So you’re taking Kin? Here's the real talk

Congratulations on starting your kinesiology journey at Ontario Tech. You’ve chosen a field that is not only diverse but also full of potential, with career paths that stretch far beyond what you might initially imagine.

When I started in kinesiology, I was sure I wanted to be a physiotherapist. That was the plan. But by the time I reached third year, I had been introduced to so many other professionals and healthcare fields that I lost track of that original goal. I don’t mean that in a negative way; in fact, it was the opposite. My perspective expanded. I discovered paths I didn’t even know existed and, through that, realized that kinesiology could be a gateway into multiple worlds, not just one.

This blog is a reflection on that journey. I want to share what I wish I had known, the habits that helped me, what I would do differently, and the mindset that has kept me grounded, especially as I prepare for graduate school.

To My First-Year Self

The transition from high school to university is challenging. For some, it also means moving across provinces or countries, especially if you're an international student arriving in Oshawa for the first time. First-year classes are designed to introduce you to what lies ahead, but they come with their own intensity.

Courses like quantitative reasoning, anatomy, and foundational kinesiology may not be difficult in concept, but the volume of material can be overwhelming. The frequency of assignments, quizzes, and midterms starts building early in the semester, and unless you stay ahead, things can pile up quickly.

One of my first realizations came in the second semester, and I wish it had come earlier: start your tutorial and prep work early. It’s tempting to delay things, especially when you’re balancing part-time jobs, electives, or simply trying to settle in. But starting early gives you time to ask for help when you encounter problems. Some of the concepts, especially in statistics or biomechanics, require time to fully understand, and your TAs are there to support you—but only if you give yourself the time to reach out.

Managing Content Load and Focus

Another thing that helped me more than I expected was previewing content before class. Just a quick 15-minute scan of the lecture slides or textbook chapter helps you identify what you already know and what you don’t. That simple awareness keeps you engaged during lectures and helps you focus on understanding the more unfamiliar sections.

If you're anything like me, focusing during lectures isn't always easy, especially when you're sitting with friends. That's normal. But if you've already looked at the content, you’ll know where to pay closer attention and what to note down.

Speaking of note-taking, some classes like Research Methods or Sport and Exercise Psychology rely heavily on in-class discussions. Sometimes, the key exam content comes from a conversation, not the slides. For those courses, consider using voice-to-text tools or transcription apps. AI is not the enemy; it's a tool. Used properly, it can help you focus on listening rather than scrambling to write everything down.

Test Yourself Before the Test

The biggest shift in my study strategy came when I started testing myself well before the actual test. Not cramming. Not just re-reading notes. Testing. Create practice questions, use flashcards, or explain concepts out loud. This approach forces your brain to retrieve information and shows you what you truly understand.

Ideally, you should start studying at least a week and a half before any major exam. This gives you room to revise gradually, take proper breaks, and avoid burnout.

In addition to independent study, I highly recommend attending PASS sessions—these are free and led by upper-year kinesiology students who have excelled in the exact same courses. Whether you're struggling with first-year foundational classes or upper-year subjects, PASS covers a wide range of kinesiology topics. What makes it so helpful is that the peer leaders usually earned an A+ in the course they’re tutoring, so you’re getting guidance from someone who really knows the material and how to succeed in it.

Later in your academic journey, if you meet the requirements, you can even become a PASS facilitator or academic tutor yourself through the University Work Study Program, which allows you to get paid to help students while deepening your own understanding of the subject. If you’re curious about how to become a tutor or want to explore more academic support options, check out my other blog in the Survival Guide section where I break it down in more detail.

Testing yourself early, accessing support resources, and building healthy study habits are key to not just passing—but actually understanding the material and feeling confident in it.

Build More Than Just Your GPA

Your first year is not only about academics. It's also your chance to explore your interests and get involved in things that shape your overall experience.

I got involved in the Ambassador Program and the Peer Leader Program early on, which helped me gain confidence and connect with the campus community. As I moved into my second and third years, I stepped into several leadership positions on campus, including becoming an International Student Leader, a Ridgeback Content Creator through Ridgeback Voices, an Orientation Leader, and a member of the Ridgeback Leadership Council (RLC) for varsity athletes.

These roles helped me build meaningful connections and gave me opportunities to support students through both academic and personal challenges. What I learned from these experiences is that healthcare, at its core, is about selfless giving. Professional schools are not just looking for grades; they want to know if you are the right fit for a career centred around helping others. When you're consistently involved in leadership, outreach, and peer support, it shows that you're not just doing this for a title or an application—it shows that you genuinely care about people and want to make a difference.

One of the best decisions I made was also joining the Kinesiology Student Association, KINESA. Follow them on Instagram to keep up with events and application deadlines. Even if you don’t want to be an executive member, being a general member and attending events gives you access to resources and connections that matter.

Many executive members are also TAs or research assistants. Getting to know them can guide you toward lab openings, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. You don’t have to limit yourself to KINESA. If you’re interested in medical school, join the Pre-Med Club. If you’re considering dentistry, join the pre-dental Club. The more you explore, the better you’ll understand your own path.

How to Stand Out for Grad School

Grades matter, but everyone applying to graduate or professional programs has good grades. What sets you apart is your experience and how well you can reflect on it.

Leadership, volunteering, and award applications are opportunities to show depth. To apply for leadership or character-based awards, you need to have stories worth telling—so start building those now. Get involved in projects, take initiative, and don’t underestimate the value of small roles. Everything adds up.

With all the leadership opportunities I mentioned earlier, you can start applying for awards offered by the university, as well as external scholarships that specifically recognize leadership skills and student involvement. Many organizations outside the school offer funding and recognition for students who show initiative, impact, and dedication to their communities. Don’t miss these opportunities—they add value to your resumé and strengthen your grad school applications.

This also includes participating in campus competitions and case challenges. Last semester, I took part in the Interdisciplinary Case Study Competition, which brought together students from across all Health Sciences programs. Not only did this experience allow me to work on real-world health challenges as part of a team, but by winning, I had the chance to connect with professors and graduate students from other faculties. These conversations gave me insight into how others are preparing to excel in healthcare and reinforced a powerful realization: no matter our specific field, we are all working toward becoming future healthcare providers. Learning from their journeys helped me reflect on mine with more clarity and purpose.

(My team won first place at the case study competition)

Start Exploring Research Early

Even in your first year, you can begin exploring research. Start by reading about what professors are working on. Visit the faculty pages, read research summaries, and see if something aligns with your interests—or simply seems intriguing.

You don’t have to love it right away. What matters is that you try. Reach out, ask to volunteer, or request an informal chat. Taking that first step makes the second much easier. And even if the project isn’t a perfect fit, getting comfortable in research environments early on helps you grow in confidence and direction.

I know that some professors, like Dr. Dogra, are open to taking volunteers in their labs. This is an incredible opportunity to get an insider’s look into what research actually involves. You don’t just gain experience in data collection or clinical environments; you also learn how to apply your coursework to real-world situations and develop new skills. Even if the research topic isn’t your main area of interest, the process itself is valuable and can influence how you think about evidence-based practice, problem-solving, and your role in the broader healthcare field.

Stay True to Your Path

Throughout your kinesiology journey, there will be moments when people ask you, “What are you going to be?”, “Isn’t physio school really hard to get into?”, or “Wait, what even is kinesiology—is it just physical education?” These questions can shake your confidence, especially when you’re still figuring things out for yourself.

It’s important to remember that kinesiology is a launching pad into so many different health-related careers. You’ll meet people working toward becoming physiotherapists, chiropractors, naturopaths, athletic therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, physicians, and more. Every student you meet might be headed in a slightly different direction—and that’s the beauty of this field.

When you hear about something that sparks your interest, lean into it. Ask questions, attend a panel, shadow a professional, or take a course that gives you a deeper look. Exploring new paths helps you find clarity, but comparison only clouds it. Just because someone else’s goals are different—or feel more “certain”—doesn’t mean yours are any less valid.

Everyone’s journey looks different. The timeline, the challenges, the breakthroughs—they’re yours alone. So stay motivated, be curious, and most importantly, be happy for your peers while staying true to your own path. Growth doesn’t always follow a straight line, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re moving forward, in a direction that aligns with who you are and who you want to become.

Final Thoughts

Your kinesiology degree can be as straightforward or as expansive as you want it to be. Some students treat it as a means to an end, while others use it as a launchpad to discover new passions and possibilities. I made my fair share of rookie mistakes, and I’m still learning, but I’ve also learned how to use those experiences to move forward with purpose.

If I had to leave you with one message, it would be this:

You’re not just here to pass courses. You’re here to grow, explore, build, and prepare for what’s next.

Make it count!