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Sarah Thibodeau ‘01

Sport and Fitness Management Major

I grew up in a small town in northern Maine called Fort Kent. I chose the University of New England mostly because of location and atmosphere. I wanted to be somewhere far enough away from home so that I could be on my own and yet close enough so that I could go home on a weekend if I wanted. Oh, and the whole ocean thing was a big seller too.

I really liked how small the school was, and I loved the fact that my professors would actually know my name. I started at UNE as a physical therapy major and changed it to sport and fitness management after my sophomore year. In this major, the classes were very small so I got to know my professors, and they got to know me. Also, most of the time, the same students were in each class. This allowed me to be comfortable and make lasting friends.

For my internship I wanted to do something fun so I went on-line and found a website that allows camp directors to look at your resume and interview you. Camp Timberlane for Boys was the best experience of my life. I was the waterfront director so I was in charge of everything that had to do with the water. I loved it so much that I went back the next summer.

Graduate School
I graduated in 2001, and since then, I have been enrolled through the United States Sports Academy earning my master’s in sport management. The school is based in Alabama, so I have been studying over the Internet. It is a tough but rewarding experience. While pursuing my graduate work, I have been working at the Lifestyle Fitness Center in Portland and, part-time, as a nanny.

The future is a little uncertain, which I think is OK; but from working at a camp, I learned that I love to work with kids. I would like to someday work with children in a sport-like capacity, such as at a recreation department or at a Boys and Girls Club. Another option I have been thinking about is personal training. I like being my own boss, so owning my own fitness center would be a great position. Like I said, I am not sure, but I have plenty of time and options to play with.    

     

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