Class of 2022
Geneseo, Ill.
Why did you chose Central?
I chose Central because it felt like home to me from the very beginning. I also found that the exercise science program here was unique gave me the most flexibility with what I want to do moving forward. Almost everywhere else that I visited, the programs were mostly designed to prepare you for graduate school as a PT or OT, which isn’t necessarily what I want to do.
Favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Karen Cleveland in the Psych department, which is very sad for me because this will be her last semester here at Central. I love her because she teaches students not only about Psychology, but about life. I have learned so much from her in the few classes of hers that I have taken, and I always appreciate her boldness to talk about difficult topics.
You’re majoring in exercise science because?
Because I love to learn about health and wellness. I’ve always loved learning about the body and the science of how to make it function better, and I hope to share that knowledge with others some day!
Besides athletics, what else are you involved in on campus?
When I’m not at Kuyper working out, going to class, studying, or doing homework, you can usually find me at the Chapel. I love to be involved in campus ministries and the activities that they put on. I also do a work study in the Chapel!
Who are your go-to musical artists?
Recently, I’ve been really into Morgan Wallen and his newest album. My go to play-list though is normally my worship playlist, which consists of a wide array of artists!
What are you summer plans for 2020?
I plan to stay here in Pella this summer and work at Lake View Camp, a Christian program that provides camps and retreats all summer for children ranging from elementary school age all the way through high school!
Teammate who would be most likely to win on “Dancing with the Stars.
Mary Gray by far, absolutely no competition.
Favorite road trip.
In high school, our choir did a spring break tour to Colorado Springs. I got to see the Garden of the Gods, the Royal Gorge, and Pikes Peak!
Most embarrassing moment?
In high school, I worked at a boutique in my hometown. One day, a customer called the store to make a purchase over the phone. At the end of his purchase, I asked for his name to go with the order. A seemingly simple question was complicated by this man’s thick accent, and I was unable to understand his name. Instead of asking him to repeat his name, I asked him to spell it for me. He paused and then says “Uh… Tim? T-I-M? Smith? S-M-I-T-H?”. So yeah. If Tim Smith is out there reading this, I promise I’m not illiterate, I just couldn’t hear you!
If you could have the answer to any question, what would that question be?
What is the purpose for my life?
Favorite TV Show?
New Girl!
What’s it like to compete for Coach Sturman?
Coach Sturman strikes a delicate balance between being laid back, but also pushing us to be our best. Competing for him is awesome because he has a relationship with and intentional towards each and every athlete. He knows all of our individual strengths and weaknesses, and he works around those well.
What’s your favorite part about being a member of Central track and field?
I love competing at a small school for the closeness of the team. Everyone knows everyone, and we all cheer each other on. I also love that the track team shares community outside of just practice. At dinner, you can usually find us all sitting together in the lower level of the market after practice, and many of our friend groups revolve around the connections we’ve made on the track.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I hope to have started a family by then, and I hope that whatever else I’m doing, it’s something that I enjoy!
Favorite food from Central Market?
I LIVE for the power bowls.
Bucket list?
Honestly, I don’t really have a bucket list. I would much rather go with the flow and take opportunities as they come, rather than being disappointed later if I never get to check an item off of some mythical list.
