Olivia Nastasi ’24

Why UNE

I knew I wanted to become a personal trainer or something in that realm, and UNE’s Applied Exercise Science [AES] program was a perfect fit. I looked for schools that are close to home. The beautiful campus on the beach was also a huge selling point. While looking into the program, [the curriculum] lists all of the classes you’ll need to take over the course of four years, which was super helpful. Once I graduate, I know that I’ll be prepared to get a job in this field.

Exceptional Teaching and Learning

During my sophomore year, I started to build strong relationships with my professors. I enjoyed getting to know them. They were more than willing to help me find opportunities to expand my knowledge.

[As an AES student], you get to be extremely interactive in lab classes and learn hands-on skills from your professors and classmates. As a certified personal trainer at UNE’s Campus Center gym, I use these skills with the people I train. Having the ability to apply my lab knowledge to real-world situations with [my UNE clients] is beneficial.

During my senior year, I was able to do two internships through UNE. One for my coaching minor and one for my applied exercise science major. The first internship was working with UNE’s football team where I came to preseason and spent every day with the coaches and players. I became an integral part of the coaching staff and helped with the recruits when they would visit on game days. My second internship was in [UNE’s] strength and conditioning facility. With my certifications and practice through this internship, I can now lead 50 male athletes in a lift. I think it goes pretty smoothly.