Hailing from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Kennedy VanderLoop is a senior studying physical activity and health promotion (PAHP) within the School of Kinesiology. Her dream job? A pediatric occupational therapist. VanderLoop’s college education and experiences are preparing her to achieve this goal.
VanderLoop started out as a dance major when she came to the University of Minnesota, but was looking to add another program to her schedule. Eventually, VanderLoop added the PAHP program as a second major as it paired well with her interests of exercise, bodily function, and health advocacy. Later on, VanderLoop added a public health minor which also connected to the PAHP major. The PAHP program’s flexibility is one of VanderLoop’s favorite aspects of the program.
“This major is great for anyone who wants a wide platform of educational opportunities to explore concepts of physiology, public health, psychology, and kinesiology. I have had the opportunity to choose elective courses that coincide with my second major of dance and my minor of public health.”
VanderLoop most enjoyed the health promotion course within the PAHP major. In this class, she was challenged to analyze case studies and think about how it relates to the perplexities in promoting health programs and policies in the community. VanderLoop also took an exercise physiology course. Here, she liked the interactive lab sessions, especially the hydrostatic weighing component.
VanderLoop has also taken on experiences outside of the classroom to support her future career. She works at the University’s RecWell center, gets observation hours at Twin Cities hospitals in rehabilitation settings, and does research with the School of Kinesiology’s Disability and WELLness laboratory (DWELL). Within her research experience, VanderLoop has learned the interventions occupational therapists use with post-stroke patients. Her work includes conducting reviews on an telehealth-based intervention.
Beyond the School of Kinesiology, VanderLoop is thankful to be a part of the greater University of Minnesota community. She enjoys all of the opportunities the University offers in addition to the ability to create a small, tight knit groups with a strong sense of belonging.
Currently, VanderLoop is in the process of applying and interviewing for occupational therapist programs. As she ventures on into her post-undergraduate phase of life, VanderLoop’s advice to current students is to embrace challenges, get out of their comfort zone, and participate in research.
“Experiencing the major through working in a research team who have similar interests as you will expand your knowledge and outlook immensely.”
