Travis Stewart
Student: Travis Stewart
Year: 3rd
Degree program: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Why did you decide to study at the University of Alberta?
Having a top-five Canadian post-secondary institution in our backyard here in Edmonton is something I think lots of people take for granted! I am born and raised in Edmonton and the University of Alberta offers many prestigious programs in a variety of different fields. Couple that with a beautiful campus and an inclusive community, and it checked all the boxes! I am proud to go to the University of Alberta and wouldn't change my decision!
Why did you choose the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation for your undergraduate degree?
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the operation of the human body and all that it entails. I also grew up playing hockey, and these two interests make KSR the perfect faculty for me! Also the fact that the University of Alberta Faculty of KSR is consistently ranked in the top ten for sport related science shows how prestigious the faculty really is, making it even more enticing to study here!
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
The BSc in Kinesiology program truly offers a comprehensive look into the operation of the human body in so many facets. When you take into consideration what you are learning between the KIN classes like anatomy, physiology and biomechanics along with the science classes of organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics, all these classes taken together offers an unrivaled understanding of the human body on every level. This degree program sets its students up for success when it comes to graduate studies in medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sports performance, or anything else in the healthcare field.
What were your biggest challenges of taking undergraduate classes, how did you overcome them?
Dealing with the large workload of five classes and learning how to study properly is definitely the hardest part in my experience. The way to overcome this is to try and budget your time effectively and finding the study strategy that works best for you.
What has been your favourite course so far and why?
KIN100 (Anatomy). Learning the complexity of the muscles and where they are, what they attach to, and what they do was so fascinating and made me realize how much of the body I still don't understand. I also had the chance to have Adam Pinkoski as an instructor in this class, and his style of teaching and caring for his students is unmatched. His rapping skills are also unmatched. If you know, you know. I am excited to take KIN400 (Gross Anatomy) in the future.
What advice do you have for new undergraduate students?
Push outside of your comfort zone, get involved, and don't look back! This faculty provides numerous volunteer/employment opportunities that are great for networking, meeting people, and learning new things. For example, the Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation Student Society (KSRSS - @uaksrss) is a student-led council that hosts events such as KSR Camp (a weekend retreat for new students in the faculty), Ski-Trip and Spikeball Tournaments, along with providing academic support and resources for students in this faculty. Now in my third year on KSRSS and as the President, I have met so many amazing people through KSRSS events, and I know other students will say the same! Aside from KSRSS, there is opportunities on campus to explore like volunteering in the Steadward Centre in VVC, working in the fitness centre, or becoming part of the KIN Games Team!
University is more than just studying and getting good grades. It is about becoming part of a community, meeting new people, having fun and trying new things!