My Experiences
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During my Theory of Cardiovascular Exercise class, I had the opportunity to work with three classmates to create a cardio workout video designed specifically for adults over the age of 60. The main goal of our project was to encourage older individuals to stay active through movements that support daily functional tasks. We spent a lot of time choosing exercises that reinforced everyday actions, such as reaching forward or overhead to grab objects, or performing lower body movements that support standing up, stepping in different directions, and maintaining balance. Creating something that older adults could actually benefit from made the project feel meaningful and grounded in real-life application.
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This experience ended up teaching me much more than I expected. Filming the video showed me the kinds of challenges that content creators face when trying to produce high quality material. Even with planning, things still went wrong. In our case, the video had several jump cuts and a moment where someone walked right through the shot even though there was a walkway behind the camera. Instead of getting frustrated, we had to quickly decide how to work around each mistake. That process helped me develop my problem solving skills in a very hands-on way. I learned how important it is to stay calm, think through solutions, and adjust the plan when things do not go exactly how you imagined. It also pushed me to be more innovative, especially when choosing exercise progressions and regressions, creating warmups and cooldowns, and making sure our video stayed safe and accessible.
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Reflecting on this experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into producing instructional fitness content. It reminded me that working with older adults requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt quickly. This project strengthened my interest in helping diverse populations stay active and made me more confident in my ability to adjust on my feet. Overall, it helped me grow as both a future professional and a communicator in the field of exercise and health.
FYS Mentoring
Leadership Position
During my experience mentoring for the First Year Seminar program, I had the opportunity to select the kinesiology section as the group I wanted to work with. This was my second year mentoring, but it felt like a new experience because it finally aligned with my academic interests. Unlike most FYS sections that have around 15 to 30 students, this one had 74, which created a unique set of challenges that I had to navigate. I worked with three other mentors, giving each of us around 18 to 20 students, but the size of the group still required a lot of organization, patience, and adaptability. One of my favorite memories was during Bridge Week when our class joined with the Health Sciences FYS for a large activity. There were about 135 students there, and it felt like guiding an entire community at once.
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This experience played a meaningful role in developing my problem solving and innovation skills. Working with such a large and diverse group of students meant that no two situations were ever the same. I had to think carefully about how to communicate information, how to support students who were stressed, and how to keep everyone engaged. Sometimes a student needed academic help, sometimes they needed reassurance, and other times they just needed someone to listen. These moments pushed me to think creatively and adjust my approach on the spot. I learned how to take what I know and reshape it in a way that fit each person’s needs. This helped me grow both as a mentor and as someone who wants to work in a field where personal connection really matters.
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In reflection, this experience showed me how much impact one person can have in a student’s transition into college. It also taught me how important it is to approach every student with an open mind and without judgment. I met people from many different backgrounds, each with their own story, and that diversity helped me understand the value of empathy and flexibility. Overall, this experience strengthened my commitment to helping others and gave me skills that I will carry into my future career.
Leadership Position
As a Peer Academic Advisor, I had the unique opportunity to support my students in navigating their academic journeys. This position specifically involved providing guidance on course selection, study strategies, and time management skills all in the hopes of helping students align their academic goals with their personal aspirations. I also facilitated workshops and discussions that fostered a learning environment, encouraging students to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Reflecting on my time in this role, I can confidently that it has significantly contributed to my personal growth and development as an aspiring physical therapist. Engaging with diverse groups of people enhanced my communication skills, allowing me to convey my complex ideas in an accessible manner. This has helped me embody the IUI profiles of a communicator and a problem solver. I learned to actively listen to the concerns of my peers, tailoring my advice to their situations. This not only improved my ability to empathize but also sharpened my critical thinking skills as I sought effective solutions to the challenges they faced. Additionally, working closely with students from various backgrounds has broadened my perspective, teaching me the importance of inclusivity and specificity. These skills are invaluable in the realm of physical therapy, where understanding patients' individual issues and communicating effectively can significantly impact their recovery journey.
Overall, my experience as a Peer Academic has been instrumental in shaping my approach to both my academic and professional aspirations. It has prepared me to be a compassionate, effective communicator, and a resourceful problem solver with qualities that will serve me well in my future career in physical therapy. This role has not only enriched my understanding of academic pathways but has also instilled in me deeper commitment to supporting others in their pursuit of success.
INShape
Personal Training Postion
During my personal training experience through INShape, I had the opportunity to work with a 65-year-old male client. This proved to be an invaluable learning experience for both him and I. His age brought about an unique set of challenges, which formed through various health issues that I encountered throughout our sessions. These challenges not only enhanced my understanding of age-related physical limitations but also allowed me to educate and solidify the learning that I have been doing. This might also be applicable in my future endeavors in physical therapy school as you work with all populations. I learned to adapt my training techniques to accommodate his specific needs, ensuring that each session was both safe and effective.
This experience significantly contributed to my development as an innovator and community contributor in the field of fitness and health. Working with an older client required me to think creatively about exercise modifications and to develop tailored programs that addressed his individual concerns. I would find myself having to research new methods and approaches that could enhance his training experience, fostering an innovative mindset for this experience. The process of adapting his exercises to meet his needs inspired me to think outside the box and explore various modalities. Additionally, my role as a community contributor became clearer through this experience. Engaging with a diverse clientele, particularly older adults, the importance of inclusivity in fitness. I realized that many older individuals face barriers when seeking physical activity, and I felt a strong responsibility to create a welcoming environment for them. By fostering a sense of knowledge or my client, I aimed to empower him to take charge of their health and well-being.
In reflection, my time in INShape was transformative. I not only honed my skills as a personal trainer but also developed a deeper appreciation for the diverse needs of specific people. This experience solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in physical therapy, where I can continue to contribute positively to the lives of individuals, regardless of their age or physical condition.