Senior Josh Rosendale is an exercise science major from Dimondale. He has grown up around the field of health and human performance and always knew he would shape his future career in the field. Josh’s goal is to work in cardiac rehabilitation, and he is confident in reaching his goal thanks to the real-world experience and close relationships with professors he has gained at The University of Olivet
Read more about Josh’s college journey firsthand.
The reason I chose The University of Olivet was because of the family aspect I felt on my campus visit. They made it seem like a home away from home, and that was something I was looking for when choosing the college I wanted to attend. Staff member Erica Moats has also been a family friend my whole life, so having someone here that I knew right away was a big thing. In addition, I had a great support system in my roommate and teammate, senior Dean Failer. We went to high school together, played soccer together growing up and both choose to attend Olivet, which made a lot of things easier from the start.
Choosing exercise science as my major was a no-brainer for me. Growing up, my mom was an athletic trainer, and she has always worked in the health field. Being around her as a young kid when she was working made me interested in the field. For my career path, I want to get into cardiac rehab. I took a class on this topic my sophomore year. From there, I knew that was what I wanted to do when I graduated. I have prepared for my future career through internships. I recently had an internship throughout my junior year at ALIVE in Charlotte working in their cardiac rehab center as well as completing new membership evaluations within the main part of the gym. This internship gave me a lot of background information about what a typical day would be like when I graduate.
I am also a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, the Health and Human Performance honor society. This gives me opportunities to meet new people within the department as well as be involved in community service and other opportunities on campus.
My professors have been a big part of my experience at Olivet. When I chose to come here, the small class sizes where you are not just a number and the professors know who you are were a driving force in my decision. That has been true throughout my four years! I have made great relationships with my professors, and they have helped me in more ways than I could have imagined.
Outside of the classroom, I am a member of the men’s soccer team. This was one of the main reasons I choose to attend Olivet. This allowed me to keep playing the sport I love at the next level. I have a great relationship with all of my coaches. They have taught me some great things about being a leader on and off the field. Along with soccer, I am a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC). I became a part of SAAC to help make decisions for student-athletes and to be a representative of my team.
The soccer team had a unique opportunity to get involved with Team Impact, an organization that connects college athletic teams with kids who are struggling with serious illnesses to create a support network. We connected with a young boy during my junior year who had just beat cancer, and he was an awesome addition to the roster. He came to all the practices that he could make and sat with us on the bench, and we even did a signing day for him where he got to officially join the team. This was just an awesome experience to be a part of because it showed us that life is not always easy. He was struggling every day with illness, but the fact that he came to practice and put a smile on everyone’s face was something I will never forget.
I think going to college was the best thing that could have happened to me. It helped me become the person I am today. It gave me the traits that one needs to be able to be successful in life. Time management, accountability and leadership skills are just a few of the traits I have learned since becoming a Comet.
The number one piece of advice I would give a high school student is to get involved around campus at the college or university that you choose. Being involved in athletics, clubs, organizations and other groups are great ways to get to know other people. You will make lifelong friends when you go to college and some of the best memories.
I would encourage a high school student to attend The University of Olivet for many reasons. The campus life is great — there are tons of things to do within our small campus. Another thing would be the small class sizes. You will get one-on-one attention in a class at Olivet.
Overall, I would not change anything about my four years at The University of Olivet. This place has taught me many different things that I will be forever grateful for. Olivet has also given me lifelong friends with whom I will be able to continue to make memories with, even after we graduate.
Learn more about The University of Olivet by contacting the Office of Admission at 269-749-7635 or admissions@uolivet.edu.