David Michael Burkhalter – Confidence Comes from Proper Preparation

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COVID-19 Update:  I started PT school classes online at LSUHSC-Shreveport in May.  Hopefully we will be on campus soon! Other than that, my wife and I are trying to stay as active and as healthy as possible during these strange time.

Which tenet means the most to you and why?
The tenet “Confidence” means the most to me. One of my favorite quotes is “if you don’t believe in yourself, then nobody else will.” I believe confidence comes from properly preparing for a situation. I believe that confidence is one of the most important characteristics that a person can have.

Background:
I am from Ruston. I went to Ruston High School. I played baseball and was involved with FCA at RHS. I was an All-State baseball player my senior year, and I was also noticed as an Honors Student by RHS because I maintained a 4.0 GPA.

What career path have you chosen and why?
I have chosen to apply and attend a Physical Therapy school. Being a physical therapist would satisfy my desire to help people. I love being able to see people go from a state of hopelessness because of an injury or disability to a state of confidence because of the work that they put in to get better.

Why did you choose Louisiana Tech?
Obviously, one reason I chose Louisiana Tech is because it is in my hometown. I love Ruston and would love to reside here one day, but another reason I chose Tech is because of the loyalty its students and staff show towards the university. People who attend or work at Tech love it and show so much pride in the university.

Why did you choose Kinesiology?
I chose Kinesiology mostly because of my passion towards health and fitness. I enjoy sports and fitness in general; therefore, I chose to learn as much as I can about both of these things through the Kinesiology program. Another reason I chose Kinesiology is because of the staff inside the Kinesiology program. Every staff member has such a passion for their job, students, and health and wellness. The Kinesiology is its own family inside the university.

What things do you like best about the department?
The thing I like most about the department is the feeling of knowing all of the teachers and students. It is like a family within the department, and the teachers care so much about each student and their future. They will go above and beyond to make sure the students get what they need for their future education or life beyond school.

What community activities are you involved in?
In the community, I am involved at the Bridge Community Church. My wife and I keep the nursery some Sundays. We try to stay involved with different activities throughout Ruston.

What are the top 2 best experiences you have had in Ruston?
The best experiences I have had in Ruston would be meeting and marrying my wife. My second best experience would be attending and graduating from Louisiana Tech.

What are some of your favorite educational experiences, classes you have had?
My favorite class at Tech has been Exercise Physiology and the lab. I learned an enormous amount in Doc’s (Dr. Szymanski) class and enjoyed all of the activities in the lab with Mrs. Szymanski.

Graduation Date? What are your future plans?
I graduated March 2020 and have been accepted into PT school at LSUHSC-Shreveport.

What advice do you have for our freshmen?
My advice for freshmen would be to get involved and try new things to figure out what you want to do with your life. Trying new things and shadowing at different jobs is a great way to learn what you like and dislike. Also, do not be afraid to talk to your advisors and professors. Many of them are very willing to help and understand that real life issues arise.

What would you say to a high school senior trying to decide where to attend college to influence them to come to Louisiana Tech?
I would encourage them to come visit. I would say they need to visit around Tech during a football game or around Ruston during an event. I think it would be hard for anyone to spend time in Ruston during a time of community gathering and not love the town.

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Instructing Senior Adult Chair class with the other KINE 425 students

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My wife Chandler and me cheering on the Bulldogs!

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Cheering on the Dunkin’ Dogs in 2015.  Yes, I am old!

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I’m in!!!

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