Joshua Pascoe, a grade 10 student from Jean Augustine Secondary School in Brampton, had his sights set on American universities after high school. An ice hockey player, who enjoys playing basketball on the side, he is interested in university programs that will allow him to study while playing sports.
“I thought the States were my best option for that, but after touring the Varsity Centre and seeing the courts in the Goldring Centre, suddenly U of T came out on top,” he said.
Layla Pottinger, a grade 11 student from Cawthra Park Secondary School in Mississauga, was surprised by the size and scope of U of T.
“I had no idea it was so huge until we toured the campus and just kept going from one site to another,” she said.
Pottinger and Pascoe were among the 19 participants of the inaugural Reach Ahead to Kinesiology March break program launched by the University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE). Spearheaded by KPE’s Office of the Registrar and Student Services (ORSS), the program targets Black youth from the GTA interested in the study of kinesiology.
“There is increasing recognition that Black students have traditionally been underrepresented at Canadian universities,” said Catherine Amara, associate professor, teaching stream, and director of undergraduate studies at KPE. “The Reach Ahead to Kinesiology March break program introduces participants to our undergraduate program and the numerous supports in place to help secure our students’ success. We want to ensure Black high school students see themselves thriving at KPE and U of T.”
The youth spent the week learning about kinesiology through interactive workshops and activities, meeting with KPE faculty members and staff, hearing from students in the bachelor of kinesiology program and exploring education and career paths available to kinesiology graduates.
Participants of the Reach Ahead to Kinesiology March break program pose in front of the Goldring Centre at U of T (photo by Fazlur-Rehman Malik)
“I thought kinesiology was just the study of how the body moves, but now I understand that there are many other aspects to it, including the social aspect, which is really interesting to me,” said Yusuf Seid, a grade 10 student from Humber Summit Middle School.
Seid wants to be a journalist, but when he heard about the Reach Ahead to Kinesiology program, he decided to check it out. His favourite part was listening to the keynote address by Assistant Professor Janelle Joseph, who spoke about societal issues such as racism and sexism in sport.
“That was a great experience and I also enjoyed seeing what goes on in the research labs and talking to students who are already in the program,” he said.
Tianna Hope in grade 10 at Cawthra Park Secondary School didn’t need much convincing about kinesiology.
“I like sports and I like science,” she said. “I always thought it would be cool to blend the two subjects.”
How did she feel after a week immersed in the program?
“Sold!” she said.
Michaela Wilson, a grade 12 track and field athlete from Ajax high school, said she liked hearing from students who are already in the kin program about their experiences and how they balance their responsibilities in and out of school. Maya Al-Arami, in grade 10 at Central Technical School, enjoyed the lab presentations, “learning about things such as blood flow and how our arteries work when we’re doing physical activity.” One day she wants to be a medical doctor.
Stephen Marchment, KPE’s recruitment and admissions officer, said it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm among the participants.
“The program exposed them to our Faculty and the field of kinesiology in a way that gives them a deeper understanding of both, so when the time comes to choose a university, they’ll be able to make an informed decision,” he said.
“I think what makes our Faculty so unique is that we are a small, intimate Faculty within a world renowned research institution such as U of T, so you get the best of both worlds.”