Convocation Profile: A chat with Chelsea Woo

What brought you to the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation (KSR) at the University of Alberta?

I went into sciences my first year because I loved studying about the human body. Once I started my first year I quickly realized this was not the type of science I wanted to study. I felt so alone in sciences, I felt as though I was just another number to my professor. I had a friend in KSR who told me about their first-year classes which included anatomy and physiology. I reviewed their notes and was like "yes this is what I want to study". Immediately after that day, I set up a meeting with the KSR admissions and applied to the faculty.

What was your favourite class and why?

This is a toss-up between KRLS 421 and KIN 444. Both are taught by Billy Strean who is an incredible professor who cares so much about his students. I loved KRLS 421 because as adults we forget about play and think it's strictly for children. This class will spark everyone's human spirit through play. I loved KIN 444 because I gained public speaking skills that I will carry with me throughout my life. Although the class was done virtually, Billy was able to create a safe welcoming non-judgemental community in his online class.

What was key to your academic success?

The key to my academic success is the friends I made in the faculty. The atmosphere in KSR is like no other faculty. We are such a close-knit faculty that fosters friendships. It is so comforting to have at least one friend in every class. My academic success came from my solid support system who were always there to talk when I felt overwhelmed or stressed with my workload, always there to read over my papers for grammar corrections, send me the notes if I was sick one day and most importantly to study together. It created a learning environment where everyone wants everyone to succeed.

What were some of the greatest challenges you faced as a student, how did you overcome these challenges and how have those challenges shaped the person you are today?

One challenge I faced was time management. I was heavily involved in our faculty with multiple organizations, usually taking a full course load plus a part-time job. My second-year first semester my marks were not where I was used to them being. I had to find the balance because I enjoyed all my volunteering with the faculty, needed to work, but also needed to pick up my marks. I worked on time management by being honest with myself on how long I think it will take me to complete tasks and creating a specific schedule for my day. This helped me raise my marks and continue being involved with the faculty. The time management skills I learned I will carry with me into my future career.

The biggest challenge I faced was moving school online for my last year. As this was my 5th year of University, I had my study techniques down and knew what I needed to do to be successful. However, COVID really threw a wrench into my plan. It took away my social life, physical activity (gym and intramurals), and had an increased workload for every class. I would be staring at a screen for 8+ hours a day. I was so stressed and felt so alone as I never left my house. I overcame this by making sure to keep in touch with friends, go for walks, and have time away from the screen. This challenge is still an ongoing one, but I survived a whole year of online school. Attending university during COVID has given me the confidence to know that whatever life throws at me, I can overcome it. It may take time but I will get through it.

If you completed a practicum, where did you do your practicum and what did your role entail?

I completed my practicum with U School. I was the wellness intern so I gave wellness sessions to students. Although it was completely virtual, it was so rewarding to meet each student and teach them that wellness is more than just exercise.

You and your graduating classmates are experiencing Convocation like no other students have before you. What are some thoughts and/or feelings you have about convocating during a pandemic?

It is sad to not be able to attend convocation with my classmates in person. It feels like there is no closure to the past 4 years of my life. It is such a weird feeling to finish your degree at home alone. The University is doing its best to make the graduating students feel special however it is not the same. With all that being said, I am very glad KSRSS is putting on a virtual ceremony to make graduating more personable and gives me a chance to see my classmates one more time before we all set out on our different paths.

What are you most proud of in your journey as a U of A/KSR student?

 I am proud of my involvement with the faculty. I was heavily involved which made my university experience unforgettable. It started with my involvement with KSRSS for 2 years (one as an academic representative, one as Vice President Academic), I was able to have a direct impact on the students in our faculty whether that be through study sessions for first year classes with practice exams, organizing KSR camp for first years, or other student engagement events, lastly just hearing what the student body has to say and being their advocate with the faculty. I was on the Kinesiology Games (KG) team for U of A for 4 years which allowed me to travel to Toronto and Niagara Falls. My time on KG allowed me to build networks not only in our faculty but with other students from all over Canada. While I was on the team in Toronto, U of A placed 3rd overall which has not happened for a long time so that was a huge accomplishment for us. Lastly, I was a member of the Play Around the World 2020 team, we learned a lot about play, leadership, and global awareness. I got to organize and run Play Days in Edmonton. Sadly, the service-learning portion trip to Cambodia was cancelled due to COVID. I gained so much life experience through each different role I had in our faculty. I recommend all KSR students to get involved! Your university degree is what you make of it. Put yourself out there, join clubs, give back to the community, it will make your degree more than just a piece of paper.

As you get ready to convocate, what career plans do you have for the future?

As students graduating in a pandemic, we are entering a world in a crisis which makes employment a challenge. I honestly am not sure what I want to do, and THAT IS OKAY. It is scary going into the real world, having friends get accepted into grad programs, others getting their dream job and not knowing what you want to do. I am currently working as a behaviour interventionist with people with autism. I know I want to work with individuals with disabilities as my degree in Adapted Physical Activity has prepared me to do so. I just am not sure to what extent or what that might look like.