Amy Ding
Name: Amy Ding
Program: Movement Science
Level or Degree: Junior
What are you involved in on campus?
I’m working with Dr. Pete Bodary [clinical assistant professor of Applied Exercise Science and Movement Science] on developing an online course focusing on Python specialization for sports analytics. His section is primarily focused on wearable technology. I’m also a member of the Pre-Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Club, a member of the Sports Medicine Club, and a teaching assistant for AT 220: Applied Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Why did you want to become a Kinesiology student ambassador?
I was an AVID tutor in high school, where I helped guide students toward academic and personal excellence. I was their mentor and tutor and enjoyed helping them through their academics and answering any life questions. When I got to Michigan, I was hoping to do something similar. When La’Joya Orr [managing director of recruitment & admissions] reached out looking for ambassadors, I was excited because I could talk to prospective and transfer students about the school, my major, and what I like about the university.
We’re a “big small school,” with resources like a career development center and strong advising. However, we also have a small community feel with groups like the Kinesiology Diversity and Inclusion Network (KDIN) where we celebrate things like Lunar New Year. We have those resources usually afforded to bigger schools while having the community aspect of a smaller school.
How has Kinesiology prepared you for your post-graduation goals?
The School of Kinesiology offers more in-depth human anatomy and physiology classes than what I would have received with a biology or life science degree. The smaller classes also made me feel closer to the faculty, and I was also more comfortable reaching out to them for help or letters of recommendation.
What makes the School of Kinesiology unique?
Since I’m an out-of-state student, the biggest thing for me was a lot of schools and universities don’t have a separate school for Kinesiology. We’re a “big small school,” with resources like a career development center and strong advising. However, we also have a small community feel with groups like the Kinesiology Diversity and Inclusion Network (KDIN) where we celebrate things like Lunar New Year. We have those resources usually afforded to bigger schools while having the community aspect of a smaller school.
What is your most memorable moment within the school?
It would have to be the bus rides between morning classes during the second semester of my first year. I was still in the Athletic Training program, and we had classes early in the morning on South Campus before heading to class up on the hill. Every Tuesday, our class would take the bus together, so it almost felt like a field trip every week.
Do you have an “a-ha” moment or a time when your perspective shifted?
My moment came when I switched my major. I always told myself I was going to stick to my original plan, and then halfway through my second semester, I realized Athletic Training wasn’t for me. I was taking AT 117, and we were learning how to tape injuries, and I realized this wasn’t what I wanted to do.
What has been your favorite experience so far?
The anatomy lab I took was a cadaver lab, and I didn’t have any of those in high school. It helped expand my knowledge and learning of the human body.
What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor?
My favorite place to hang out is UgLi [Shapiro Undergraduate Library]. Sporting events aren’t my thing. My friends make fun of me because I always book study rooms a month in advance, and I always have a study room by myself. It's also a great place to study with friends without being distracted by everyone else. I also usually hang out with friends between classes on the first floor where we don't have to worry about being super quiet.
I also like going into buildings and finding the different views of campus. I once had
a meeting in Academic Innovation on the eighth floor of Hatcher [Graduate Library], and it was snowing. It was cool to look out the window and see the other side of the Diag, the Union, and the art sculpture.