Congratulations to the class of 2025! Read this year's senior spotlights here.
Pronouns: He/Him
Major: Sport and Movement Science, Exercise Science concentration
Hometown: Dartmouth, MA
Campus Involvement: Intramural Referee, Campus Life and Recreation; Intern, Viking Athletics Strength and Conditioning
Why did you choose Salem State, and what’s one thing a prospective student should know about the campus community?
I chose Salem State because of its location and because it’s one of the few Massachusetts state schools that offers an exercise science program. A prospective student should know that the campus is very inclusive and a great place to make friends.
Once you got to campus, what made you say, "This is the place for me?"
Getting onto campus was nerve-wracking at first. But I knew this place was for me when I met my core group of friends.
What made you choose your major?
I’ve been an athlete my whole life, I love the gym, and I’ve always been interested in strength and conditioning for athletes.
Do you live on campus or commute?
I live on campus. What I’ve enjoyed most was living with my friends during my sophomore year in Atlantic Hall. I’ve also stayed engaged by working as an intramural league referee for campus life and recreation, which helped me meet and connect with so many new people.
How have you grown as a person during your college experience?
I’ve become more mature, hardworking, and knowledgeable in my profession.
Can you describe a challenge you overcame at Salem State?
One challenge I overcame was living alone. I lived with a close friend during my first two years, but we decided to get our own spaces in junior and senior years. I had roommates who moved out during the fall semesters of both years and never got a new one. Going from always living with friends to being on my own was socially tough, but it gave me space to focus on what I needed to succeed in school.
Have any faculty relationships influenced your learning or personal growth?
Absolutely. The sport and movement science department professors have helped me succeed in class, offered mentorship, sent scholarship and internship opportunities, and recently wrote reference letters for job applications. They’ve played a considerable role in my success.
How has Salem State supported your academic journey in terms of value and accessibility?
Many professors didn’t require textbooks or provided free alternative versions. I appreciated how much they understood students’ financial challenges and tried to ease the burden.
Can you share a hands-on learning experience you’ve had?
In my Strength and Conditioning Technique and Assessments class, I learned skills that I later applied in my internship with athletics. I conducted athlete-specific exercise testing and Olympic lifting, both essential in a strength and conditioning setting.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how has Salem State prepared you?
I plan to earn my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification and either work as a strength and conditioning coach or become a graduate assistant while pursuing my master’s. My two-year internship with Salem State athletics gave me real-world experience that has prepared me for success in this field.