Purdue Health and Kinesiology student finds fit in healthcare through kinesiology major

Written By: Yumi Mayes

From the moment I took my first tour of Purdue’s campus with my older sister, I knew I wanted to go to Purdue. Although I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do in the future, when I was applying to Purdue, I knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field.

I chose kinesiology in the College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) because I grew up in a sports-loving family, and in school, I loved track-and-field season. After going to many callouts and joining many clubs, I decided I wanted to become an occupational therapist. I am the first person in my family to pursue a career in healthcare, so I had to find my own connections to learn more about it.

I joined the Health and Kinesiology Undergraduate Club, the Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Club, and the Brain Exercise Initiative, which are only a few of the many clubs available at Purdue. I also joined the HHS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Undergraduate Committee, which has helped me develop leadership skills and a new perspective on how I can help incoming students.

I love how all these organizations are eager to help incoming students feel welcomed. Jumping from high school to college is a huge leap, so having these resources made me feel safe — I knew I was not alone in the process.

Learn more about the College of Health and Human Sciences.