Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because my sisters went here, it was financially affordable, and it seemed like a great school overall. 

What is one of your favorite memories of your time at UNI? 

One of my favorite memories from UNI is living in Hagemann Hall my freshman year on the second floor. There were so many late nights spent talking, laughing, and building friendships with people who were strangers at first but quickly became close friends. Those memories and relationships made UNI feel like home right away. 

How did you first become interested in your major, and what ultimately led you to pursue it? 

I first became interested in my major because I really enjoyed PE growing up and wasn’t sure what I wanted to study when I started college. I decided to try Physical Education, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I made. As I took more classes, I grew to love it even more. My professors, classmates, and experiences at UNI helped me develop a stronger passion for Physical Education and confirmed that it was the right path for me. 

What aspects of your major have you found most engaging or meaningful? 

The part of my major I enjoyed the most was my field experiences. Being thrown into the classroom was challenging, and I didn’t always get everything right, but those experiences taught me more than any textbook ever could. I also loved discovering so many helpful resources, amazing people, websites, and books, that I know I’ll keep using throughout my career. Those hands-on experiences made me even more excited about teaching. 

In what ways have you been involved outside the classroom? 

Outside of the classroom, I was involved in The Salt Company college ministry, which became a huge part of my college experience. Through Salt, I found my closest friends and a strong sense of community. It helped me feel connected right away and gave me a place where I could grow personally and spiritually while being surrounded by supportive people. 

Another experience that really impacted me was my eight-week student teaching placement in Hawaii. Being in a completely different environment pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow as an educator. I learned how to be more inclusive and flexible in my teaching while working with students from different backgrounds. It was an unforgettable experience that helped shape how I want to show up in my future classroom. 

Lastly, I had the opportunity to be a UNI Panther Mascot, and it was one of my favorite activities outside of class. I built great relationships with the team and got to experience the joy of UNI in a whole new way. Seeing the smiles of people of all ages, from longtime alumni to little kids, was amazing. It made me realize how much the mascot brings happiness to everyone and adds to UNI’s spirit. 

Which professors were particularly influential during your time at UNI? 

One professor who was especially influential during my time at UNI was Kimberly Hurley. Her passion for Physical Education and movement inspired me to care more deeply about my major and the impact I can have as a teacher. Dr. Hurley had high expectations for her students, but she was also incredibly supportive and truly wanted us to succeed. Through her teaching, I learned not only how to be a better educator, but also how important it is to genuinely care for students and celebrate their growth and successes—something she modeled every day in the way she taught and supported us. 

What do you plan to do with your degree?

I plan to find a job somewhere in the Cedar-Valley area for this upcoming fall.

How did UNI, and your major, prepare you for your next steps? 

UNI helped me grow in professionalism and develop skills that will help me be successful as an employee. Through classes and hands-on experiences, I gained confidence, learned how to work with others, and became more prepared for my next steps. 

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

My advice would be to ask questions, jump in, and take advantage of every opportunity. The hands-on experiences and people you meet make this major challenging but really rewarding. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience at UNI or within your major? 

One thing I’d like to share about my time at UNI is how much I’ve grown. Through classes, field experiences, and the people I’ve met, I’ve learned a lot about teaching and about myself. I’m so grateful for the community and experiences that made my time here so meaningful.