Luci Sistrunk – Exercise Science, Class of 1999

Luci Sistrunk

Exercise Science

Class of 1999

     When I started  USL in August of 1993, I had no idea what the next few years held for me.  I came from a rather small school where I knew almost everyone, and the thought of being in a class of strangers scared me to death.  That first semester was quite a transition; fortunately, however, I was a good math student and didn’t have any trouble with Math 105.  During my first semester, I changed my major to Pre-Physical Therapy.  In the fall of 1995, I was ready to apply to physical therapy school in New Orleans.  I guess they saw me coming and decided I didn’t have enough education.  Pre-Physical Therapy as a major was terminated because physical therapy became a masters degree program.  That meant I had to change my major and get a bachelors degree.  Well, how do you like that?  My dad was less than ecstatic about that change in plans, insisting the state just wanted all of his money.  That was a slap in the face, but God knows what’s best.

     So, I changed my major to Exercise Science (not having a clue what that meant).  Here I was almost starting from the beginning and taking classes with freshmen.  From this point on, Bourgeois Hall became my second home, which definitely beat campus and the transit system.  I really liked the faculty in the Health and Physical Education Department.  Here, I met so many professors in one department that really wanted to help their students.  These professors always took time to answer questions or to give encouraging thoughts.  To these many professors that have touched my life, I give my thanks, respect, and admiration.  My grades definitely improved upon changing my major, not because physical education classes are easy (like some people think). It was because I was really interested in my studies, taking classes such as kinesiology, sport ergogenics, and fitness lab assessment.

Having been very active in athletics in high school, I felt as though a part of me was missing during my first few years of college since I didn’t play sports.  Then, I was introduced to a good friend named intramural sports.  I participated in softball, basketball, flag football, and volleyball and competed in four state intramural tournaments.  Through classes and intramurals, I have developed many friendships that will last beyond the walls of Bourgeois Hall.

I began college as a timid seventeen-year-old who lacked self-esteem and courage, and I evolved into an educated and confident twenty-three year old woman.  USL has not only provided me with an education, but also with experiences and friendships that I will treasure the rest of my life.