On Dec. 18, UW–Madison will celebrate its Winter 2022 Commencement. We reached out to a few of our students who are graduating from programs in the School of Education to learn about their favorite UW–Madison memories and future plans. Following is a Q&A with Alexis Fiorentino, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.
Where are you from, and what brought you to UW–Madison?
I was born and raised in West Bend, Wisconsin. Being a third-generation Badger, I was drawn to UW–Madison for the endless opportunities and the strong sense of community (plus the fun is a nice added bonus).
What is your major, and how did you choose it?
I chose kinesiology based off of the coursework that I needed to complete for grad school, but I had no idea how lucky I was to be in the Kinesiology Department. All of the staff is willing to help and go the extra mile for you. You also get to know the other kinesiology students because it is a smaller group that all have the same classes as you. Kines rocks!
What was your most meaningful experience at UW–Madison?
One of the most meaningful experiences for me at the UW was completing my practicum. This is a requirement within the Kinesiology Department, and I am so glad it is. I was placed with the Wisconsin ETF (Employee Trust Funds) working on a diabetes prevention program for state workers. All semester, my team and I worked tirelessly to carry out a diabetes screening program within the ETF. There are plans to implement our program soon, and it will be so rewarding to see all our hard work be put into action.
"(For my practicum) I was placed with the Wisconsin ETF (Employee Trust Funds) working on a diabetes prevention program for state workers. All semester, my team and I worked tirelessly to carry out a diabetes screening program... There are plans to implement our program soon, and it will be so rewarding to see all our hard work be put into action."
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
Currently I am in Kinesiology 325: Group Development and Behavior Management, with Cindy Kuhrasch. This class is so much fun, and I truly look forward to it every Tuesday and Thursday. Cindy has created a tight-knit community within our class, so much so that I would consider all my classmates as my friends. We have sincerely gotten to know one another other and support each other. Cindy is awesome and it is because of her that this class is so well-liked and enjoyed. Also, shoutout to Dr. Morgan Shields — she is one of the best too!
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started at UW–Madison?
Find your people and hold onto them tight; they will create some of your best memories and become some of your closest friends.
What’s next for you? What are your plans for the future?
I am headed to chiropractic school at Life University in Marietta, Georgia! One day I hope to open my own practice, so I can spread the amazing power of chiropractic far and wide.