Convocation Spotlight: Trei Lindstrom
6 June 2024
After completing a practicum at the Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic at the University of Alberta, bachelor of kinesiology graduate Trei Lindstrom knew he wanted to learn more about the intersection of exercise and oncology research. Today, as he embarks on a master of science in rehabilitation science, he looks forward to deepening his knowledge about the effects of aerobic exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. In the future, he hopes to pursue a medical degree.
We spoke to Lindstrom about his undergraduate degree and what drives him to continue his education.
What initially drew you to this area of study?
I have always had a passion for sport and learning about the human body. The ability to learn about the integration of the two really drew me toward pursuing a degree in kinesiology.
What are you most proud of from your time in the program?
Completing my KSR practicum at the Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic in Corbett Hall, I learned about the biology of cancer, the integration of exercise and improving my patient soft skills. As someone who wants to pursue a career in medicine, these skills are invaluable. Throughout my time at the CRC, I have learned more than I sought to and that has inspired me to consider a career in oncology.
What was the biggest challenge you faced?
The transition from high school to university was very difficult for me. Being away from home for the first time, living on campus and trying to make new friends while balancing academics, a social life and physical activity was a lot harder than I expected. Ultimately it just took time for me to learn about myself and about how to prioritize all the important parts of my life.
How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?
It may sound cliché, but I truly learned to take things day by day. While I never lost sight of my future aspirations and goals, I would try not to get overwhelmed by things that were in the future that I couldn’t control. Setting out to tackle the day — and that day only — really helped me ground myself when times would get difficult. I also had no issue reaching out to my friends and family. Sometimes a phone call or a good chat would change my frame of mind when I would get caught up in my own head.
What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program?
Kinesiology is a unique faculty at the U of A that truly fosters a sense of community. There are ample opportunities to get involved with the faculty, whether that be applying to KSR Student Society, volunteering in a lab or participating in the different events hosted by the faculty. As you move through your degree, you start to see a lot of the same faces, which is comforting. Kinesiology has smaller class sizes in upper-year classes, which allows for easy communication and more individualized learning opportunities. I am so lucky to have been part of this faculty.
What have you learned about yourself?
I have learned what my core values are, which has led to me finding a work-life balance that works for me. Having this balance is essential for me moving forward in life, as my academic journey will only become more difficult.
What comes next for you?
Ultimately, my goal is to pursue a doctor of medicine at the U of A. In the meantime, however, I will be completing a thesis-based MSc in rehabilitation science under the supervision of Margaret McNeely and Kerry Courneya. As a future medical professional, I believe it essential to use research-based practice, so having a strong research background is of interest to me. For my thesis project, I will be looking at the effects of aerobic exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.