My Major & Career
Exercise Science Major
The experiences I have gained through IUPUI have equipped me with the knowledge and skill set needed to interact with different patient or client populations through their numerous service- and client-based course activities.
Go Jags!
Physical Therapy
After completing undergraduate school and internships, my plan is to continue my education at a PT school and become a physical therapist working in my community. This career would allow me to help others get back to their optimum selves on a large and professional scale. This profession would also allow me to educate the community about physical activity and its numerous health benefits.
Why Pursue a BS in Kinesiology?
Why Physical Therapy?
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As I progress in my academic career, I remember how my father helped me discover my passion for a major in exercise science. I enjoyed our regular hour-or-more bike rides or walks, exploring our town and nearby towns. I assisted him in yard work and we would massage each other's sore muscles. He was my person who got me into being regularly active. When he got older and wanted to stay physically fit, I happily guided him through the exercises and stretches he had taught me as well as designed activities that targeted the fitness goals he had in mind. His influence in my life gave me an appreciation for the benefits of exercise and gave me a desire to use physical activity to improve other people’s moods, independence, and quality of life. That appreciation is what led me to declare my major to be Exercise Science in high school.
During my sophomore year of high school, my English teacher gave us a career exploration assignment that had me considering physical therapy. The assignment required us to search out a business that fit our career goals and write a letter that we could send to them. I used that work to contact a local physical therapy outpatient clinic. I worked there as a receptionist for three years, which allowed me to better learn about the office setting, the daily life of an outpatient PT, the relationships you get to build with patients while they get treatment, and the teamwork, positivity, learning mindset, and resilience required to run a successful PT clinic. This experience further reinforced my interest in the field and has led me to where I am right now, studying exercise science and minoring in health psychology.
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Personal Training Philosophy
I focus on making each session fun for the client and work to create an inclusive space that makes the client comfortable to ask questions and not feel discouraged with where they are at. I employ adaptations that meet a client where they are at to give them the confidence they need to get in reps to increase their strength and level up to more challenging exercises. I program sessions using evidence-backed methods and exercises that I have used before or am comfortable with to teach well. If I were to branch out into other methods or exercises, I would be sure to educate myself on them and feel comfortable performing and teaching it before a session-- maybe even performing the workout myself before giving it to my client. When giving motivation, I throw in words like "nice work," "keep going," or "two more left!" but also try to give out very specific compliments on a client's form if I see them adjust on their own or are performing the exercise well so they know what exactly they are doing well instead of saying "looks good!"
Other Career Goals
Below are goals I am working toward right now, in tandem with my aforementioned goals, to further my experience and skills in the field:
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Study for and complete the GRE in 2022
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Build upon Microsoft Excel skills via a training course that can certify my skills
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Get my CPT to become a personal trainer between '22 and '23
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Look into group fitness instructing to see if I want to pursue that
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To get involved in local and large organizations that align with my interests and goals, and help me keep learning such as ​fundraising events, blood drives, food pantries, and professional organizations including the APTA and NSCA.
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Career Action Plan
Updated 4/6/2020
This is an informative class assignment from IUPUI's Intro to Exercise Science class that has allowed me to explore and proactively plan for and succeed in my career goals.
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Here you can find my:
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My exploration of the PT and PTA field
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My answers to common interview questions