Kinta Schott: Kinesiology

Kinta graduated May 21, 2022, with her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology. She is originally from Agoura Hills, California, and obtained her BS in Kinesiology at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She has been one of our Department Graduate Assistants this year. Kinta will be attending Arizona State University, working towards a PhD in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences with a focus in metabolism and physiology. She will also be a teaching associate and will teach a few lab sections each semester!

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 had the opportunity to gain important teaching and lab management experience which, without a doubt, helped me earn a position as a teaching assistant at ASU.

What drew you initially to our department? Has that motivation changed over the course of the years you've been at SAU?
I was actually drawn to St. Ambrose because I knew the lacrosse coach; I played against his team when I played in undergrad. As a result, I was the GA assistant coach which helped with tuition and provided me with a small stipend which helped financially. Since then, I've become the Kinesiology Department GA which has provided me, like I said earlier, with important experience for my future career.

What advice might you give to a prospective student considering the Dept. of Kinesiology at SAU?
Find your WHY. Why do you want to get this degree? Why is it important to you? Once you've decided on that, decide on things that are important to you in your education. What aspects of a school are important? Some examples that went into my decisions included class size, Greek life, athletics, extracurricular opportunities (community service, research opportunities, etc.), local life (I love a good farmers market & a dog park is a necessity).

What advice might you give to someone just starting the bulk of their required departmental course-work?
Find the time to get yourself AWAY from coursework. Having a hobby that removes you from the SAU environment is so important for both your physical and mental health. I would recommend trying a local gym fitness class, or going to the farmers market, or a baseball or hockey game. Don't forget that you need to make time to live your life while ALSO maintaining good standing in the department.