The Wellness Journey Via WELLTRAX
By: Katherine "Kaki" Bryan
My story is one of transformation, from a caterpillar into a butterfly, in which I can accredit Dr. Dunegan and WELLTRAX for the speed and grace in which I transformed! At the beginning of my college career in 2009, I decided on studying health and fitness solely because of my interest in health and because I think of myself as generally healthy overall and I have exercised almost every day of my life. But I did not consider what I would do after I graduated, or how I could transform this curiosity of wellness into a career. Suddenly, in my junior year of undergrad I saw the light, the real path of my greatest possible destiny.
When I met Dr. Dunegan as a student at UCF in her Exercise Prescription for Special Populations class in 2011, I knew that she was the ideal end product of what I wanted to be. I thought to myself: who is this confident, accomplished and so very ethical woman, and how can I learn more from her than just what is taught in this class? One day I finally asked Dr. D how she became the fitness and wellness expert she is today, and suddenly the door to WELLTRAX opened and my path was revealed. I was presented with the position as the Walk Club Coordinator at WELLTRAX. The rest of my undergraduate degree, I volunteered as WELLTRAX’s new Walk Club Coordinator... I knew where I needed to go and how to start to develop myself into something greater than average. I found it so worthwhile to experience the responsibility of leading an exercise group and it also was enlightening to be critiqued and guided by Dr. D.
I am so grateful for the past three years I’ve worked at WELLTRAX as the Silver Stretch, Yoga and Walk Club Instructor, including coordinating a couple educational series and seasonal fitness series, and also presenting a dozen presentations, allowing all of this to become second nature to me. WELLTRAX has taught me numerous invaluable lessons on health and life and how to intertwine and promote these topics. Because I have the real-life experience, I can now proudly move forward in my education to build upon all I learned from Dr. D and my clients at WELLTRAX. I know what works and what is contraindicated with so many different populations. I’ve gained the vital people skills, and my ambition to propel forward into exercise and disease prevention has been revved-up! From my extensive training with Dr. D who has covered so many wellness topics with me, I can truly be the complete instructor when it comes to teaching health and wellness.
I truly believe that God placed me in Dr. D’s path to fully enrich my life and ensure the success of my future! Dr. D has mentored me with her tried and true wisdom and coaching genius, which proves that God has bigger plans for me than I could previously conceive. I was meant to be here, and now feel as though I need to supplement my knowledge of health and exercise science. I know it is best for me to enhance my knowledge by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science and Chronic Disease Prevention at the University of North Florida, in Jacksonville. With this accomplishment I can enhance the lives of others with fitness and wellness, and most importantly help PREVENT DISEASE!
My purpose and direction is now clear, when it started vague and seemingly by chance. I was meant to benefit the health of others and myself and now I can because of the experiences I’ve had at WELLTRAX. But first, I had to transcend my doubts and indecision! I had to learn the benefits of humility and being uncomfortable, I had to dive in to a world of new experiences and friends, of which I will always cherish and remember! THANK YOU: Dr. Dunegan, B’ma Lois, Mr. Dunegan, Darol Ray, Shaun, Annette, Marjorie, Georgiana, Fran, Ruth, Patti, Elaina, Lora, Nancy, Rebecca, Maria, Mary Beth, Pat, Ron, Mary, Crystal, Valarie and everyone else I’ve met on this joyous journey! I will stay in touch and apply the lessons and skills I’ve learned from everyone to my next steps in life! I just hope to find as unique, fun, interesting, nurturing, and over all wonderful individuals in my next job, but I know that is asking a little too much, but I will always strive for the best life!
And to think that my current career plans all stemmed from taking one class at UCF and working at WELLTRAX, and now I’m getting a Master’s! Destiny is calling! Stay well my WELLTRAX friends!!