Winter 2017 Kinesiology Newsletter
Jennifer Kruge graduated in December 2017 with a BA in K-12 Physical Education Teaching. She is from DeWitt, Iowa.
What was a defining moment or very memorable experience you had as a student in the Department of Kinesiology?
I think my most memorable experience as a student had to be when I was student teaching. It was my first placement at Alan Shepard Elementary School, and I had about 2 weeks left with the elementary kiddos. I began to tell the students that my time was coming to a close, and they all did not want me to leave. I think at that time is when it hit me that I knew teaching was exactly what I wanted to do. To make such a huge impact on those students in my short seven weeks there meant the world to me. On my last day I received roughly 100 thank you notes from the students along with other miscellaneous items that made leaving so hard.
What drew you initially to our department? Has that motivation changed over the course of the four years you've been at St. Ambrose?
What drew me initially to the Kinesiology department was that from the minute I walked in the door, anyone I came across was willing to help me. I was a non-traditional student because I came back after taking a few years off and was ready to determine my major. I had excellent help from my now-advisor Dr. Sarah Eikleberry. I kept going back and forth between majors, and she helped finalize that decision for me.
I feel as though my motivation has increased because of the courses I took at SAU. Each one pushed me a little further than I ever thought was possible. Yes, some of the courses were challenging, but looking back I think that challenge is what pushed me through.
From the minute I walked in the door, anyone I came across was willing to help me.
Jennnifer, on what drew her to Kinesiology
What advice might you give to a prospective student considering the Department of Kinesiology at St. Ambrose?
Some advice that I would give future prospective students would be don't let that one hard class define who you are. It's okay to struggle through those hard courses, but use your resources to your advantage. All of the professors are there to cheer you on and are so willing to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. It will be so worth it in the end!
What advice might you give to someone just starting the bulk of their required departmental course-work?
Make friends with other people in your classes, they make great partners to work with in any group projects. Go see your professor even if it is to just chat, they will make great references for you in the future when looking for that job. Never be afraid to ask questions, someone else may have that same question as you but are too scared to ask. Use your time wisely when studying for test and/or lab work.
How did your affiliation with St. Ambrose help you in your job search or graduate school search?
When I got done student teaching at SAU my fear of finding a job was enlightened. SAU is so good about sending out job openings in nearby areas or is willing to help you search for jobs. I also used the Career Center to help make the perfect resume when applying to those teaching jobs. SAU is very involved with the Quad City community and surrounding communities and will do just about anything to help you find a job before you graduate.
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