Kendric Cornelius ?23

Kendric Cornelius

Class Year

’23

Hometown

Palatine, Illinois

Major(s)

Exercise and Sport Science

“So many of my classmates are looking to be trainers, PE teachers, coaches, etc. The thought of having a career where you are overall enjoying being active and encouraging others to do the same is something I love to live for.”

Kendric Cornelius, ’23

Why Carthage?

“One of the top reasons I chose Carthage was because of the competitive track team. Other things that played a huge factor were the facilities, size, and location from home. I was never a fan of a massive college campus, and I also enjoyed knowing how personable the professors are.”

Faculty mentors

“Carthage faculty had by far the biggest impact, not only during my college career, but in my life. Coaches, professors, advisors, office staff members, and even campus workers have made such an impression. I have built so many memories and relationships with this group of wonderful people. Every day, someone was motivating me to work hard and be better. They’ve guided me in the right direction on how to complete some of my goals. These are things that stick with you for a lifetime. I hope to make a similar impact on someone in my career like they did mine.”

Favorite class

“Adaptive PE and Sport with Professor Shelly Johnston has been my favorite class. We had the honor of interacting with such an awesome group of people in the STEPS Program at the Kenosha Boys & Girls Club. We played games, swam, rock climbed, and much more. The experience of working with classmates on creating adaptive exercises for kids with different disabilities better prepared me. Prof. Johnston always found ways of making this class very creative.”

Toughest class

“My toughest class has been Test and Measurements. We worked a lot in Microsoft Excel, finding ways to test and discover why or how something was working. It was a lot of memorizing and a very fast-paced class. Luckily, I took advantage of using an awesome tutor to me help better understand the material.”

Campus involvement

“I was a track and field athlete for four years. Being on the team was the highlight of my time at Carthage. I was part of so much history, starting with being part of the highest-placed finishing team for indoor and outdoor track. I am the current school record holder for the 60 meter dash. And I witnessed my teammates break school records, including my younger brother, Courtland Cornelius ’21, who holds the current 4x1 record. I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.”

Golden opportunities

“I was a student ambassador for two years. It was a pleasure being able to give tours to incoming students. Sharing my reasons why I chose Carthage and my experiences was always fun. It was great being able to make an impact on students who were making one of the most important decisions of their lives.”

Internships or campus employment

“I had the honor of getting an internship at The Prairie School in Racine, Wis. I worked in the athletics facility guiding 8th-12th graders on proper ways to lift and train. We worked on keeping kids motivated and active throughout the year.”

Career goal

“After I graduate, I want to continue to support my wife and three kids. I hope to start my career in teaching physical education at the high school level, as well as coaching track and field.”

Favorite spot on campus

“My favorite spot on campus is the indoor track in the TARC Field House.”

Favorite memory

“My favorite Carthage memory is of a massive snowball fight in front of the Campbell Student Union. It was a cold, snowy day and about 50 kids gathered for winter fun. You can never be too old for a snowball fight.”

Biggest surprise

“The biggest surprise has been the thought of graduating. I think back to when I was in grade school, and now I’m at the final stage of my education. It’s a great surprise.”

Advice for other students in your major?

“The reason other students should consider getting a degree in exercise and sport science is the wide range of things you can do with it. So many of my classmates are looking to be trainers, PE teachers, coaches, etc. The thought of having a career where you are overall enjoying being active and encouraging others to do the same is something I love to live for.

“My biggest advice is that you have time to figure out what you want to do. Do not be pressured into picking your major because you don’t think you have time.”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“My 8-year-old self would be happy I am making a career path out of PE. It was my favorite subject.”