Fossenueve has thrived as a FKRM student due to the faculty's tight-knit atmosphere // Garrick Kozier
Physical Education Student Profile: Kaitlin Fosseneuve
Kailtin Fosseneuve comes from a place with a population of about 600 people. Every wrinkle–and most the people—in her hometown of Cranberry Portage, a community 715 km northwest of Winnipeg, are familiar to her.
Winnipeg is definitely not Cranberry Portage. The lack of familiarity and social ties made Fosseneuve’s first go-round in the city as a student at U of M a trying one. Now in the third and final year of studies in our Bachelor of Physical Education stream, she recalls how she struggled upon arriving in Winnipeg at age 17.
“I didn’t have a lot of family here, and I really didn’t know anyone. I was young,” she says. “I found the large classes kind of intimating. It was hard for me to make connections, because I’m quieter.”
After completing two years of university, Fossenueve took some time off. Deciding to follow her passion for sports and physical activity, Fosseneuve applied to study physical education in the Faculty of Kinesiolgy and Recreation Management.
She calls the experience “transformative.”
“Once I came to the Faculty, I’ve made more friends and more connections than before. I feel I have solid relationships with my professors. They know me, they know my name,” she says, emphatically.
“It really is like a family here.”
Program: Bachelor of Physical Education
Year of Study: 3
Hometown: Cranberry Portage, Man.
Outside-of-school interests/extra-curricular activities: I like hiking and being outdoors. I try to partake in as much community events with my daughter as possible. I love playing volleyball and basketball, but I don’t get to play as often as I’d like. Instead, I exercise regularly and participate in group fitness classes at the Active Living Centre.
Why did you choose to study Physical Education at U of M: I think my love for sports is what drove me to physical education. I’ve played them my whole life. Also, when I was working as an education assistant, I spent a lot of time in the gym, coaching basketball and volleyball. Overall, I wanted to pursue something I’m passionate about.
What’s been one highlight so far: Meeting new people and studying something I love. I worked with Mini U Programs this summer, and the atmosphere and commitment to quality confirmed to me I’m in the right faculty!
What are your plans for after graduation: To earn my teaching degree. After that, I plan on going home up north to teach. I’m hoping to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible to help support quality sports programs for northern communities.
What advice do you have for those interested in studying Physical Education at U of M: This program can take you anywhere. It’s all up to you. If you love sports, recreation, and physical activity, I’d highly recommend this program.