Youth-Nex Professors Support Researchers by Leading New Methods Consultancy

"The professors are amazing teachers, but most importantly amazing human beings. They care for you and want you to succeed in the classroom and in life." Rachel Robinson is graduating with a B.S.Ed. in Kinesiology (Photo courtesy of the Virginia Athletics Office.)

Why did you choose the UVA School of Education & Human Development for your program of study?

I chose the UVA School of Education and Human Development for my program of study because my sister graduated from UVA in 2014 and was also in the UVA School of Education and Human Development. She always talked about her great experience was and how awesome the professors were. Just by hearing from her, I had to see it for myself and it did not disappoint.

What is the most significant thing that has shaped your time while you’ve been here?

The most significant thing that has shaped my time at UVA are the professors and my field hockey career. The professors are amazing teachers, but most importantly amazing human beings. They care for you and want you to succeed in the classroom and in life. I am also on the UVA Field Hockey team. A lot of my time besides academics has been taken up by field hockey. I wouldn’t be who I am without the joys and struggles from being a student athlete.

What is one thing you learned during your studies that surprised you most?

This may sound very boring or obvious, but the most surprising thing I learned was just how complex the human body is. I think a lot of times we take for granted our bodies and the actual complexity of it. Just take a minute to think about your body. It is this complex machine that is perfectly designed to sustain life. I think my time in the Kinesiology program has just allowed me to appreciate the complexity of my body and learn about it more.

How are you feeling about being a member of the Class of 2021, completing your program during pandemic?

I am very appreciative of being a member of the class of 2021. I think the pandemic is just another piece to our story. Our class has experienced a lot from the protests in August 2017, two national championships in 2019 for basketball and men’s lacrosse, and now the pandemic. So, it is a very fitting way to end our time at UVA.

What will you be doing next?

I will continue my education here at UVA in the master’s program for Exercise Physiology at the School of Education and Human Development, while continuing my training with the USA Women’s National Team for Field Hockey.

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Research Center or Department

  • Kinesiology