Convocation Spotlight: Cam Kern
Kyle Ireland - 9 June 2023
Cam Kern
Cam Kern is an Academic All-Canadian Athlete and has been an asset to the Golden Bears volleyball team during his studies. Beyond multiple awards he has been vice-president of the University Athletics Board and now graduates with a bachelor of kinesiology, focusing on sport performance.
What initially drew you to this area of study?
I have always loved sports and movement, and was thrilled to advance my skills in these areas through an amazing faculty! I have always been passionate about helping people move well and perform to the best of their abilities.
What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?
I am most proud of being named the Canada West and USports Community-Service Student-Athlete of the Year for men's volleyball. I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, and receiving this award was an incredibly special way to cap off my career!
What was the biggest challenge you faced?
Dealing with the pandemic was tough and being taken away from the amazing community at the U of A brought its challenges. It forced me to overcome struggles with anxiety and eventually led to me being a better learner and more independent, which turned a challenging situation into a gift!
How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?
My family and teammates were amazing in supporting me throughout my degree. They always made sure I was taking time for myself and provided outlets for me beyond the classroom.
What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program of study/specialization?
Be willing to immerse yourself in the world of kinesiology! There are a lot of amazing courses and professors who will help deepen your knowledge, but so much learning in our field comes from practical experiences. Volunteer as a student kin or physio assistant. Work out in PAW whenever you can. Play intramurals. Find as many areas where you can surround yourself with like-minded people and develop a wide range of skills to further your career as a kinesiologist!
What have you learned about yourself, and how will you use this going forward?
I have learned that I absolutely love working directly with people and seeing the impact that you can have through small changes! As a coach, I get to see kids learn new skills and try new things. When things click and they begin to understand what you're teaching, it creates indescribable joy in me. When working with patients who don't know much about exercise and health, I love when they see the tangible changes from small lifestyle modifications.
What comes next for you in your career/academic journey?
I am going to take some time off school to play volleyball professionally in Europe. I am not quite ready to leave this area of my life behind, so I am going to explore the world while doing something I love. Once volleyball comes to an end, I hope to pursue medicine and become a doctor. But I am excited to see what life has in store before I begin that pursuit!