Maddie Folsom, U'25
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What do you love most about being a student at Saint Mary?
I love the size and community of Saint Mary. I really enjoy the small class sizes where I can make so many friends and professors know me by name. The professors are all very personable and willing to go the extra mile to help us students succeed.
What are you studying, and what drew you to that field?
I am studying exercise science. I have always been interested in fitness and how the human body works. I decided I wanted to be a physical therapist in high school when I began going to physical therapy for a shoulder injury. Combining helping people and exercise is what ultimately drew me to major in exercise science, which will set me up for physical therapy school.
What has been your favorite class or professor so far, and why?
My favorite class has been Concepts of Strength Training and Conditioning. This class was a lot of fun because we not only learned about different ways to strength train, but we were able to apply it in labs. This was a very interactive class where we got to perform fitness assessments such as a 1 rep max in the weight room or a 1-mile walk test out on the track. I had a lot of fun and learned tons of information that I will be able to apply to my future profession in physical therapy.
How have you gotten involved on campus (clubs, sports, organizations)?
I have been a member of the volleyball team, honors program, and Spanish club in my four years here.
What is a memorable experience you've had during your time at Saint Mary?
A memorable experience I鈥檝e had here at Saint Mary was making it to the KCAC championship in volleyball my sophomore year. Being able to share the experience of taking down our rival and moving on to the championship with my teammates was a surreal feeling.
How has Saint Mary helped you grow personally and academically?
Saint Mary has helped me grow both personally and academically as it has set me up for my future. I have learned lots of valuable skills such as time management, critical thinking, and communication. Being on my own for the first time required me to step out of my comfort zone and figure out how to manage my time on my own. This was challenging at first, but I think I really grew and got better at communicating with others and getting everything accomplished without stressing myself out.
What are your goals after graduation, and how are you preparing for them?
My goal after graduating in May is to go back to school to earn my Doctor of Physical Therapy. I have prepared by observing with physical therapists in a variety of settings to explore the field and gain knowledge from their expertise. I also feel very prepared from the classes I have taken in my undergrad. I think I have a solid foundation of information that will help me be successful in my future.
Do you have any tips or advice for incoming freshmen?
My advice to incoming freshmen is to go out of your comfort zone and try new things. You don鈥檛 have to have everything figured out right away. Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions, meet new people, and try new activities. College goes by quick, so enjoy it.
What is your favorite campus tradition or event?
My favorite USM event is Spring Fling. I really enjoy dressing up with my friends and having a night to enjoy ourselves in a school dance setting.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your social life and extracurricular activities?
It was challenging at first, but I found that if I wanted to have time to spend with my friends or had a late practice, I needed to get all my schoolwork done beforehand. Time management is a big part of balancing everything. Staying productive during the day by going to the KLC or setting aside specific time to study helped me to be successful.