“March to the beat of your own drum.”

Kinesiology Student Courtney Farnet attributes Undergraduate Scholar award to hard work, dedication, and following passions.

04/18/16

Soon-to-be kinesiology graduate Courtney Farnet, a Mandeville, La. native, found her passion in fitness studies and exemplifies that ardor with a perfect 4.0 GPA and the recent receipt of the American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Undergraduate Scholar Award.

At the start of her freshman year, Farnet set a goal to maintain a 4.0 throughout college. 

“I remember meeting with Dr. Lisa Johnson during sophomore year when I switched to the fitness studies concentration,” she said.  “She was very impressed with my 4.0 and told me that as the coursework gets harder it would be very difficult to maintain a perfect 4.0.”

But Farnet said she was up to the challenge, and she will graduate in May 2016 with the coveted 4.0.

Despite the countless hours spent studying, Farnet still had plenty of time to pursue her passions in the community. Between 2013-2015, she obtained her Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Primary Group Exercise and Certified Personal Trainer certifications and completed Zumba and LesMills Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Attack, and CXWORX initial trainings. More recently, she completed the advanced trainings for Body Pump, Body Combat, and CXWORX.

Throughout her college career, Farnet taught group fitness classes at Spectrum Southdowns during the week and at various health clubs in Mandeville and Covington on the weekends, enabling her to jump start her fitness career.

 “My hard work truly has paid off, and receiving the AKA Undergraduate Scholar Award makes the countless hard work and hours spent studying worth the while,” Farnet said. “The receipt of this award marks the start of a new chapter in my life following graduation—one in which I will continue my education.”

The AKA award projects LSU into the national spotlight and sets the university apart from other universities offering similar kinesiology programs, Farnet said.

“The School of Kinesiology and CHSE personnel put the students first, sharing their passion with us and challenging us to become the best students and future professionals possible,” she said. “They ensure that we have access to all the resources and courses needed to excel, not only in the classroom but also in the community. Overall, the School of Kinesiology and CHSE personnel have played a life-changing role in my four years at LSU, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help.”

Farnet said she hopes to inspire current and incoming students to excel in their field of study and never give up on achieving their goals.

Upon graduation, Farnet will begin working as a certified personal trainer at Pelican Athletic Club in Mandeville. Eventually, she plans to open her own personal training business and health and fitness facility. 

Farnet’s ultimate goal? To share her passion for health and fitness with others so they can become the best and healthiest version of themselves.

“First and foremost, march to the beat of your own drum,” Farnet said. “Be your own person and do what makes you happy.”

About SOK
The LSU School of Kinesiology advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement.

Visit the School of Kinesiology at lsu.edu/kinesiology

About CHSE

The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The College is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Leadership and Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library and Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs and 18 graduate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 977 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is continually working to improve its programs.

Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at chse.lsu.edu.