Meet an Exercise Science Major

Why did you choose your major? 

I hurt myself my senior year of high school, requiring major knee surgery and more than eight months or physical therapy. This injury opened my eyes to a field that I instantly fell in love with. I love the human body, especially the knee. I have also played sports all my life and have always been very active, and I could never see myself in the future sitting behind a desk. I am a very hands on person and I am so excited to see what my future holds!

What has been your favorite class? 

Exercise Physiology because it was so interesting to learn about the physiology of different body systems. The best part was that we did lab experiments on the principles and concepts that we learned in class. A very hands on class and very interesting material!

Have you done any internships?

Over the summer, I worked alongside a licensed physical therapist in a clinic setting as he worked with his daily patients. I got to observe his techniques as well as specific exercises that he instructed each patient to do for their rehabilitation plan.

What are your plans after graduation?

I want to go to graduate school to earn my doctorate in physical therapy!  

Have any professors particularly influenced you?

Dr. Ladda and Dr. Toscano have made a big impact on my academic experience at MC. They are both so knowledgable about the field and being in their classes is so enjoyable. They are both very enthusiastic professors, and make class very interesting. They both make it clear that they love what they teach and it makes their students enjoy it also.

What's your favorite thing about this major?

The Physical Education & Human Performance department is a very close knit group of students and professors that feels like a family. By your sophomore year, you know almost everyone in the program who is in your grade, as well as many students in other grades. The professors all know you on a first name basis and continually show how much they care and how much they want you to succeed. 

What's the most difficult thing about this major?

Some of the classes that you have to take are very challenging. Any major related to the sciences will require a lot of time and effort. Most of the courses are hard but are very interesting too.

What advice would you give to new students trying to select a major?

When it comes time to pick your major think about what really catches your attention and what you could see yourself doing in the future. If you are interested and enjoy the major that you choose, classes won't be painful, they will be enjoyable!