David "Morty" Berglind
Morty graduated May 11, 2019 with a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. He is from Chicago, Illinois.
Tell us about some of the professional opportunities that have presented themselves while you've attended SAU. How will you use those now or in the future?
I have a few opportunities at hand, and I am grateful for SAU for the education in presenting these favorable circumstances. I have an opportunity to get my PhD back home in Chicago and was also looking to still get into physical therapy school in the future.
What was a defining moment or very memorable experience you had as a student in the Department of Kinesiology?
The defining moment was acceptance letter I received to be a student in the Master of Exercise Physiology Program here at SAU. These past two years have taught me a lot about career paths and knowledge for my life ahead of me. It has been awesome to learn and grow in this field. My teachers and classmates have been wonderful in helping me along the way to reach my potential goals and dreams in what I want to do with my career.
What drew you initially to our department? Has that motivation changed over the course of the four years you've been at SAU?
Initially I was interested in becoming a physical therapy student at SAU, but I ended up taking a different path and becoming interested in the Exercise Physiology route. The motivation I now have is to pursue a Ph.D. and become a professor and educator in the future.
What advice might you give to a prospective student considering the Dept. of Kinesiology at SAU?
I would advise them to always chase what they dream of doing in life. There will be some obstacles along the way, but never lose the sight of where you want to be. You must love what you do for a career, and this path has led me to many options for pursuing my dreams.
What advice might you give to someone just starting the bulk of their required departmental coursework?
I would advise an undergraduate starting initial coursework to become engaged in your learning process. What I mean by that is to become friends with classmates and professors. An experience can only go so far through learning by yourself. If you stay updated with teachers and classmates, they will help you in your future endeavors and will create opportunities that never seemed imaginable. You will enjoy your time here at SAU much more if you're active in a learning community.
How did your affiliation with St. Ambrose help you in your job search or graduate school search?
My affiliation with St. Ambrose has led me to opportunities in coaching and the potential to further my education in many different realms of the health and science field. It created pathways to advance myself where I want to go in the near future.
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Kayla Crawford
Kayla graduated May 11, 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management. She is from Silvis, Illinois.
Tell us about some of the professional opportunities that have presented themselves while you've attended SAU. How will you use those now or in the future?
I have been fortunate enough to have helped plan the 2018 NAIA Golf Championships at TPC Deere Run, 2018 MVC Women's Basketball Tournament at the TaxSlayer Center, and the 2019 NAIA Competitive Cheer & Dance National Championships at the Wellness and Recreation Center at St. Ambrose University. I also attended the 2019 Sport Business Symposium held at Loras College where I was able to network with professionals within my field. I enjoy planning events, so I am using these experiences as learning experiences and building my network to find a full-time job after I graduate.
What was a defining moment or very memorable experience you had as a student in the Department of Kinesiology?
Being able to gain field experience while in undergrad through practicum and internships has been my favorite. I am a hands-on person, so being able to practice what we are taught in class is best for me.
What drew you initially to our department? Has that motivation changed over the course of the four years you've been at SAU?
I wanted to be in a field that focused on helping people. I had a few friends in the department, specifically the Sport Management program, who encouraged me to look into the opportunities offered through the Department of Kinesiology. I have become more motivated over the course of my four years here. I started realizing who I am and who I want to be as I get older.
What advice might you give to a prospective student considering the Dept. of Kinesiology at SAU?
I would suggest talking to friends, upperclassmen, and professors in the department about any questions the student has. I talked to a lot of peers and professors before deciding on Sport Management, which ended up being the best fit for me. I advise students to ask questions as much as possible because you won't know something for sure unless you ask.
What advice might you give to someone just starting the bulk of their required departmental coursework?
Make a schedule and stick to it the best you can. Time management is huge, especially in your core classes and future, so learn what works best for you.
How did your affiliation with St. Ambrose help you in your job search or graduate school search?
With both my job and graduate school search, I have been able to reach out to alumni through the Career Center and professors to help expand my network and improve my search. St. Ambrose has alumni all over the country in almost every field. Graduating with a degree from St. Ambrose University makes it a little bit easier knowing the university has a reputation of graduating hardworking and dedicated students and that there are alumni everywhere willing to help you out whether they know you personally or not.
Alex Wright
Alex graduated on May 11, 2019 with a Bachelors of Science in Human Performance and Fitness. He is from Durant, Iowa. After graduation, Alex plans to work in Bejing as a Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Chinese National Long Track Speed Skating Team in preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Tell us about some of the professional opportunities that have presented themselves while you've attended SAU. How will you use those now or in the future?
As an HPF student I had the opportunity to observe local fitness classes such as the Livestrong Cancer Survivor and Silver Sneak-ers. As an intern, I had the opportunity to work with the Saint Am-brose Football program. These experiences reminded me how im-portance my health is and the passion I have to be the best version of myself.
What was a defining moment or very memorable experience you had as a student in the Department of Kinesiology?
Attending the Livestrong Cancer Survivor class as was a very inspirational time for me. It was humbling to see how exercise was being utilized for more than training athletes. Exercising is a tool that can and does improve every aspect of an individual's life.
What drew you initially to our department? Has that motivation changed over the course of the four years you've been at SAU?
I was initially drawn to the Kinesiology department because of my passion for fitness and desire to be a strength and conditioning coach. My time at SAU has only enhanced my desires. I always looked forward to learning new skills that will enhance my ability to be the best that I can.
What advice might you give to a prospective student considering the Dept. of Kinesiology at SAU?
If you have a desire for health and fitness, this is the program for you. The program is challenging and fun with coursework that is learned in the classroom and applied in controlled settings.
What advice might you give to someone just starting the bulk of their required departmental course-work?
Give a full effort, not just in the coursework but, in the physical assessments as well. Push yourself physi-cally and mentally, what comes out the other end will surprise you. If there is anything you can control, its effort.
How did your affiliation with St. Ambrose help you in your job search or graduate school search?
The Kinesiology staff puts worth tremendous effort to prepare, assist and follow up with their students. The support system I have gained while attending SAU is one that will last a lifetime.
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