Caitlin Rudd '18

Major: Natural Science
Minors: Exercise Science and Sport Studies, Psychology
Hometown: Proctor, Minnesota

Why study ESSS at a liberal arts college?

Studying ESSS and physical therapy at a liberal arts college has gone hand in hand. I have always been interested in exercise science, but was worried I wouldn’t be able to fit all the classes I wanted with my natural science major. However, studying at a liberal arts college gave me the freedom to choose a variety of classes that I was actually interested in.

What makes the ESSS minor at CSB/SJU unique?

For my ESSS minor, I was able to pick the classes that I felt would help prepare me for physical therapy school. Some ESSS classes did not relate to my area of focus, but since there was a wide variety of classes offered, I was able to focus on classes such as Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, and Injury Assessment and Prevention.

What has your experience with the CSB/SJU ESSS faculty been like?

My experience with the ESSS faculty has been great. In every class I have taken, the faculty makes it a point to relate the course information to possible future careers such as physical therapy, coaching, athletic training, exercise physiologists, etc. The faculty is also extremely knowledgeable about graduate programs and their requirements. They are a great source of information for applying to graduate schools.

What has been one of the greatest challenges you have faced?

My greatest challenge has been balance. During my time here I have been on the dance team, a Health Advocate, a teaching assistant and tutor, and a STEP Force Volunteer at Centra-Care. Balancing all of these roles along with being a student, shadowing physical therapists, applying for graduate school, and still having time with friends was a huge challenge that I struggled with my first year. After some time juggling my roles, I found a balance. I was able to turn to many ESSS faculty members for advice and guidance along with friends and family.

What advice do you have for students considering minoring in ESSS?

Try out different classes. Coming in to CSB/SJU my first year I was undecided, but the liberal arts curriculum allowed me to take a wide variety of classes. I randomly signed up for an ESSS class my sophomore year and ended up loving it. After that class I immediately started looking for more ESSS classes to complete a minor. Taking a wide variety of classes helped me to realize I was interested in exercise science and lead me to physical therapy.

How do you anticipate using your degree after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend the DPT program at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota.