Brief Bio: My love for athletics started when I was a young child. I was always climbing on things, running, biking and flipping any chance I got. I played soccer at five and then began gymnastics at seven, becoming competitive by nine and the rest is history. Gymnastics opened my eyes to the world of hard work, dedication and competition. Later I got involved in dance, cheerleading and softball. Currently I teach dance, take dance classes and also take aerial classes.
Why did you choose UWS? Why did you choose SPP?
I choose UWS because I was unhappy in the program I was previously enrolled in. By fate I received an informational email that couldn’t have come at a better time. I looked into the program and found it was just what I was looking for. Being an athlete myself and constantly finding solace on the field, stage or mat, I knew that sport psychology was the career field for me.
What has been your favorite class/instructor?
I am not sure I can pick just one class or instructor. My favorite classes have been “Management of sports injuries” and “Applied sport psychology.” These two classes have been extremely informative and relevant to my life as well as my future as a sport psychologist. As for professors, I have had the joy of working with Dr. Conrad Woolsey in more than one class and he is just a wealth of knowledge. I have also had a couple classes with Vincent Lodato who is also very informative and very involved in class discussions, which is essential.
What has been your experience with learning in SPP’s online environment?
Learning in an online environment was not new to me as I have taken quite a few classes online, yet the UWS culture is slightly different. It is more realistic, as if you are in an actual classroom and having a discussion. The discussion posts are less textbook and more conversational (obviously still with references). This is key for me and provides an effective online learning environment.
What has been the most surprising part of attending UWS?
The most surprising part of attending UWS is how invested the administrators and professors are in their students. I have never attended a school that was so willing to help when needed.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation I am hoping to get involved with high school or university athletic programs.
Wild Card: Favorite way to relieve stress.
My favorite way to relieve stress is to dance. Dancing allows me to let go of everything else I am holding onto whether it be thoughts, tension etc. When I am dancing I am not thinking about anything other than the way I am moving to the music. For me that is liberating.
