(PHOTO/Emily Jackson)
For students in the physical education and sport and fitness management undergraduate programs, the Kinesiology and Health Promotion (KHP) club provides opportunities to standout among their piers through community service.
“The goal of the KHP club,” said Kellen Shirley, the president of the KHP club, a physical education major from Robertsdale, “is to give students an opportunity to network with our department, get to know other students and provide them with opportunities to reach out to the community.”
The KHP club is seeking to implement a new mentorship program with the Christian Love Center, a center in the city of Troy that provides after school programs to the children of local, low income families.
The program is still in its beginning stages and is in need of volunteers who can commit to a one-on-one mentor position on a weekly basis.
The inspiration for the program came from an opportunity Shirley had to serve at the shelter during her summer semester at Troy.
“After the summer program was all done,” said Shirley, “there was this girl that was really on my heart. For some reason, I connected with her on a spiritual level, and I really wanted to have an impact on her life. I brought the idea to Dr. Shaughnessy, the teacher who had taken us to the Christian Love Center. I thought it would be a fun idea if other students could mentor students at the Christian Love Center as well.”
Along with the new mentorship program, the KHP club is beginning to restructure various elements of the group in order to promote active participation from KHP members.
Beginning this semester, students will be required to complete a set number of service hours to maintain membership. These hours can also serve as the requirements for service hours required by their program. The new mentorship program is just one avenue in which members can gain these hours.
“The KHP Club has given me some great opportunities,” said Rachel Eagerton, an junior exercise science major from Montgomery. “I have been given a chance to listen to speakers come and talk about future careers and job opportunities in my field of study.
“I also have been given the opportunity to reach out in the community and be involved in a more impactful way at the Christian Love Center,” said Eagerton.
Students majoring or interested in majoring in physical science or sports and fitness management are encouraged to attend and find their place in the group.
“It is more than just having something to put on your resume,” said Eagerton.
“It gives you opportunities to really feel like you’ve played a part and contributed to the club. Getting involved will keep you connected with your peers, professors and the Troy community.”
The KHP club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Arboretum.
The next meeting will be on Oct. 22, this next Tuesday. Questions about the club or the mentorship program can be emailed to Kellen Shirley at kshirley102174@troy.edu.
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