Faith McFadden – Always Choose to Respect Others

A little update on life: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to pursue a side hustle while not being on campus during the spring. I enrolled in a phlebotomist program and just became a nationally licensed phlebotomist on June 19, 2020 (shoutout to my #kinesfam for letting me practice on them this month). Also due to the virus, TOPS was allowed to be used during the summer, so I decided to take 9 hours during the first six-week session; therefore, I will be graduating this fall now! In other news, I just submitted my application for PA (physician assistant) school last week to LSUHS- Shreveport and University of Alabama- Birmingham and could not be more excited. I miss everyone and hope you all are doing well and staying safe. Fingers crossed we will be able to return to campus this fall.

Which tenet means the most to you and why?

The tenet, Respect, is the most meaningful one to me. I truly feel that without respect, it would be very hard to make connections in life. Building relationships and networking are some of the main ways one works toward becoming successful in whatever field they pursue. Always choose to respect others and make good first impressions as the opportunities that could come from the way you project yourself are endless! I must also point out, especially in a college setting, to respect yourself too! Don’t lose sight of the morals you were given and strive to be your very best!

Background:

I am from a tiny town right on the Louisiana-Texas state line called Keachi, La. I attended Logansport High School where I graduated as valedictorian in 2017. I was a member of student council, national honor society, FFA, FBLA, FCCLA, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and the Unstoppables Club. I am a national qualifier for FBLA and FCCLA competitions. In addition, I ran cross country for 5 years while I was in school.

What career path have you chosen & why?

I will actually be applying to PA (physician’s assistant) school this spring and could not be more excited! I’m hoping to either specialize in gastroenterology or orthopedics. This career aspiration began in 2014 when I had severely broken my humerus bone, which led to 2 surgeries and countless doctors visits. I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but this experience was a blessing in disguise for me as it exposed me to so much. I normally saw my PA rather than the main doctor, so that’s what sparked my interest in the field. The idea of a program that is less than three years long after your bachelor’s degree, while also having almost all of the perks of what doctors have was so intriguing to me!! Since then, I have been in several summer programs and a few other clinical settings to help validate my career path and have enjoyed every bit of it.

Why did you choose Tech?

Wow, this is a fun one! Believe it or not, it actually took me several visits before I even wanted to consider Tech. But, thank goodness I was able to find my home here. I initially came here throughout high school for literary rally or the FCCLA competition. I never quite got the time to explore campus, so I guess that is why I was a bit underwhelmed at first. Thanks to my mom pushing me to reach out to the Kinesiology program here at tech, and I wont name any names, but another nearby school. That one email I made set the entire tone for my experience here. The other school simply gave me a handout and sent me on my way. Tech was a completely different story. Not only did I get a private tour of memorial gym, but Mrs. Reeves and Dr. Szymanski let me come to both of their classes one day while I was still a senior in high school. Not knowing just how influential these two would be on my time here at tech, I was sold on how awesome the classroom environment was in the Kinesiology department. I loved that it did not just seem like boring lectures all day long, but rather much more applicable material is being taught. The students truly enjoyed being in these classes and that’s what drew me into becoming one of those happy little students myself. I also loved that its close enough from home to transition into my own independence, but close enough to run back home to visit with my family any weekend.

Why did you choose kinesiology?

I touched on this a little bit above, but I really just love the people here! I know I can always come to any of my teachers for anything, even if it’s not school related. Mrs. Reeves and Ms. Boyd are my biggest role models here and I know I can always come to them for anything. Coming from a graduating class of 43 students in high school, I feel that the faculty, or in better words, family here in the kinesiology department have made more of an effort to get to know me and help me than anyone in my high school.

What things do you like best about the department?

The people are my favorite of course! But I also was drawn in by the spectacular quality of the curriculum in the Kinesiology department. I have yet to meet any other student in another program here at Tech or at any other university that is able to have two practicums and an internship before they graduate. How cool is that?! I’m currently a student in the senior adult pool aerobics class and it is one of the coolest things ever!! A few other opportunities I’ve gotten through this department are participating in field days at local schools, helping out with Buddy Ball, and volunteering with the Rock Steady Boxing program last year!

What collegiate activities are you involved in?

I was the first ever member of Team Tech, an ambassador program that hand selected a few students to represent the university and promote the bookstore. I was also the only girl on the Louisiana Tech fishing team (one of six girls in the nation who fished on a collegiate level according to Bassmaster) However, I decided to take a break from the team. You can still find me on the water somewhere during most of my free time. I attend the Pilates class at Lambright every Monday night. Be sure to check out some of the classes that Lambright offers! It’s free and there are tons of options for all levels of fitness. More importantly, this is my third year of being a member of ESPE, and I am currently serving as a senior class representative. In addition, this will be my second year as a member of the PEK organization.

What community activities are you involved in?

This summer, I spent every Tuesday as a volunteer at Desoto Regional Health System, where I helped in several different departments of healthcare and received additional experience as preparation for PA school. In Ruston, I have helped with several events throughout the year such as volunteering with the Buddy Ball float for the Christmas parade, serving food at the annual fish fry for the members of the senior adult fitness classes, and have also been involved in the Get Out and Fish program, to help children in the community interested in fishing! When I stay in town on the weekends, you can find me at The Bridge on Sunday mornings! The Bridge has become my absolute favorite church I’ve ever attended.

What are the top 2 best experiences you have had in Ruston?

Gosh, this is probably the toughest question. I would say my top best experience was the day I got to manage the Louisiana Tech snapchat during a home football game through the Team Tech program. I got to eat lunch in the press box with the ESPN people, then go all over the field with the spirit groups and coaches! Never did I imagine how different the atmosphere would be on the field, but it was one of the coolest moments that I will never forget! Another fun experience is my water aerobics practicum I am learning to teach this quarter! I’ve made several more friends in the Kinesiology program through this and made lots of new friends with the members of the pool class! This has taught me so much, I’ve built up so much more confidence in myself and learned to let go and have fun, that’s when the members enjoy it most too! After this last month, I’m starting to realize the members are really the ones teaching me (about life) even though I’m one of the one’s barking out orders on deck! I wish I could take this class every quarter!

If not from Ruston, how do you feel about the community?

The community here is exactly what I picture of wanting when I want a family. Although this is a college town, I can see myself settling down here after school as well. I love the proximity of everything, while maintaining that small town vibe. Also, after experiencing the tornado last year, I’ve witnessed first hand just how special this community is and I can vouch that there will never be another place that could compete with Ruston, LA.

What are some of your favorite educational experiences, classes you have had?

I loved KINE 410, Facilities Design, where we got to design our own gym without a budget! The amount of detail we got down to was super interesting to me! Another favorite class I’ve taken is KINE 406, Health Aspects of Aging. This class exposed me to all of the different senior adult fitness classes and Rock Steady Boxing. I became so much more comfortable with interacting with the older population after I took this class, which opens a wide door for me in the medical field.

Graduation date? What are your future plans?

I am planning on graduating either this summer or next fall, depending on what other prerequisite courses I choose to take in addition to my degree curriculum, so I can broaden my choices of PA school locations. I will be applying to these schools this spring and ideally will begin PA school in May of 2021 at the LSU medical school in
Shreveport, LA.

What advice do you have for our freshman?

I could write a book on this one question, but I will just hit a few highlights! First of all, do not, I repeat, do not nap your life away! It’s tempting, but once it becomes a habit, your quality of school will go down. Instead, get involved! Join a club, go explore Hideaway, or attend an event on campus! The opportunities are endless and the payoff is so much better than resting in your dorm all day. Another thing, do things for you and do what you enjoy! Don’t let other people dictate your journey and choices you make here in college. You’ll meet lots of people here, but be wise with which ones you choose to keep around. College is stressful, so build each other up and motivate one another! Greek life is great, but you don’t have to be in a sorority/fraternity to be popular or relevant. I promise. Meeting people gets easier as time goes on and there are plenty of people who have the best time in college without having to be a part of Greek life! Take advantage of the seminars the Kinesiology and Biology departments offer, they are very helpful and will show you lots of career opportunities that you’ve probably never thought of or might be interested in! And most importantly, start your quarters off strong by studying often so you aren’t “that kid” in Tolliver cramming every night til 2am during finals week.

What would you say to a high school senior trying to decide where to attend college to influence them to come to Louisiana Tech?

Reach out! There are plenty of students and staff who would love to show you around and show what we have to offer here at Tech! You can even email me, mcfaith2017@gmail.com, and I will personally show you around! I truly think once someone learns about the fun we have here and the opportunities we offer here will have them hooked! Plan B is to get them to try some of the Syzmanski family’s BBQ at the homecoming tailgate and that will for sure have them enrolled!!

Anything else that you would like to say?

Have fun and stay open minded! College flies by so enjoy every bit of it! Take every chance to go and meet other people, you never know when you’ll have another class with them or see them around town. Grab some friend and go try to the 2 for 1 burgers at Portico on Wednesday nights and treat yo’self with some ice cream from the Tech Farm Salesroom every now and then. Maybe even go sing karaoke with a couple friends at La Bamba on Thursday nights. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts and experiences here at Tech, it is an honor. GO DAWGS!!

The above picture is from my freshman year. I was in charge of managing the official Louisiana Tech Snapchat during the football game! Such a different atmosphere on the field versus the stands!

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Maybe this is why they call it Bulldog Village at football games?? I found the sweetest pup to take a picture with!

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One of the coolest treasures I’ve found in Ruston is the Elmore D. Mayfield Park on the south side of town. Wildlife and Fisheries stock the pond with rainbow trout every January!

Team Tech had a photo shoot with Miss Louisiana Tech. Sam is the sweetest!

One of my favorite pictures taken with Mrs. Reeves at the COE scholarship banquet Spring 2019! I’m so so thankful for her and Mrs. Boyd always treating me like “their own” these last few years!