Senior Spotlight: Mina Kiefer

Who are some people you feel have contributed to your success at UMass?

I attribute a lot of my success at UMass to my supportive parents. They have always been very positive, and they only ask that I try my best, which has been my motto throughout my time at UMass. I am also very thankful for the friends that I have made both in and outside of my major of Kinesiology. Whether we are studying together before an exam or having fun on the weekends, we are always supporting each other. Lastly, I am very grateful for the Kinesiology faculty. They are extremely qualified and want you to excel. I’m very appreciative that I was able to form strong connections, which helped guide me through my undergraduate career.

What is your favorite UMass memory?

I’ve had so many amazing memories at UMass that it is hard to choose just one. One of my favorite memories is being a part of the UMass Club Gymnastics team and traveling to Memphis, TN, to compete at Nationals. I have found some of my lifelong friends on the team, and it was so much fun exploring another city together. Another one of my favorite memories is representing UMass at the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine College Bowl, where I competed against other New England colleges by answering Jeopardy-style questions related to a variety of sports medicine topics. I was able to compete with one of my close Kin friends and it was a lot of fun.

What surprised you most about your major?

I was most surprised that there were so many ways to get involved on and around campus. Throughout my four years at UMass, I was able to get involved as a physical therapist aide at UHS; work with the D1 sports teams as an athletic training intern; and give a demonstration at a Parkinson’s Disease conference. There are so many opportunities and ways to gain real-world experiences!

What’s next after UMass?

Starting at the end of May, I will be a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. I am very excited to get started and spend the next three years studying to become a physical therapist!

What made your UMass experience special or unique?

My UMass experience was special because I joined the UMass Club Gymnastics team my first semester and was able to continue the sport I grew up doing. Through the club, I made lasting friendships, which led me to my current roommates, who I share a house with off campus. I also met one of my closest friends who I will be attending DPT school with in May.