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Why did you choose Physical Education as your major?
I want to change the world and people around me for the better. Teaching allows me to touch people’s lives and help make the future brighter. Since kindergarten, I have always wanted to become a teacher, but it was not until high school that I decided to major in physical education and minor in health and safety. Becoming a teacher would also allow me to share my talents and love of sports. It is such a joy to see the excitement on children’s faces when they learn a new skill or game. I truly believe that small acts of encouragement and positive words can really impact a child. By teaching physical education, I can help students become more confident in who they are and what they can accomplish.
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and did they influence you?
My second grade teacher, Mrs. Naas. She made learning fun and I could tell she experienced joy while teaching us. She made me realize that it is important to have a passion for the profession.
Who is the biggest influence in your personal life?
My mother, Janie Mesker. She has been so supportive in every aspect of my life. No matter how small of a problem I’ve had she has always there to help me through. She never put pressure on me during my school years; she just encouraged me to do my very best. My mother is also one of the major reasons for me wanting to become a teacher. Growing up, I saw how happy she was teaching and how she made a difference in her students’ lives.
Why did you pick USI?
It is located in my hometown and affordable to attend. I loved the look of the campus and the small class sizes. Also, my sister had graduated from USI and went through the teacher education program. She had a wonderful time at USI and would not have traded it.
What did you like the best about USI?
The class sizes and the professors. With the smaller class size, the professors can give us more one on one attention that will help make us the best physical education teachers possible. The professors have been amazingly helpful and encouraging. They are not only very knowledgeable of the curriculum but they also make class exciting. They are always willing to share their personal teaching experiences with us.
What activities did you participate in at USI to give you a more well-rounded college experience? And what did you participate in for fun? What did you learn from these organizations/activities?
I am a three year member of the USI’s Exercise Science and Physical Education Majors’ Club (ESPE Club). This year I am one of the historians for the club. The ESPE club has provided me a chance to network and become a member of Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD). Also, during my junior year, I was on the Teacher Education Student Advisory Committee which allowed me to voice the needs of the physical education majors. In addition, I am very active in the intramural program. I am a captain of an intramural team and participate in softball, volleyball, badminton, bowling, golf, basketball, flag football, ping pong, tennis, disc golf, and soccer. Intramurals have been a great experience in my college career because I have made new friends as well as learned more about the different sports.
What was your favorite class?
Two classes that really stand out the most. One of my favorite classes that I took was Adapted Physical Education. Not only did this class make me realize how truly blessed I was, but it also allowed me to focus on teaching the small aspects that go into a skill. My other favorite class at USI was Curriculum Construction in Physical Education. This class helped me to focus on how to structure my future classroom policies. It made me think about classroom rules, grading policies, dress code, and curriculum. It was a great class that helped incorporate all of my knowledge from the other classes.
What has changed the most about PE since you were a student participating in PE?
The biggest difference is the variety of activities. Instead of just learning the main sports, physical education now includes more lifetime activities. The more activities the students learn the more likely they will continue being active later in life. Physical education is also focusing more on exercise instead of games to keep students fit and healthy.
What is your dream job?
To teach physical education and health in the Evansville area. I feel that no matter what school or age of the children I can truly share my passion and love of learning with them.
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