Getting through the pandemic required mental stamina, flexibility, and the support of the community. When things began to shut down around the world, there was worry that the lack of community and lack of ability to socialize would be one of the greatest impacts outside the virus itself. For Grant Wade, outstanding graduate of the Colorado State University Department of Health and Exercise Science, part of getting through the pandemic while balancing college was not only finding that community for himself but helping build that community up for others across campus.
“Grant was an RA for the HES Residential Learning Community (RLC), for 2 years. He choose to remain on campus to continue his role for students in the RLC during the Spring of 2020 when the university went fully remote,” said Tami Boday, Academic Success Coordinator and RLC coordinator. “He did an outstanding job staying connected with students and supervisors during this time when most of the campus was home. He was a rock for the community. Not always the loudest in the room, but well respected because of his intentionality in helping where needed, ease of conversation, and his willingness and eagerness to help students during this time of uncertainty. As the coordinator for the RLC, I was comforted in knowing that Grant volunteered to remain on campus to help out the RLC and other RA during the COVID-19 shutdown.”
Grant filled his time by helping others and seeking out opportunities to help throughout campus, including in his own department and the physical therapy club, within Housing and Dining Services during his time as a Resident Assistant, and across campus with his time helping students and staff of Colorado State University at the Campus Recreation Center.
The Department of Health and Exercise Science is happy to recognize Grant as one of our Outstanding Graduates for Spring of 2022. We asked all our graduates about their journey towards graduation, and the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way.
Where are you from and what brought you to CSU?
I am from Craig, CO, and I chose CSU because I wanted to attend a bigger in-state school and Fort Collins seemed like a place I could thrive in.
What obstacles have you overcome to get to graduation? How have you persevered through unforeseen circumstances?
The most obvious obstacle that we have all faced was COVID-19. I was fortunate to still make the most out of my college experience and had a lot of opportunities thanks to the personal and professional connections I formed in the CSU community.
How have your academic experiences here and your professors, mentors, and advisers helped you overcome these obstacles and/or be successful in your major?
My supervisors, professors, mentors, and friends are all to thank for my successes along the way to graduation. They gave me reassurance to keep moving forward despite my own doubts.
What activities have you been most involved in?
In addition to working all four years at Campus Recreation, I worked my way up to be the Pre-Physical Therapy President of our Rehabilitation Therapy Club. My experiences in our club encouraged me to continue striving for my career goals.
What are some accomplishments that you are most proud of during your time at CSU?
I am very proud of being selected as a HES Outstanding Graduate since we have such an amazing program with incredible faculty and a driven student body. I also feel accomplished with being an RA in the HES Learning Community, becoming a Certified Personal Trainer, and winning a top-tier award at the annual Rec’ies (the CSU Recreation Center awards).
What will you miss most about CSU?
The thing I will miss most about CSU is the community I have discovered along the way. I loved running into people on campus and meeting new faces in class.
What are your plans after graduating?
After graduation, I will be taking a gap year to apply to Physical Therapy programs. During my gap year, I will be a PT Aide at Adams and Giddings PT here in Fort Collins.
The Department of Health and Exercise Science is a part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
