What brought you to UNI?

I went to UNI for my undergraduate degree and chose to stay here for my Masters degree because of the close-knit relationships I formed during my first four years. I also really loved the connections I have formed with my professors and preceptors.

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

I enjoyed the smaller class sizes and the opportunity to enhance my clinical skills with the wide variety of rotations offered for us here. I also had a lot of friends in the program so having that support was essential for my success as well.

How did you become interested in your program? 

I suffered through an injury in high school and spent a lot of time in the athletic training room myself, and then my AT helped me set up a few job shadows in the community once I told her I was interested in the profession.

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

We have assigned clinical rotations (4 per year) where we go out to different sites within the community and practice our skills while being supervised by a certified athletic trainer. We attend sport practices, events, games, and treatments, all while getting to perfect our craft and build our confidence. I loved having this opportunity because it allowed me to settle into this career before I am on my own.

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

Dr. Tricia Schrage, Dr. Kelli Snyder, Dr. Mark Hecimovich

Post-graduation plans?

I will be the Head Athletic Trainer for Waterloo West High School in Waterloo, Iowa.

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

My critical management skills in emergency situations, my evaluation skills when it comes to complex injuries, and my time management will be the most beneficial skills I will carry with me to my post-grad career. UNI helped prepare me for this job by giving me the tools to succeed in numerous settings, and giving us hypothetical scenarios to work through (OSCE’s, etc). I feel well-prepared to take on my future career due to the amazing professors and preceptors that we have here at UNI.

What advice would you give to students currently looking into grad schools?

Studying is important and school should be a main priority, but don’t forget to save some time for yourself and allow yourself to do the things that make you happy as well. Grad school is hard, and burnout is real, but you can’t help others until you help yourself. Don’t forget to have fun!