Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI? 
I chose this degree because I enjoy physical activity and I want to help others be as physically active and healthy as they can be. I also want to make sure that students have all the necessary skills and information to live a healthy lifestyle. 

What kind of path did you take to achieve your degree? 
My path took a lot of twists and turns. I started out being a business major when I decided to come to UNI as a junior in high school. By the time I was a senior in high school I decided to change my major to biology, and hopefully pursue a career after having a job placement in a pharmacy while in high school. After a year of taking biology classes I learned that it wasn't for me. I took a class with the strength and conditioning coach at UNI, Jed Smith, and started to realize that physical education might be something for me. After going back to my hometown and talking to my physical education teacher at my high school, who was a former UNI grad, I decided to change my major to physical education. I haven't looked back since and I am happy that I am graduating this spring with my degree in physical education. 

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree means a lot to me. It is the culmination of all the hard work and studying I put into all the different classes I took. It means a great deal to me and my family, who I know are excited for me to start the next chapter in my life. 

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree? How did you overcome them? 
I faced a few such as changing to this major late and COVID-19. Because I changed my major late and still wanted to graduate in four years, I had to load up on classes and take around 16-18 credits a semester along with taking 2-3 summer classes, all while working construction. I really had to work hard to complete this and get my degree in four years. COVID-19 was another obstacle because there were multiple times where someone around me tested positive for COVID-19 and I would have to get tested (never tested positive) and quarantine for two weeks at a time. I got behind in classes and had to really work hard to catch up and learn the content.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals?
UNI helped me achieve my goals of becoming a teacher by helping me grow as a teacher and by teaching me the necessary skills I needed to become a teacher. I was blessed with having amazing experiences everywhere I went to teach. From Waterloo West High School for my level 1s to my student teaching at Peet Junior High School. I learned a lot about myself as a teacher and what I need to do to be a successful teacher.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
I have so many that I couldn't think of one. I have been truly blessed with the friends I have made at UNI and in the physical education department. I would have to say that my favorite memory is traveling down to Marshalltown to help test kids on the pacer, pushup and sit up tests. We went as a class and ended up having fun while helping the kids. We even went out to eat together for lunch and played catch with a football until the restaurant opened. 

What advice would you give to students considering UNI? 
If you're looking for a place that will help you make you a better person and help you make lasting relationships, come to UNI. This place is special and can really help you succeed.

What do you plan to do with your degree? Do you already know your next steps or have a position? 
I plan on becoming a PE/health teacher. I am currently applying for jobs and going through the interview process.