Gwendelyn R
Class: Junior
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Tuba City, AZ
Biography
I am full-blooded Navajo, born and raised on the reservation in Tuba City, AZ. My clans are Zuni Edge Water Born for the Rock Gap People. My maternal clan is the Red House People and my paternal clan is the Bitter Water People. I really enjoy sports. I play basketball and volleyball so you will usually find me at the Field House or Rec Center on campus participating in the intramural sports or the club sporting events. My brother was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy so I want to become a Physical Therapist so I can help him and other children on the reservation. The Exercise Science program will be a great undergraduate program to prepare me for my graduate degree in Physical Therapy.
Why did you choose to attend Northern Arizona University?
I visited other universities but decided I really liked the small campus atmosphere and how I felt a better connection with the faculty and staff on campus. I have spent summers at Northern Arizona University for volleyball camps, the Upward Bound Program, and the STAR program. I felt at home here.
What do you like best about Northern Arizona University?
What I like best is the class size. The professors know me and are interested in how I'm doing in my classes. They are helpful and really want to make sure I succeed.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
My advice to prospective students is to pick a major that you want to learn. If you are interested in the course content, it will make going to class much more fun and enjoyable. Choose a major that will prepare you for the career you want. Don't pick a major because it is what your parents want you to study. They will not be taking the classes, you will.
Describe the best professor you've had here and explain why.
I had an Athletic Training instructor, Stephan Johnson, that was an Athletic Trainer for some big professional players in the NBA, NFL, and MLB. He taught the class by relating the course material to his experiences rather than just lecturing. He had each student do hands-on activities and presented real-life situations so I learned more by taking what I was learning and using it in the activities.
Describe what it is like living on campus.
I lived on campus my first two years here. I like it and I really miss it. I never requested a specific roommate so I made some really great friends. I still see all my old roommates and we hang out and we are very good friends now. By living on campus, I have met new people and that is one of the great experiences about going to college.
