Exercising connections

The connections Ian Ridgway ’22 made at Mount Mercy University within the exercise science program helped prepare him for success in his graduate program.

The exercise science program at Mount Mercy started during Ian’s sophomore year. He wanted to be one of the first students through the program because he hoped to assist the professors in creating the groundwork for the program.

Ian liked creating relationships with the professors in the exercise science program because they welcomed the students' feedback on how they could help them succeed. Bryan Gatzke displayed these characteristics.

“It was nice to create a working relationship, seeing his vision for the program, and being able to give him advice,” said Ian. “That really helped guide my interest and passion for the program.”

"I’ve definitely utilized some of the materials from my classes to help me further what I’m learning in my physical therapy graduate program." —Ian Ridgway '22

His favorite classes at Mount Mercy focused on the hands-on application of skills. The content Ian learned from his professors helped him succeed in his classes for his Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“We learned to look at personal factors of an individual and their goals when prescribing exercises,” said Ian. “I’ve definitely utilized some of the materials from my classes to help me further what I’m learning in my physical therapy graduate program.”

It was easy for Ian to create connections with his professors in his physical therapy program because of his experience on the Hill.

“The encouragement for faculty interaction is greater at Mount Mercy compared to larger institutions,” said Ian. “Having that faculty engagement helped encourage me to increase my one-on-one engagement with my faculty now.”

When preparing to apply for his graduate program, Ian’s professors assisted him with possible options and the application process.

“The professors helped guide me in my decision-making of what I wanted to do and supported me with my decision,” said Ian. “Joe Nguyen created a connection with his students by getting to know them, and he was willing to work with us on graduate school applications.”

The conversations Ian had with Nguyen helped not only with academics but with his personal life as well.

“Nguyen emphasized not selling yourself short and painting the best picture of yourself when filling out the graduate program application,” said Ian. “He also told us to make sure we are enjoying our time at Mount Mercy.”

Ian enjoyed his time on the Hill by being a part of the bowling team. The team and coaches have taught him many valuable skills.

“One of the focal points of the bowling program is that the student part comes first in student-athlete,” said Ian. “Being a part of bowling helped me stick to a routine and create time management skills needed to be successful in the classroom.”

His favorite moment on the team and at Mount Mercy was when the bowling team had lunches and dinners in the cafeteria during breaks between school and bowling.

“It was a time where we could talk to each other and be a community,” said Ian.

Ian’s advice to current students interested in graduate school is to know the requirements for the graduate program they’re interested in. Since the exercise science program is a broad category and connects to many healthcare careers, he believes knowing these requirements will help prepare students for the application process.

The things Ian learned from his professors, community, and courses helped him succeed within the exercise science program. Because of all the connections he made at Mount Mercy, he has a strong foundation for success in his graduate program.