A Glimpse of Grad School – From a Student Perspective
Hi friends! My name is Priscilla; I am currently pursuing my M.S. in Kinesiology here at CBU. Truthfully, I mean it when I say; CBU has been a blessing in my life. The College of Health Science here at CBU has guided my understanding of kinesiology in a unique way, ultimately allowing me to live my purpose. Every professor and faculty member I have met during my time here as a grad student has influenced the desired career path I hope to pursue.
Let me explain…
As I began the grad program, I had no idea what God had planned for me here at CBU. All I knew is that I wanted to further my education within kinesiology, develop a strong professional network, and grow in my faith and knowledge of our Lord and Savior. I often repeated Proverbs 3:5-8 to myself, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and He will make your path straight.”
Fast-forward several semesters…
As June approached it finally hit me, I was only two semesters away from graduating (what an exciting realization that was, to say the least)! As summer courses began I was given the opportunity to complete my Practicum course at Kaiser Permanente (KP). More specifically, I was placed in the KP Health and Wellness department. During this time I was able to meet with and learn from several different lifestyle educators (LE) and registered dieticians (RD). I can truthfully say that as each week passed I learned something new. From assessing one’s mechanics, articulating new exercises, preparing for upcoming fitness classes, or modifying an exercise routine, I began and ended each day with lessons learned. During this time I had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Miller (also, CBU professor) and learned much from her style of teaching. Any day I was given the opportunity to lead an exercise class I looked forward to receiving her feedback after class. Her constructive criticism and thorough explanations helped me develop a better understanding of the task at hand.
In addition…
My time at KP increased my passion for kinesiology more than ever before. I developed a new desire to communicate with others, teaching them the importance of healthy living in regards to both exercise and nutrition. I truly appreciated the learning process here at KP. It was during this internship that I really felt called to teach at the collegiate level. If I can sum up several characteristics of the work ethic I have learned it would be; teach with integrity, work diligently, be joyful, listen to others, lead with kindness, and display confidence in the Lord. I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to work alongside those at KP and hope to learn more.
Furthermore…
As I meditate on Proverbs 3:5-8 I have come to realize that the Lord has placed a desire in me to serve others. Eventually, I hope to work at the collegiate level, teaching other students the importance of health and wellness and how it relates to kinesiology. Overtime, I hope to develop a teaching style similar to the one that has been represented to me at CBU.
As I close…
I want to encourage you with a quote that has been dear to my heart during my time in grad school. On many occasions, this particular quote from John Piper has reminded me to trust God’s plan for my life. “Whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, bible-saturated, passion of your life, and find your way to say it, live it, and die for it.” I am confident that wherever the Lord leads me after grad school I will do my best to work diligently, with a joyful heart, for His glory. In doing so I pray to be a light. I pray that others will see Christ in me and will know that my joy and contentment is found in Christ alone. There is still so much to learn but I am eager to see where the Lord will place me within this field of study.
Thank you for listening,
Priscilla Galindo
M.S. Kinesiology – Exercise Science (December 2018)