Celebrating 2022 Graduates: Health and Human Performance
As commencement approaches, we're celebrating a few of our best and brightest spring 2022 graduates. This edition features a trio of students from various majors within the Health and Human Performance department.
Lydia Davis – Pre-Occupational Therapy
Favorite thing about your experience at TWU?
I have loved being a member of Sigma Kappa. Being a member of Sigma Kappa sorority has allowed me to get more involved on campus, meet new people, experience personal growth, and have the opportunity to give back to our community.
Do you have plans after graduation? Job? Grad School?
I got accepted into TWU’s Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program, which I will start in the fall!
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming TWU student?
Figure out early good study habits and what works best for you. Ask for help if you need it! Don’t forget to also have fun and be as involved as your schedule allows you to be. Your college experience is definitely what you make of it!
Haley Marie Hinshaw – Public Health
Special Honors or Recognitions
AAC Softball All Conference Second Team 2021
TWU Academic Achievement Award for Softball Team
AAC Softball Player of The Week - 2020
Participated in Tennessee Public Health Association 2020 and had poster selected for
presenting research on Rural Sonography
Favorite thing about your experience at TWU?
The opportunity to play ball and create lifelong memories with great teammates and friends.
Do you have plans after graduation? Job? Grad School?
Continue my school and enter a program to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Are there other unique aspects of your story?
My ultrasound career I am pursuing does not require a bachelor's degree, only an associate degree. After finishing my AS degree, I decided to attend TWU because of my passion for the game of softball and the opportunity to play ball while getting a higher education and learning more about the healthcare field. The COVID year also gave me an extra year to continue playing the sport I love while having internships that have helped assure me the profession I am chasing is my true passion.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming TWU student?
Strive to get involved in internships, connect with advisors, network with people in the community, and take the time to really find your passion so that your career is something you truly want to do. By doing these things, it allows you to have opportunities to explore avenues that you may not have even thought were possible and will prepare you for the future.
Gabrielle Harris – Exercise Science and Physical Education
Special Honors or Recognitions
Health and Human Performance Award
Several Honors Lists
Favorite thing about your experience at TWU?
I have enjoyed the Athens community that encompasses TWU. Not many college students get to experience Athens like I have. I have served the community as a volleyball coach and mentor for all four years in college. From assisting at the local middle school to coaching at the club level, I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching. This has not only made me a better person but helped me find a new career path.
Do you have plans after graduation? Job? Grad School?
I plan to take a few years off and coach at the collegiate level before returning to grad school to obtain a master’s in athletic training.
Are there other unique aspects of your story?
I think the fact that I have served as an RA, the VP of the Black Student Union, a student-athlete, and a coach to multiple teams is very unique. To work in college is a hard job to do. To serve the local community and the campus community is definitely unique and a tough job as well. As I close this chapter of my life, I am super proud of the impact I have made at TWU and in Athens. I thank God for giving me this platform and allowing me to reach so many young athletes.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming TWU student?
Stay involved! Getting involved locally and on campus gives you a great support system and so many more opportunities to grow as a person. Campus is small, so it’s so easy to stay connected. Go to athletic events, RA events, and stay involved and you will have the best college experience.