Chanelle McPhee, She/Her/Hers
Degree: 4th Year, Bachelors of Kinesiology in Interdisciplinary Studies
Graduation: May 2022
What ignited your interest in pursuing an undergrad degree in kinesiology?
I grew up playing a variety of individual and team sports throughout my childhood such as gymnastics, downhill skiing, track and field, badminton, cross country running, and volleyball. These sports ignited my passion for learning about the human body, which is why I decided to apply for Kinesiology.
Are you involved in any clubs on campus or off? If so, what are they?
I joined the UBC Ski and Board club this year.
What communities are important to you and how do you contribute to them?
This past year I had the unique opportunity to volunteer at the Thunderbird Community Centre in East Vancouver. I helped prepare and serve food to the seniors in the community who are in need.
What do you hope to do when you graduate (personal, professional)?
I have decided to broaden my skillset and go into a different field of study after graduation. I was offered a place at BCIT’s Marketing Management diploma program and will be starting in Fall 2022. This program offers a concentration in Professional Sales, and I hope to have a career in medical sales in the future.
What are some of the ways your degree is preparing you for that goal?
Receiving a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology will lay a solid foundation for me to pursue a career in medical sales. Throughout my time as a Kinesiology student, I have learned a variety of medical products used in this field such as orthopedic supports, different medical imaging machines, electrocardiogram machines, and more. I hope that having this base of knowledge will prepare me to sell similar medical products in the future.
What experiences have you had as a kinesiology student, that you will bring into your next chapter/adventure/endeavour?
Studying Kinesiology has opened a multitude of doors for me. After my 2nd year of university, I was hired at Kintec Footwear and Orthotics due to my academic background on the human body and my experience in running track and field. At Kintec, I served as a Fitting Expert where I fit people for comfortable and appropriate footwear for walking, working, running, and/or everyday activities. Additionally, I help people find proper fitting insoles and knee braces. Working at Kintec made me realize that I have a passion for selling things! For this reason, I decided to pursue my next chapter at BCIT for their Marketing Management program.
Where do issues of inclusion find a place in your life or at work?
At Thunderbird Community Centre we serve lunch to individuals that have been marginalized in the community. The lunch program that I volunteer at encourages seniors with lower economic status to reach out and become involved in their community. This program also invites guest speakers to educate seniors about living a holistic lifestyle, which encompasses social, mental, and physical well-being.
What is your proudest moment as a Kinesiology student?
I am a transfer student from Capilano University, so I did my first 2 years of my undergrad at CapU and finished my remaining 2 years at UBC. One of my proudest moments as a Kinesiology student is graduating from CapU with a diploma in Human Kinetics – Exercise Science.
How has studying kinesiology at UBC helped or challenged you to grow, both as a student and an individual?
Studying Kinesiology has taught me how to interact and work with others for group projects and assignments. Also, I have learned over the years how to effectively manage my time since there is so much opportunity to get involved in extracurricular activities.
What tip or pieces of advice would you give to prospective Kinesiology students?
I have 2 pieces of advice to give prospective Kinesiology students…
- Live what you learn. As Kinesiology students you get the inside scoop
on how to live a whole and healthy life. Instead of just studying it, you
can live and promote it! - Try out different activities, jobs, clubs, and volunteer opportunities in
your undergrad. Essentially, trying out different things can potentially
help you figure out what you want to do later and realize what your
passion is.