Getting to Know You: Maria Barrera

^{College of Education} _{Getting to Know You: Maria Barrera}

Maria Barrera — Kinesiology and Psychology undergraduate student Q&A

Hometown: Granger, Washington

Year: Junior

Did you always want to study kinesiology and psychology?
I first thought I wanted to be a Com major, but then I took Com classes and knew it wasn’t for me. And then I always wanted to do something in a health-related field, so I decided kinesiology. At first I didn’t know what it was, until I took classes and I really liked it, and I just want to give back to the community and help those in need and make a difference.

So what would you like to do as a career?
Occupational therapy because I want to help the elderly. Just coming from a low-income area, I feel like occupational therapy is something that’s really needed over there.

After graduation would you then want to go back home right away?
I think I would go first to a bigger city and get more practice there before I go back home. I come from a small town so there’s not really a place where I could do anything.

Are you a part of any organizations on campus?
I’m currently in TRIO as well as the kinesiology club. And I actually work for the CAMP program, so the college assistance program. Oh, and I work at a greenhouse.

How do you stay so involved but still manage to go to school?
I tend to get my classes started at 10 and finish around 2-3, that way I can work in the mornings and I can work in the afternoons and get everything done that way. I feel like the busier I am, the more I’m on my schedule. I’m consistently like, “I gotta do this, and I gotta do this.”

Favorites

Sport: Volleyball

Restaurant: Tokyo Seoul (Cougar Roll), Azia (pho), South Fork (pesto salad)

Movie: The Giver

Place to Study: Daily Grind (back room)

Quote: “God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers.”