Kami Holt is a member of Shippensburg University’s class of 2020 and was able to finish her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science degree program a year early in pursuit of a physical therapy graduate program.

A Bel Air High School graduate, Holt joined the Ship family and felt at home right way.

“My Ship experience has brought me one large family, from my fellow tutors to my lacrosse team, to my major. Ship has encouraged me to put myself out there and I have so many new friends and family to thank for it,” Holt said.

Holt wore many hats during her time at Ship. She was a lacrosse player, tutor at the Learning Center, president of the Exercise Science Club, treasurer for Tau Kappa and served on the Exercise Science Grade Appeals Committee as well as the Student Engagement and Enrichment Board. She also had the opportunity to present research at Ship’s Minds@Work conference and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Chapter meeting for the American College of Sports Medicine. Taking on all of these endeavors and graduating early may have been challenging, but Holt says Ship faculty were the support system she needed to make it happen.

“(The faculty) have encouraged me and supported me through everything,” Holt said. “I don’t think I would have even thought about graduating early if it weren’t for them.”

A personalized experience with faculty support also came with plenty of opportunities for growth inside and outside the classroom.

“It gave me plenty of opportunities to practice important social skills, like presenting, whether in class or at a conference, or networking with employers and graduate programs,” Holt said. “We were also very hands-on and I have performed countless exercise tests, prescribed exercise programs, (conducted) research and clinical measures, such as blood pressure and EKGs.”

Read more stories from the Class of 2020.