Senior
Dubuque, Iowa
Why did you chose Central?
I actually transferred to Central during the spring of my freshman year. I knew pretty early on at my other school that it wasn’t the right fit. I visited Central over fall break and immediately connected with the people and the community on campus. Transferring may have been stressful, but I’d do it all again! Coming to Central is one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Favorite professor and why?
Honestly, any of the professors in the Exercise Science department. It’s really easy to tell that they love what they are doing and are passionate about teaching us what they know. All of them are super willing to work with you outside of class, even if it isn’t necessarily about the class- last year when I was dealing with injuries during cross country and track, Dr. Shuger Fox and Dr. Pavlat helped me do some research on possible diagnoses and put together questions I could ask my physician about. It’s great knowing that your professors care about your well being and want to see you do well! Dr. Dunne also gets a shout out for fav professor- I went in dreading OChem, but it ended up being one of my favorite classes because of Dr. Dunne. My lab partner, Nate Sanders, and I compiled a list of “Dr. Dunne Quotes” throughout the semester last spring- he’s hilarious!
You’re majoring in exercise science because?
I’ve always known that I wanted to go into a health-related field, and I felt that exercise science gave me the best opportunities and choices. It’s nice because you can take the biology and chemistry courses you may need, as well as take courses that look at healthcare from a wellness point of view.
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
This will be my 3rd year of being an RA! Over the past few years I’ve gotten to know so many more awesome people on campus because of my job.
Who are your go-to musical artists?
I was raised on music from the 60s, 70s, & 80s- so BeeGees, ABBA, Elton John...all are fair game; but I’ll listen basically anything on the radio today too.
What did you do for work and for fun in the summer of 2019?
I ran a lot and was at the hospital doing observation hours most of the summer! Much more fun than a regular summer job, and super helpful because I narrowed down what I might want to go into after graduation.
Would you rather run in the mountains or along the beach?
Mountains!!
What’s your greatest achievement, and how has it shaped you?
I don’t think there’s one singular even that has shaped me- it’s living through all the little things that makes you who you are.
What is your hidden talent?
Definitely don’t think it’s very hidden, but I’m pretty dang good at karaoke.
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why?
I’m going to go with whatever age I am when I’ve finished school, started a job I love, and am doing all sorts of cool things.
Favorite TV show?
JEOPARDY!
What’s it like to compete for Coach Dunham?
Dunham gets super pumped about a lot of stuff- even the little things. It’s really encouraging and motivating to have someone who gets excited about you, the work you’re doing, and the work that the team is putting in. There have been plenty of times where I have personally felt that I was not doing things to my full potential, but Dunham has pulled me aside and helped me take on a better perspective- even the littlest and simplest things are still victories. With being injured pretty much all of my junior year, this aspect of his coaching really helped me to keep my head up and looking forward to what’s yet to come!
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central cross country?
Just being on the team- I immediately found a sense of home after transferring and getting to know all these amazing people. I’m glad to say I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had because of joining the team. I get to go to practice everyday excited to be surrounded by people who make me laugh, inspire me, and push me to do better- I don’t think there’s anything more I could ask for!
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope that I’ve figured out what I want to do, am doing it, and am loving it!
Favorite food from Central Market?
This past year I’ve discovered the magic of the panini press! If there wasn’t anything I was super pumped about, I’d stick a PB & J in there or make a baby quesadilla. It’s taken a couple years, but I think I’ve learned some pretty neat tricks at Central Market
Bucket list
Okay, hear me out: be at Central Market during all hours of operation. So you’d go to breakfast, lunch, and dinner from open to close. Then, for an added bonus, do this on study day and then attend Breakfast of Champions. Jerry Lotz and I were so close to completing this last year! We even took naps on the booths (RIP) to help pass the time.
