The Value of Physical Wellness for College Students

Patti Hill retired from the South Conway County School District after 41 years of teaching. Starting this spring 2021 semester, she’ll begin teaching physical education at UACCM and its importance to college students. 

 

Tell us about yourself.

I retired from the South Conway County School District last May after teaching 41 years for the district. I taught physical education, special education, health, coordinated intramurals and coached volleyball and softball. I knew that I wanted to continue teaching on the college level and I am excited about the opportunity to do so in my hometown at UACCM.

 

What are the benefits of physical education for college students?

Habits are developed early in a person’s life and it is vital for a person to establish a habit of being physically active. Not only are there numerous physical benefits of being active, it improves a person’s overall wellness, including mental, emotional and social health. 

 

How has the public health crisis affected the need for physical education in terms of college students’ wellness?

During this public health crisis, a college student needs the opportunity to learn how to take care of their overall health. The student activities and physical education classes offered at UACCM gives them this opportunity.

A student will be able to take a UACCM physical education class for less cost compared to a four-year college.  The class size will be smaller and the credit can transfer to the college of their choice.

 

Making friends on commuter campuses can be challenging for students. How can physical education classes help students network and connect with others?

Physical education classes bring students together with similar interests. They meet new friends and form bonds during activity and competing in games. The classes will also give students a much-needed time to relax and have fun with others in the class.

 

What activities do you plan on including in your classes?

The two classes that I am instructing in the spring are Fitness Walking and Recreational Activities. The Fitness Walking class is an activity class for all physical levels that is designed to improve a student’s overall fitness using step routines to music, the exercise machines in the Health and Fitness Building and also the UACCM Walking Trail. It will be offered at 2:00 on Monday and Wednesday. The Recreational Activities class will be where students will participate in a variety of games and activities. Such as Baggo, seated and beach ball volleyball, whiffle ball, kickball, disc golf, horseshoes and their will also be a guest instructor for yoga and a self-defense class. I think the recreational activities class will be fun class for the students to relax for awhile and play. Students of all fitness levels will enjoy this class.  It is offered at 3:00 on Monday and Wednesday.

 

Anything else you want to share?

One of my goals for both classes is for students to realize that being physically active is fun and something they can do on their own, with friends or family and can continue throughout their life.

 

Information about Spring 2021 Registration:

Have you registered for the upcoming semester? If not, it’s not too late. There are appointments available with Academic Advising, which is offering in-person, phone, or virtual consultations. Simply make an appointment online. The spring 2021 semester begins on Wednesday, January 13.