Getting to Know You: Priscilla Meza
Priscilla Meza – Kinesiology
Year in school: sophomore
What are you studying at WSU?
Kinesiology with a double minor in strength and conditioning and entrepreneurship
Hometown: Pasco, Washington
Why are you studying Kinesiology? What do you hope to do with it after you graduate?
I am studying Kinesiology because I love the movement of the body and how the human body impacts the overall health and quality of life of an individual. Earning a degree in Kinesiology will get me one step closer to my ideal career as a physical therapist. I want to start my own business, specifically one helping those in my community with physical therapy. I envision that my agency alleviates physical issues and empowers the patients through education.
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because it is a second home to me. I was already familiarized with the town and the campus being that my sisters attended WSU a few years ago. Since then, Cougar Pride has been instilled in me. I also believe that this university will offer me the best education within my career goals. I trust that this institution will set me up to be the best within Kinesiology.
What’s been your favorite part of the WSU experience thus far?
Meeting new people. I love meeting new individuals. Exploring different clubs, organizations, and events around campus and our community has increased an appreciation of diversity.
What’s been the biggest challenge thus far?
As a first-generation student with a major in Kinesiology, the support from the Laninx community in my major is very minimal. There are not many womxn of color in this program. I have adjusted and embraced being one of the few Latinx womxn in this major. I am proud of be one of them. In addition, I am a participant in the clubs in which womxn of color are rare in attendance. These experiences have been within the strength and conditioning minor, Pre-Physical/OT Club and Kinesiology Club, and volunteering in events that they primarily hold.
As a college, we’re starting to focus more on our people being agents of change. What makes you an agent of change?
I am an agent of change due to several reasons. Being a Latinx female in the Kinesiology profession has shown me that my Latinx community is underrepresented. This then reduces the reach this profession can have. I believe there needs to be a direct effort in recruiting students to this profession who represent a wide diversity for the betterment of all. The reason being is that we need to educate our communities who have little knowledge of the benefits of physical exercise. One of my personal endeavors after college is to advertise the importance of my career and educate my community. This will then increase their health and expose this career pathway to those who are unfamiliar to it, which will increase diversity within this field.
Favorites
Restaurant(s) in Pullman: Cougar Country & Red Bento
Book: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
Movie: La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon)
TV show: Jane The Virgin
Place to visit: Europe