Maitlyn Sanders: Kinesiology

Maitlyn will graduate in August 2022 with her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology degree. She earned her BS in Exercise Science at St. Ambrose University in August 2021. She is from Galesburg, 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?
Working within the Kinesiology Department, there are many professional opportunities just from observation within classes. When I took the Foundations of Kinesiology course here at SAU during my freshman year, I observed at Rock Valley Physical Therapy in the Crow Valley location. I ended up liking the clinic and the people so much that I have been working there now for over two years! I also was honored with being a Student Ambassador, Campus Tour Guide, Student-Athlete Advisory Board Member, a Director for SAU Dance Marathon, and a Co-Captain of my golf team for the past 2 years. St. Ambrose really provides its students with plenty of opportunities to grow as professionals during their time here. Being a leader within many organizations at SAU, I have learned how to work well on a team and in a group setting, which I believe will help me in the future in a clinic setting.

What was a defining moment or very memorable experience you had as a student in the Department of Kinesiology?
A defining moment for me in the Department of Kinesiology would be when I was taking Human Anatomy and Physiology. As one of the hardest courses within SAU, it very quickly showed me how to study and learn in an efficient and beneficial manner. The professors within the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences care so much for their students, and it shows in how they teach and talk to each and every person. Never did I feel like I was working through my grades alone while taking A&P.

What drew you initially to our department? Has that motivation changed over the course of the years you've been at SAU?
I came to SAU as a Marketing major with a Sociology minor. When I quickly discovered I didn't want to do business for the rest of my life in the first semester of Freshman year, I started looking into other available routes of education. Throughout my life, I have always wanted to help others in a way that would impact their world. I found that being a student in the Department of Kinesiology enabled me to make that difference. What advice might you give to a prospective student considering the Dept. of Kinesiology at SAU? Find friends within your major. Before you know it, projects are going to become larger and harder, and the tests become more difficult. If you can find that one person or group of people to always work on things together and be able to sort through things you don't understand, the more successful you'll become. What advice might you give to someone just starting the bulk of their required departmental coursework? Dedicate a little bit of time each day to studying. It will help you in the long run just having to go back and touch on things rather than review the entire unit in one session. Also, find a study buddy - you don't know what you don't know.

How did your affiliation with St. Ambrose help you in your job search or graduate school search?
SAU's focus on internships sets its students up for success. Being able to go out into the world and make sure that what you're studying is actually what you want to do for the rest of your life is really beneficial. Coming into a brand new major that was definitely more challenging than my last one was truly intimidating, but being able to go out into the field and see the difference that you can make within your field is the best thing that SAU can teach any student.