Dear Queen's Supporter,

Physical activity has been a significant part of my life. From running around the playground in grade school to the competitive cycling I do today, physical activity has helped my body stay healthy, my mind stay active and my mood stay positive.

Not everyone is as lucky as me, though. Physical and intellectual disabilities, lack of programs, and socio-economic constraints can limit people's ability to lead active lives.

As a Physical Education student in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, and future physical education teacher, I can help people of all abilities discover an active lifestyle to improve their quality of life.

Contributing to SKHS curriculum development

This past year, as a member of the Program Review Committee, I've been excited to provide input on revisions to the PHE activity offerings.

My current independent study project pilots the changes to the second-year activity course. In the course, undergraduate SKHS students will be placed in Kingston elementary schools to provide leadership and education on DPA – Daily Physical Activity, a requirement in the Ontario school system.

The course requires students to work with children to particpate in fun and interesting ways to be physically active while assisting teachers in creating physical activity opportunities for students both during and after school.

An active lifestyle for adults with intellectual disabilities

Adults with intellectual disabilities often find it challenging to maintain an active lifestyle. Physical activity is important for everybody as staying active preserves mobility and overall health. Daily activity is proven to have positive impacts on confidence, mood and clarity of thought.

In third year, I had an exciting placement with H'art School in Kingston through the Adapted Physical Activity course. I developed exercise programs to meet the physical and intellectual needs of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Developing individualized programs that address unique barriers to participation taught me to be creative, motivating and sensitive. I developed new ways of engaging the participants while working to effectively meet their needs. It also gave me a chance to make a real difference in the quality of life of some wonderful people.

Made possible through your gifts

Working with diverse groups outside of the classroom has shown me the need to be adaptable and provided me the opportunity to apply my classroom learning in creative ways to overcome barriers to participation.

These experiences not only furthered my education, but allowed me to directly impact the active lifestyle and quality of life of children and adults.

As alumni, your gifts are critical to ensuring SKHS students like me continue to enjoy top quality learning both in and beyond the classroom, and that the application of our skills and knowledge continues to improve everyone's lives no matter the barriers they may face.

But we can't do it without you. Please, add your support with a gift to the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies today.

Yours in thanks,
Jenn Wilson, BPHEH'11

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