The Physical Education Teaching/Coaching (PETE) program here at BYU may be small, but it is filled with amazing people! Today we want to tell you a little bit about one of the seniors in the program, Lauren Murdock.
Lauren is from Richfield, Utah and grew up loving to play sports. In high school, she participated in basketball, volleyball, and golf. However, unlike most high school athletes, she decided that high school sports wasn't enough for her! After serving a mission in Thailand, getting married, and completing almost all of her GE courses, she pulled up the courses required for the PETE program and she knew it was what she wanted to do. She said "the courses were intriguing and sounded fun, and all were centered on something I love: physical activity and sports!... Since then, I have not once regretted my choice!"
She hopes to coach basketball and teach in the future! As to what level, she is still unsure, but she knows that she needs to be a teacher. Like many other future educators in the McKay School of Education, Lauren wants to be a mom in addition to being a teacher. She commented on how "that is another thing [she loves] about this degree – the schedule is perfect for being a working parent!"
If you're considering a major in physical education, Lauren's advice to you is to simply "do it!" It may sound simple, but it is true. "If you love sports and physical activity, this major will be something that keeps you entertained every single day. If, at first, you are nervous about the actual aspect of teaching, don't worry – you will have so much practice and the most supportive professors."
The PETE program here at BYU is unique because while teaching about the importance of exercise, you can also learn about the importance of being a child of God. Lauren commented on this wonderful aspect of the program. "I love studying to be a teacher at BYU because there is so much emphasis on the fact that we are all children of God. Although we cannot teach religion in public schools, we can still pray for our students and pray to know their needs. Every single student is a child of our Heavenly Father, and I love being encouraged by my professors to pray for my students and pray to know the best way to reach them."
We cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Lauren as she graduates in this upcoming year and pursues a career in teaching and coaching!
Want to learn more about the PETE program for yourself? Check out this website or contact an ambassador to learn more!