Interdisciplinary studies student Sophia Cline recently interned for Birch Performance, a personal training business..
The fitness facility is led by Roy Birch, who is known in the Wichita training scene for his work with Paralympic and Olympic athletes. Birch has worked as a fitness professional, personal trainer and coach for more than 26 years.
Finding her fit
Having taken a variety of courses in nutrition and occupational therapy through the interdisciplinary studies major, Cline felt she was closer to discovering her vocational passion. However, she still felt she needed some guidance to explore her options.
After some discussions with Teresa Wilkerson, interim dean for the School of Business, she was led to the possibility of personal training.
“I learned I had an interest in personal training after speaking with my advisor,” said Cline, “and taking courses such as exercise physiology and nutrition.”
The one-on-one environment seemed to resonate with her from the start.
“I have also found that I really enjoy working one-on-one with clients and helping people reach their goals and potential within the gym, while making it a comfortable environment that does not have to be intimidating,” Cline said.
Set up for success
She feels that her college education has primed her for success in this field, even without a major designed specifically for it.
“My studies at Newman have helped me in so many ways,” she said.
“My courses prepared me for the science side of exercise but also how to properly communicate with clients and to show leadership.”
She continued, “I believe interdisciplinary studies is a valuable major for anyone who has multiple areas of interest. This degree allows them to have a rounded education and explore different disciplines.”
Learning from the pros
Her internship at Birch Performance has given her plenty of hands-on experience, and she is grateful for the experience and wisdom of Birch.
“He has taught me so much in regards to how to properly train and avoid any potential injuries, nutrition and also how to be a good leader for the clients,” Cline said. “It was clear from the beginning that he loves his job and cares so much about his clients’ well-being, and I have loved playing a small role in that.”
Birch speaks highly of Cline, saying she has done very well working with clients over the course of her internship.
“She’s been wonderful,” said Birch. “She’s gotten a good glimpse as to what we do here, which is a little bit of personal training, sports performance, massage therapists as well as softball instruction. She’s seen a little bit of all of that and has done a great job of blending in. She’s always ready to do whatever it is that we need her to do.”
I believe interdisciplinary studies is a valuable major for anyone who has multiple areas of interest. This degree allows them to have a rounded education and explore different disciplines.”
Sophia Cline
Cline looks past graduation with confidence in her newly found passion and abilities.
“I hope to continue expanding my knowledge within this field. This internship has taught me so much in a short amount of time and I am excited to continue learning more.”
Earn an Interdisciplinary Studies Degree
Our interdisciplinary studies Bachelor of Arts program is a unique, customized, liberal arts degree designed for both nontraditional adult students<strong><em> </em></strong>who have some college but no degree, as well as traditional students who would like a customized degree program where they design their own major of study.
