First Blog of Fall 09

1. I’m sure most people will say this, but I like the idea of everybody bringing in something interesting from their major to share with us. I don’t think it has to be very in depth, just a pertinent article or two. To foster discussion I think it would be good for the presenter to also come up with a few questions pertaining to the topic, so that we’re not just aimlessly talking about what we read.
I still think we should keep the Newsweek articles coming, just as something to fall back on. I enjoyed the discussions we had about those. Unfortunately, I probably won’t stay informed about current events unless I’m somewhat forced to do so, which is really why I’m a fan of the Newsweek idea.
Since we’re talking about plans for the semester, I also want to mention that, with only 6 of us this semester, it should be easier to plan some outside activities. I know it’s crazy, but I usually enjoy hanging out with you guys…..so let’s be friends.

2. Honestly, I don’t have much interest in continuing to work with the Boys and Girls Club. I know most people had a good time there, but our experience was negative enough that I’m pretty much done with it. I am, however, volunteering at the ROCK (which I did last semester as well, and just want to point out that it’s pretty fun and that I voted for it….). I might be slightly biased, because by working at the ROCK I’m getting hours of experience for Physical Therapy, which I need to apply to graduate schools. Regardless, I’m glad I can make time for it, because the experience is really rewarding. Last semester I worked with a little girl, Ilina, who smiled more than any kid I’ve ever seen. (Let’s remember David’s comment about how working at the ROCK would be depressing because the kids would be “sad”……clearly false.)
My time at the ROCK relates to “Understanding Human Behavior” in ways that I wasn’t expecting; while the actual kids I work with do provide good “subjects,” I found that some of the most interesting interactions occur between the parents of the children, the volunteers, the therapists, etc. They’ve formed a community of sorts and it’s really uplifting to watch them support each other.

3. My research is actually extremely intertwined with my civic engagement: my plan is to do a research project at the ROCK. The Physical Therapist who works there, Nancy, wants me to help with some research they are currently doing in which they look at the balance and core strength of kids before and after they ride the horse. I’m really interested in this topic, but I’m not sure if I can use it for my Capstone/Paideia research because I didn’t develop the original question. I need to talk more about it with my professors. Either way I feel like I should do some research related to Physical Therapy since that will be what grad schools want to see. Also, I would prefer to do something with kids, since I really enjoy working with them and that’s what I want to do eventually.
Since there are only two professors in the Kinesiology Department, I don’t have many options for whom to work with; it just depends on who has more experience in the field that I want to work. Dr. McLean’s focus is Biomechanics and Jimmy’s focus is Exercise Physiology.

4. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be able to study abroad because of financial reasons. If I were able to, though, I would want to do a summer program because I really can’t afford to take a semester off and it’s not very likely that they will ever have Kinesiology professors teach abroad.