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Barret Hildebrandt
Faculty: 1st year, Education
PROGRAM: Physical Education
COMPLETED: Bachelor of Kinesiology
PURSUING: Bachelor of Education
Barret Hildebrandt has a simple message he wants to share: being active and physically fit is important to overall health and well-being. It's a message that he is so passionate about sharing, he even changed his career path to do so.
Several years ago, Barret had designs on being a computer programmer, earning an 18-month Information Technology diploma and cutting his teeth at a desk job. But it wasn't long before he was cooking up new plans.
"I got hooked on the sport of running. My desk job as a computer programmer became boring and I desired a career that aligned with my passion for being physically active."
So Barret went back to school, enrolling as a mature student at the University of Manitoba and getting a physical education degree in Kinesiology. Today, he is working on his Education degree with the clear goal of becoming a high school phys-ed teacher.
"Sharing what I've learned, and my passion for physical fitness, for activity in daily life, is part of what drives me now."
Although coming to the U of M as a mature student had its share of challenges, Barret says it didn't take long for him to adapt.
"Learning to study and balance academics with other life priorities was challenging. Once I managed to figure out how to balance everything I felt a lot more comfortable. Now I feel very glad to have gone back to school to change careers."
The bottom line is that "hard work pays off and you are never too old to go back to school."
One of the rewards for returning to school was getting involved in Bison Sports, something Barret cites as a highlight of his time at university.
"The opportunity to be a part of the Bisons Cross Country and Track & Field teams was a definite plus. This has to be my favorite part of going to university. Go Bisons!"
Barret also points to the University of Manitoba's diversity of faculties, programs and activities as a boon not only to himself, but to all students on campus.
"The U of M offers so many extracurricular activities and things to get involved with. My one piece of advice however would be that you should spend your time and money here wisely and have a career oriented mindset if you are going to go the long haul and complete a degree."
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