Student Ambassadors

Isha (she/her/hers) is a Elementary Education major, with a minor in data analytics, from Centreville, VA.

Why did you choose your major? 

Ever since I was younger, I have wanted to become a teacher. I loved to play school and nothing else ever spoke to me as a future occupation. Teaching is a way that I get to work with children and help them develop into the future generation of individuals. I didn't have any teachers that looked like me and had a few that truly embraced my culture, so I want my future classrooms to be a place where all backgrounds are represented and all of my students have a voice.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

The community is what I love the most about UVA EHD. I have met and made so many close connections in the Ed School. UVA EHD classes give us the ability to bring ourselves and our identities, inside and outside of class. The staff and professors help guide us through anything that we need, and are truly invested in helping us find a path to reach our future goals. I have felt that UVA EHD let me contribute not only to the UVA community, but to the surrounding Charlottesville community as well.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

I am a volunteer with Madison House, and have participated in both the Cavs in the Classroom and Hoos Helping programs. Through these programs, I have worked with students inside and outside of the classroom to help support their education. I am a general member of the Indian Student Association, which I have joined to have a connection with my cultural upbringing.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like to play tennis and go on runs. I love being outside so hikes and walks are my go-to activities. I also love to bake and try out new dessert recipes when I have time. Exploring new places around Charlottesville with my friends is always fun as well. I like to paint and try to make different DIY projects to test my creativity, and playing instruments such as piano and guitar is fun too.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to ideally teach first, second, or third grade. Currently, I am looking into applying to the Teach for America program. I would also want to specialize in ESL and special education, and pursue a master's degree a few years after graduation as well. Education technology has also been a very interesting field to me, which was why I decided to pursue a minor in data analytics.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

My favorite EHD class that I have taken would have to be Poverty and the Young Child. I took this before applying to the Ed School and this is where I saw the emphasis on us as individual learners, where I got to interact with most of my peers. Poverty and the Young Child helped me understand the role educators have in the upbringing of children, and how we can not only support students and families in poverty, but all of our students in different ways. The class really opened my eyes to the world around me and all the activities and projects done in class were real world applicable as well.

Kaylin (she/her/hers) is a Speech and Communication Disorders major with a Psychology minor from Chesapeake, Virginia.

Why did you choose your major? 

I was lucky enough to take an introductory course here at the university, and everything just felt right. We had just went online for Covid and it was one of the only classes that could truly keep me interested.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

I love the community of people they have to support their students. Not only are you able to rely on your peers but also your professors. This school allows a truly supportive community to develop and grow throughout your years here.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

Phi Eta Sigma honor society - treasurer
Autism Allies - active member
Research assistant for Dr. Vikram Jaswal in the Jaswal Lab
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association - active member

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love reading and caring for my beagle named Koa.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I hope to attend grad school to obtain my license in Speech-Language Pathology.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

Introduction to Aural Rehab with professor Cassandra Turner. This class was so engaging, and Professor Turner knew how to make the driest of content the easiest to learn.

Anything else you'd like to add?​ 

One of my personal areas of interest would be Autism Spectrum Disorder as a whole. I have been lucky enough to volunteer for the Virginia Institute of Autism where I help care for children in early intervention programs alongside the ABA psychologist here in Charlottesville. Currently, I am also lucky enough to have accepted a position with SECEP back in Chesapeake where I am shadowing an SLP, as well as working with children who either have Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Aly (she/her/hers) is a Youth and Social Innovation major from Clifton, VA.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose Youth & Social Innovation because social justice is paramount to the curriculum. Instead of learning out of a textbook, we learn from community members, change agents, and cutting-edge research. Students and professors in YSI don't passively watch as change happens, they want to jump right in and be a part of it.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

My experience in EHD has been invaluable and I recommend it any chance I get! The professors genuinely want to see each student succeed and give us the tools and the resources to do so. Each EHD student has their own passions and goals and we help each other accomplish them in a way that is motivating and non-toxic. You can be who you want to be here and reach any aspiration you set for yourself.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

On Grounds I am a part of the YSI Executive Board, the Young Women Leaders Program, and Wintergreen Adaptive Sports where we teach students with a diverse portfolio of special needs how to ski.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I love to play lacrosse with my twin sister (who also goes to UVA!) and my golden retriever, Dash. I enjoy visiting art museums and historical sites and finding new restaurants with my friends. My experience studying abroad in Amsterdam and traveling around Europe for 5 months has helped make me into the person I am today.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I hope to continue traveling around the world and potentially working outside the U.S. in some capacity. Although my potential career path changes every day, something that would allow me to work with people and hear their stories is essential. The experiences of children and adolescents in military families, the inequity of private schooling, access to higher education, and women seeking religious freedom are issues that are particularly important to me.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

Foundations of Community Engagement is my favorite EHD class I've taken. It marked the moment when I knew for certain that I wanted to make a difference in the world and live a life of service to others and the community.

Zahra (she/her/hers) is a Elementary Education major with a minor in Global Studies in Education from Fairfax, Virginia

Why did you choose your major? 

I have always had an interest in working with kids and teaching since I was young. In fact, I used to pretend I was a teacher all the time and even bought school materials to teach my imaginary class. Consequently, as I got older, I gravitated toward jobs that involved teaching. I also have always had a great appreciation for my teachers growing up, especially those who I got to work with one-on-one (my violin teacher). I felt that a major in Elementary Education was right for me because it could combine my passions and interests. Once I got to UVA and began taking education courses, I was even more encouraged to choose this major and fell in love with the professors and environment of the Ed School!

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

I love how everyone is so friendly and really seeks to know you! It is so easy to reach out to any of the UVA EHD professors for advice or input because they are so approachable and really want to make sure you have the best experience possible at UVA. I also love the overall community of UVA EHD. My elementary education cohort is amazing and I am so blessed to be able to spend time in and out of the classroom with these peers. Additionally, I was able to attend many of the free food events this past semester and in doing so, was able to connect with people from majors outside of elementary education as well as grad students. So overall, I would say the inviting and supportive community of UVA EHD is what makes it so special to me. I am so fortunate to be a part of this program!

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

The organizations I am involved are VISAS, UVA Music Department, Music Practice Partners through Madison House, and Taste of Home. In VISAS I have worked as a classroom and language consultant. This required me to meet with international students 1-2 times a week and support them in either English speaking or preparation for becoming a TA. Through the UVA Music Department I take violin & viola lessons, chamber music, and I was in the Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra. In Madison House, I was involved in the Music Practice Partners Program where I helped a student practice every week for 30 minutes. Lastly, through Taste of Home I help set up for and carry out the events that are intended to help support and highlight immigrants with businesses in the Charlottesville community.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to listen to and play music. I play the violin, viola, piano and a little bit of guitar! I also love to explore new places, particularly new eateries. Fortunately, Charlottesville is a great place to do that! One thing I have recently gotten into is going to karoake bars!

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation, I plan on staying in Charlottesville to teach. I am part of the African American Teaching Fellows program, which allows me to commit to a year of teaching in Charlottesville post graduation. After that I plan on teaching either still in Charlottesville or another Virginia city.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

I really enjoyed the class Education in Multicultural Societies.

Anything else you'd like to add?

A cool opportunity I have been given this summer and during the school year is to be an instructional design intern with the Education Online and Canvas Support Team through UVA!

Vita (she/her/hers) is a Kinesiology major from Annandale, Virginia.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose the major because of the variety of topics covered in the department. They were all very interesting and applicable for the career I am pursuing.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

I really love to see how professors care about the success of each of their students.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

I am in a sorority called Zeta Tau Alpha and I am an active member. I help out with philanthropy when we have fundraising events and raise awareness through social media. I am also on a intramural team for innertube water polo!

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I love to walk my dog Arya and go on long runs. I love to cook spanish food when I have the time and try to learn new dishes from other cultures.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I am planning to take a gap year and continue my job at the Fried Center for Advancement of Potential as well as being an EMT here in Charlottesville.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

Neuroscience of Exercise

Olivia (she/her/hers) is a Elementary Education major and a Psychology minor from Herndon, Virginia.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose to major in Elementary Education because it offers hands-on experience in the field and a direct path to a career I am so excited to pursue!

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

My favorite part of UVA EHD is how deeply it cares. This is a school that cares about the greater community, preparing students to be kind, qualified, and equitable helping professionals through hands-on learning. It goes above and beyond by caring just as much about its students on a personal level, with professors that not only know your name but prioritize your wellbeing.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

Outside of the Education School, I am involved with the Cavalier Daily (as a writer and former senior associate for the Arts and Entertainment section), APO (a gender-inclusive service fraternity), and Hoos Connected. I will also be working for the Career Center as a Career Peer Educator this year.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love to read, bake, hike, bike, crochet, and catch up on reality television.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to teach elementary school while working toward a master's degree. My long term career goals are to either become a school counselor or work in curriculum development.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

My favorite EHD class so far has been Education in Multicultural Societies with Professor Jieun Sung! Not only was this class super engaging, but it truly broadened my perspective and introduced me to a variety of challenges preventing equitable multicultural education.

Andy is a Elementary Education major from Richmond, Virginia.

Why did you choose your major? 

Growing up, I always enjoyed school and was fortunate enough to have many amazing teachers who sparked my love for teaching. I love being able to help others and I feel like teaching would be a more rewarding career for me than working a typical office 9-5 job.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

I love the community within UVA EHD! Through my cohort I have met some of my best friends and I am truly grateful. The staff and faculty within EHD are also amazing. I appreciate how EHD faculty take the time to know their students on a more personal level and really care about the wellbeing of their students.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

This past year (2021-22) I volunteered with the club Peanuts and Crackeracks but do not think I will have time to volunteer with them this upcoming year because of student teaching.
I am also one of the newly elected co-vice presidents of the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) within the school of Education and Human Development.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends, traveling, exploring new places to eat, and training for half marathons!

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation I plan to either teach an upper elementary grade or attend graduate school to work on a master's in education policy. I love teaching but have been thinking about going the policy route to try and improve some of the many inequities that currently exist within our education system.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

EDIS 2800 - P-12 Educational Contexts or EDLF 4610 - Civil Rights Movement and Education

Victoria (she/her/hers) is a Youth & Social Innovation major, with a minor in African and African American Studies, from Northern Virginia.

Why did you choose your major? 

From a young age, I have loved working with children. I have volunteered with youth-focused nonprofits and various organizations for as long as I can remember and wanted to pursue something where that was a main component. I had come into UVA knowing I could potentially pursue Youth & Social Innovation and ended up being convinced my first semester here and applying at the end of my first year. I was placed in a class by accident and after hearing one of the guest lecturers speak, I knew that this was the major for me. Realizing that my goals were shared by others inspired me to want to explore more and continue learning.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

My absolute favorite thing about the School of Education and Human Development is the environment. Whether it be fellow classmates or professors, everyone here wants to see you succeed and will help you in whatever way they can. I have never been in a place so genuinely supportive and it has made my experience at UVA so much better, I can't recommend it enough!

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

Academically, I have several research positions within the School of Education and Human Development as well as a grant from UVA to investigate the impact of community-engaged teacher preparation on practice in low-income schools. I also have a position on the Executive Board and the Equity Committee of EdCouncil, representing the student body to the overall school.

Socially, I am one of the presidents of the Virginia No Tones, the first and only acapella group for the musically inept, as well as a member of the Delta Gamma fraternity.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, you'll find me watching the newest true crime documentary or New Girl for the millionth time. I love having picnics and reading on the Lawn with friends or trying to find a new spot to eat at on the Corner.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduating, I am finishing up my Accelerated Master of Public Policy and then going back to school to pursue a Masters of Education. I want to teach either at a community college or an elementary school and then get into education policy working at a nonprofit. I want to bring attention to the achievement gap and advocate for increased access to high-quality educational opportunities for low-income students of color.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

My favorite EHD class was Introduction to Youth and Social Innovation. It's one of the first classes you take and it was fantastic. The content was so interesting and the way it was organized and taught made it super exciting.

Anything else you'd like to add?

If you (a prospective student) are thinking about applying, 100% do it. There are so many good things about the School of Education and Human Development. I can say with absolute certainty that there is no place or environment like this at UVA, and I guarantee you will love it as much as I do.

Leah (she/her) is a Speech Communication Disorders major from Annapolis, MD

Why did you choose your major? 

When I started college, I knew I was interested in language, science, and education. Speech-language pathology was the perfect intersection of my interests. I was so thankful that UVA EHD had the Speech Communication Disorders major, which is preparing me for my future graduate studies to become a speech-language pathologist!

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

The community here is one that inspires connection and deep learning. I feel connected to my professors because I feel like they truly care about me and my learning. I often collaborate with my peers and we learn so much from one another, both inside and outside of the classroom. Additionally, I appreciate that EHD values the health and wellbeing of its students, always going the extra mile to share resources and provide support and encouragement throughout the semester.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

I am the president of my sorority, Chi Omega, which I joined when I was a first year and has been a wonderful community and support system for me. Through the club Autism Allies, I volunteer with the Virginia Institute of Autism, which is a local organization in Charlottesville. I am a part of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), which is the pre-professional organization for students in my major.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to run, workout and practice yoga. I enjoy exploring Charlottesville restaurants and shops with my friends. On the weekends or during my free time, you can catch me trying a new place to eat on the Downtown Mall, studying at a coffee shop with friends, or having a movie night at my sorority house!

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I hope to go to graduate school for speech-language pathology! I want to become an SLP because I want to serve and better the lives of individuals who have communication difficulties. I am fascinated by how diverse the profession is; currently, my clinical and research interests include autism spectrum disorders and speech sound development and disorders. I hope to work with the pediatric population, potentially in a school setting.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

Understanding Autism with Dr. Michaela Dubay! This class taught me so much about autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that challenged my own previously held beliefs and assumptions. It piqued my interest in serving this population as a future SLP. Each class, a different member of our small class would get to take a turn leading a discussion, which made the class engaging and collaborative.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I've loved my classes in the School of Education and Human Development so much, but I've also taken great courses in other schools such as the College of Arts and Sciences and the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. I love that UVA and EHD give you the flexibility to explore your unique interests.

Lauren (she/her/hers) is majoring in Speech Communication Disorders with a minor in Spanish and is from Fredericksburg, VA.

Why did you choose your major? 

Speech Communication Disorders has everything I looked for in a major and more: small class sizes in an array of topics (e.g., STEM, psychology, education), professors who support discussion and diverse perspectives, and a strong foundation for graduate study in the field of communication (re)habilitation.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

UVA EHD is an exceptional community of world-changers. I love that every course is built around human perspectives - considering our own, those of peers and colleagues, and most importantly the people we are learning to serve. It is within these dialogues that I have gained the most valuable tools for my future career, extending far beyond mastery of speech and hearing disorders.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

On Grounds, I am a research assistant for the Supporting Transformative Autism Research Initiative, an active member of UVA's chapter of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association, and an EdCouncil Community Service Committee member. I also serve as a Student Representative on the Board of Directors for the Speech and Hearing Association of Virginia (SHAV), advocating for SLP and AuD students at UVA and other state universities' communication sciences programs.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my down time, I enjoy reading, paint-by-numbers, and playing tennis. I love trying new restaurants with friends, long walks, and listening/singing along to ABBA and other classics (however off tune!).

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation this spring, I plan to attend graduate school to earn a master's in Speech Language Pathology. As the sibling of a young woman with autism, I hope to work in post-secondary education and employment as an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities. I hope to contribute to research about supporting developmental disabilities through adulthood, and in the process amplify neurodiverse voices.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

My favorite EHD class that I have taken is Understanding Autism (EDHS 3110) with Dr. Michaela Dubay. In this half-lecture, half-discussion course, Dr. Dubay ensured that we learned from research as well as panels of parents, siblings, and self-advocates.

Andy (he/him) is a Youth & Social Innovation and Psychology double major from Eastland, TX.

Why did you choose your major? 

Post-grad, I want to pursue a PhD and eventually be a Child Psychologist. Youth and Social Innovation stood out to me because of its diverse range of core pillars within the youth field: development, innovation, and policy. I wanted to explore the different fields and areas within youth development that I had not been introduced to and knew little about. And with the psychology major, it helps my education and experience to be well-rounded as I work toward my career goals.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

The professors are the best thing about UVA EHD because they care and teach so passionately, and they care for students as people first rather than students first.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

President - Raven Society, Facilitator - HoosConnected, President - Sigma Phi Epsilon, Lead Manager - Cavalier Connect Fundraising, Member - QuestBridge, YMCA Volunteer - Madison House, Intern - Sheila Johnson Center, Dancer - Dance Department

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like picnics, photography, dance, hanging out, hikes, dinners, and lake days.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I'm going to pursue a PhD program and eventually become a Child Psychologist specializing in trauma. I have always had a passion for youth, and many youth face traumas that go without any intervention leading to many issues later in life. I want to address this issue and help them work through their struggles.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

Psychology of Trauma (EDHS 3130) taught by Dr. Matthew Yoder

Delanie (she/her/hers) is a Elementary Education major with a Special Education add-on endorsement from Virginia Beach, VA.

Why did you choose your major? 

Growing up I had such a love for learning and it is something that I want to instill in my future students. I truly believe that knowledge is power and that education will change this world. Working with youth energizes me - I admire students' curiosity, am inspired by their willingness to try new things, and when something just... clicks, the feeling is indescribable.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

The passion and community - specifically how these two components interweave. Passion is infused into courses through professors' intentionality of assignments as well as the overall construction and presentation of the courses! I was passionate about education prior to entering the major, but somehow find my passion increasing more with each class. The size of my cohort has made it possible to get to know all of my classmates on some level and create friendships with like-minded individuals as we work toward our dream jobs in education!

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

I am about to step into the role of president for SVEA (the Student Virginia Education Association)!

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I am typically drawn into the arts and crafts sphere be it embroidery, lettering on my iPad, or trying something new - like crochet. I am also really passionate about music and dabble on a few instruments. Admittedly, I am far better at putting together a playlist than I am at playing the dulcimer. Although very amateur, I also enjoy photography. I think there is something so special about capturing and preserving a moment of joy and love and capturing people as their most authentic selves. Lastly, I enjoy staying active - especially a stroll through the UVA gardens.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

Keep going! I want to pursue a master's degree in Reading Education and work toward eventually becoming a reading specialist. I believe literacy is a fundamental human right and something all students need to have access to. If I can make reading fun - that's an added bonus!

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

Is all of them not an okay response?! I tend to think of how they all weave together as opposed to individual courses, BUT if you're going to make me choose... probably EDIS 3221: Intro to Reading Foundations because it was my first exposure to reading education and made me realize how interested I am in teaching reading and learning about the science of reading. I definitely give an honorable mention to EDIS 3020: The Exceptional Learner though! I enjoyed learning about disability and how it relates to learners. One project in this class required critical consumption of disability-related media using what we had learned during the course to evaluate two movies or television programs, which was a really exciting and engaging way to apply the course knowledge.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Back home I have a dog (Boston terrier, pug, chihuahua mix) and I FaceTime her every day!

Khaliah (she/her/hers) is a Elementary Education major with an endorsement in Special Education from Brooklyn, NY.

Why did you choose your major? 

I choose my major because I enjoyed working with kids within a classroom setting. I wanted to contribute to the community in more meaningful ways. In addition to this, there is a lack of Black teachers in schools, so through being a future Black teacher, I hope that I can connect with and impact students who look like me and are within the BIPOC community as I want them to feel supported and represented in schools. The ability to support and impact students' lives is important as the impact can extend beyond the classroom and guide/support students in different ways.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

The thing I love most about UVA EHD is the staff. The staff (professors) are always finding ways to support students. They look to form connections with us beyond the classroom, which helps with connecting us to different resources.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

1) Office of African-American Peer Advisor (OAAA)- I am assigned 4-5 incoming first-years or transfer students that I help by connecting them to different resources at UVA. I find ways to connect them within and outside of UVA's Black community.
2) America Reads Tutor- I work as a tutor at Buford Middle School and online through McGuffey tutoring.
3) Fourth Year Trustees- I am part of the Hoos Give Back Committee, so we hold different events to help raise money for different CIOs and groups within the UVA community.

What do you like to do in your free time?

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family/friends or doing something outdoors/active (ie: playing sports or going on hikes).

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to start teaching. I hope I can teach between 3rd-5th grade. I am looking to teach in Virginia or the D.C. area. In addition to teaching, I am looking to do my master's part-time. I am still deciding on if I want my master's to be within or outside the education field.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

My favorite EHD class that I have taken was EDIS 3011: Classroom & Behavior Management (with Professor Cook). This class provided me with insight into how I want to develop my future classroom and support my students. Through the class, I learned about different effective and ineffective ways to support and increase students' success by creating a safe, inclusive, and orderly learning environment that enhances students' academic, social, and emotional development.

Anything else you'd like to add?

I am looking forward to trying to bring more diversity to the EHD program. The program lacks diversity within a lot of its majors, so bringing more diversity is important. 

Amaya (she/her/hers) is a Youth and Social Innovation major and Sociology minor from northern Virginia.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose Youth & Social Innovation for its flexibility and the level of autonomy incorporated into the curriculum to both explore and narrow down the education and career path I might follow.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

Supportive and reasonable professors, staff and peers!

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

I am the current President of the Black Student Alliance, a member of the Diversity Council for the Career Center, a model for C.R.A.V.E and a coordinator for the Charlottesville Freedom School program.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to try new restaurants with my friends and be outside as much as possible!

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation I am hoping to pursue my Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus in social advocacy and possibly policy. I enjoy the wide range of specializations and focus areas within this larger field as well as the charge of anyone who works in social work - providing supports. With this, through social advocacy/policy I believe I will be able to make long-lasting change to the variety of harmful systems that exist in our society.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

EDLF 4020: Helping Skills - this is a very foundational course involving interpersonal relationships and supports to others that applies to a wide range of majors and focus areas!

Anything else you'd like to add?​ 

I would love to connect with any and all of you!

Caroline (she/her) is a Kinesiology major with a minor in History from Warren, New Jersey.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose Kinesiology because I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and I wanted a major that had more hands-on learning. I also come from a very athletic background as I run, play soccer, and fence. These activities spurred my interest in the sports injury and exercise science side of kines.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

I love the EHD faculty! Each professor I have interacted with is passionate about their subject and eager to help their students learn and succeed.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

I am currently becoming a Peer Health Educator, which I am elated about! The health and wellness of the UVA community is paramount, and I am excited to educate my peers on topics like mental health, sexual health, body image, and alcohol awareness. I am also an engagement intern at the campus Hillel, where I work to bring Jewish students together into a strong community! In addition, I am an active member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and I love playing intramural sports.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love getting outside with my friends, whether that be hiking or playing intramural sports! In the fall, I play intramural flag football (we're the reigning champs!) and I play soccer in the spring. I also love working out - you can frequently find me running near the corner or on JPA!

What do you hope to do after graduation?

I am still undecided on my future career after graduation. I am considering various graduate programs such as physician's associate school and physical therapy school. I know that I want to help others in the healthcare field and I am excited to learn more about health and wellness in my coming undergrad years.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

I enjoyed Nutrition (KINE 3400) with Dr. Kranz. It is one of the most interesting courses I've taken thus far and I always looked forward to attending class. I especially took an interest in the unit on body image where we learned how to calculate basal metabolic rates and total energy expenditures.

Talyn (she/her/hers) is a Kinesiology major from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Why did you choose your major? 

The human body and the way in which it can adapt and move in so many unique ways is so intriguing to me, and I feel that the Kinesiology major perfectly allows me to explore that. Although my specific interests within the major have changed over time, I think that the opportunities within this major allow me to branch out and explore my changing interests that all still relate to the field. Additionally, the smaller size of the program showed me that I would truly get to know my classmates and professors and would be able to take advantage of the resources offered.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

The thing I love the most about UVA EHD is the sense of community that it provides to students within the larger UVA community. From the moment I stepped on Grounds (and even before), I felt like had a place where I belonged that had an abundance of resources, support, and amazing people to help me collaborate with others and pursue anything that I set my mind to.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

Club Running, Mixed Race Student Coalition (MRSC), Undergraduate Student Opportunities in Academic Research (USOAR) Program - paired with the Jaswal Lab (research focused on uplifting the voices of autistic people and learning more about their experiences in collaboration with them), Peer Advising Family Network (PAFN), Program for APIDA-identifying students

What do you like to do in your free time?

Distance running, hiking, exploring new cities, and volunteering in my community.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to attend graduate school to study and learn more about the ways in which we can use physical activity and nutrition as a means of intervention to prevent or slow chronic disease and promote general health and wellbeing, particularly in minority or underserved communities. I am super passionate about dealing with the inequities within the healthcare system and hope to later conduct research that centers around these ideas.

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

Contemporary Health Issues

Tori (she/her/hers) is a Kinesiology and Studio Art double major from Roanoke, Virginia.

Why did you choose your major? 

I chose Kinesiology because of my interest in anatomy. I wanted a program that would dive deep into human anatomy and physiology, rather than other majors like biology that have plant and animal focuses.

What do you love most about UVA EHD?

I love the close connection that students can form with their professors! The professors are always open to spending time with the students to not only help them with their studies, but also take interest in their personal lives.

What organizations are you involved with across UVA?

Distinguished Studio Art Program - Candidate
LGBTQ Center - Volunteer
Young Democratic Socialists of America - Member

What do you like to do in your free time?

I pretty much spend all of my free-time either painting, running, or going to metal concerts around the East Coast!

What do you hope to do after graduation?

Right now, I hope to pursue a Master's of Fine Art in Painting. I want to pursue a career where I can combine my creative interests (art) with my more analytical interests (kinesiology).

What is your favorite EHD class that you've taken?

My favorite EHD class was KINE 3210: Kinesiology for Individuals with Disabilities. This class opened my eyes to a lot of problems and nuances within the disabled community that can translate to any career path. I would highly recommend that everyone takes this class!