hope to see EIM continue to grow on campus! I also spent some time doing an internship at Agape Therapy and worked closely with different PTs, PTAs, Personal Trainers, and Wellness Specialists. My experience there has been amazing and has really helped me see what my future could be like in physical therapy. 

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

The most influential professors for me have been Kelsey Bourbeau and Terence Moriarty. I loved taking all of their classes, they are the classes that really helped spark my passion for Kinesiology once I started taking major classes. Getting to know them and working with them in the classroom and for the Kinesiology and Exercise Science club has been amazing. They are both so passionate about the program and their students, and you can really tell they love what they do. Having professors like them really makes a HUGE difference in the lives of students. 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

After graduation, I will be attending Allen College’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. 

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

UNI has given me many opportunities I need to learn and grow as a student and as an individual to prepare for this program and eventually become a physical therapist. It has increased my passion for the subject and my desire to continue learning and helping others! 

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

I would say to really get to know the faculty and other students in the major! This major is so special because of the students and the staff! 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

Have fun and work hard, it’s so worth it in the end!