“All faculty members in the HES department have prepared me for my future career as a Physician’s Assistant.”
Planning to pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant, Annika chose a major in Exercise Physiology due to an interest in exercise as “a pillar of health and wellness”. Annika appreciates the atmosphere within the Health and Exercise Science Department, especially enjoying the opportunities for hands-on learning that she has been able to participate in. One of her favorite experiences was using bikes and treadmills to estimate her classmates’ VO2max, which she feels helped her better understand material that she was learning in lecture. Annika also had the opportunity to take a trip during J-term to Wasilla, Alaska, during which she was able to shadow a variety of healthcare professionals. Of this experience, she says “I was able to share and transfer what I was learning about in my Exercise Physiology classes to the real-time care with patients”. Annika points to the faculty in the Health and Exercise Science Department as a major factor in building such a supportive environment. Her favorite professor within the department is Claire Woebke. Professor Woebke’s courses have helped Annika to feel more prepared both for future education, as well as for her future career. Annika is able to chat to Professor Woebke both about class material, as well as about anything that is going on in her personal life. She has also helped Annika through the process of applying to Physician’s Assistant programs. Annika also points to her academic advisor, Professor Hayley Russell, as a supportive figure who has aided her in deciding which classes to take for her major as well as prerequisites for graduate programs. Annika says, “The faculty are supportive and are dedicated to their students’ success, not only in the classroom but also in life and their future careers!”. Annika is also involved in various activities on campus, including the Women’s Golf Team, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and both Pre-PA and Pre-Health clubs.