Undergraduate Reflection

As previously stated I did not know what to expect entering the Kinesiology Department at Texas Woman’s University. I expected to receive an adequate education to prepare me for the professional world, but I did not know what it would entail. After four years of my studies as an undergraduate I feel that I have grown to understand more than the basic concepts of kinesiology; I feel that I have gained sufficient knowledge to transfer my education into the appropriate application and a professional future.

As a student I have gained knowledge in areas of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and development, measurements and evaluations of research, adapted physical education, as well as exercise testing and prescription. Each course that I tackled as an undergraduate student provided new information and insight to the field of kinesiology.

My degree plan not only challenged me academically but it also tested my abilities to collaborate with peers and professors, think and write critically, venture into new forms of technology especially in exercise testing, as well as learning how to apply classroom knowledge professionally in developing fitness and wellness programs. As a student in the Kinesiology Department I was able to experience classroom, laboratory, and community settings. The different settings allowed for myself to grasp the knowledge first hand; and as a kinesthetic learner, helped me tremendously.

The network surrounding the Kinesiology Department was one of the sole reasons for my success as a student. The development of friendships with peers and professors made my experience as a student rewarding and worthwhile. I was not just a student; I felt the faculty possessed a sincere desire to prepare me for my professional future.

I plan on taking my experiences from this undergraduate program at Texas Woman’s University to attend graduate school in hopes of earning a degree in Physical Therapy. The physical therapy department at Texas Woman’s University was promoted with such high praise in the Kinesiology Department; as a product of that I plan on continuing my education at Texas Woman’s University. The courses of my undergraduate studies have prepared me for this endeavor inside and outside of the classroom. Not only am I academically prepared but I am also prepared in the areas of time management, organization, professional behaviors, and effective communication.

The objectives that I completed during my travels will carry over to the professional world of Physical Therapy. I have learned how to assess and evaluate individuals, create exercise programs and lesson plans based on their needs, as well as the ability to demonstrate professional behaviors with all populations, all necessary components in the field of physical therapy. I have experienced settings involving infants to the elderly; a key component to working effectively with all populations. I feel that the course work in especially in exercise physiology and biomechanics will assist in my knowledge as a physical therapist; I will be able to fall back on the fundamentals of kinesiology as a professional. Also I feel that my laboratory and hands on experiences have prepared me for situations that I may encounter in my professional career.

The goal of this portfolio is to document my journey as an undergraduate student by providing artifacts from each class that meets the necessary requirements for a successful professional career. A reflection accompanies each artifact, detailing the course, the artifact, and how it relates to Physical Therapy. Each artifact serves a purpose and represents a stepping stone of my academic career.

The Kinesiology Department at Texas Woman’s University provided excellence instruction and training to prepare me for a professional career. I feel that through my undergraduate studies I have obtained the necessary knowledge and preparation, inside and outside of the classroom, to excel in the realm of Physical Therapy.