Coached along
Danie says her experiences on the Red Raiders track team have enabled her to be a better athletic training student. She hopes someday to work at a small college or university like Northwestern as an athletic trainer or strength and conditioning coach.
Trained to think
I grew up in a family that enjoys sports and competition, but it wasn’t until my senior year in high school that I developed a deeper understanding and greater appreciation for the amazing capabilities of the human body. The more I learned, the more I realized how much there is to learn, so I decided to study athletic training in college.
Personal trainers
My kinesiology professors wholeheartedly serve their students—whether during classes or labs or my unannounced visits to their offices.
Hands-on care
I really thrive in the hands-on learning environment of Northwestern’s athletic training program. It’s placed me outside my comfort zone again and again, but it also enables me to do what professional athletic trainers do: They don’t just regurgitate textbook solutions to problems; they have to analyze and evaluate in order to address an injury in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
Created great
My experiences as a kinesiology major have opened my eyes even further to the awesomeness of the design of the human body. Studying this—as the Bible says—“fearfully and wonderfully made” creation has impacted how I treat and train my own body now and in the future.
Fit for eternity
There have been times when I’ve wondered whether I’ll be able to bring God the greatest glory as an athletic trainer or strength coach. These doubts have made me ask myself why I want to pursue this career and wonder how God will use me to impact others with eternal results. When I realize I can help others take care of the body God has given them—a creation in his own image—I can’t help but be humbled by the privilege I’ve been given.
