Kara Jimenez has been preparing students for careers in fitness and wellness for nearly 25 years. But becoming a professor was never part of her plan.
Kara was working as an exercise physiologist when a friend encouraged her to apply for an open instructor position in the Lifelong Wellness program at Delta, so she went for it.
āI never really considered teaching, but I immediately fell in love with it,ā she said. āIāve always valued wellness through exercise and healthy diets, so when I see students get excited about it as well, it makes my day.ā
Helping students create lifelong, healthy habits is what Kara values most about her job. In addition to fitness classes, she also teaches a variety of subjects such as nutrition, stress management, addiction and psychological wellness.
āIāve had students say to me, āI taught my family how to read a food label, and now we eat healthier,ā and āI joined a gym and started working out because you started me on that track and I value myself.ā Thatās what I love to hear,ā she said.
Kara said personal attention, inclusiveness and affordability are what make Delta
so special.
āAs faculty, we strive to get to know our students individually and learn about their
background,ā she said. āI meet with each one of my students to discuss their goals
at Delta and their plans after they graduate. We want them to succeed.ā
Wellness ā itās part of our culture
As Delta grew over the years, Kara said one thing has remained the same: the importance of wellness for all students, faculty and staff members.
āWellness is something that everyone should value, and itās felt at Delta,ā she said. āI tell my students that healthy practices are something you can apply to your life not only now, but forever.ā
"As faculty, we strive to get to know our students individually and learn about their background. I meet with each one of my students to discuss their goals at Delta and their plans after they graduate. We want them to succeed."
Professor of Lifelong Wellness
51ĀŅĀ×ās Fitness and Recreation Center, located in the P Wing, is currently
being renovated. It includes a new indoor cycling studio, renovated group fitness
rooms and state-of-the-art equipment. The center also has a pool, weight room and
cardio equipment space. Learn more at about the center at delta.edu/fitness.
Are you interested in a career in fitness and wellness? 51ĀŅĀ× is the perfect place to start. Apply now.
Written by Leah Twilley, Communications Specialist.
