From Adversity to Empowerment | Sara Strauss ’25 Finds Her Calling in Exercise Science

When Sara Strauss ’25 arrived at Valparaiso University, she couldn’t have anticipated just how profoundly her journey would transform her. Hailing from the small town of Spring Lake, Michigan, she initially chose Valpo for its unique blend of Division I athletics and rigorous academics. But her story quickly unfolded into something far greater than she imagined — a testament to resilience, discovery, and the power of community.

Recruited into the physician assistant (PA) program, Sara seemed destined for a straightforward path. But life had other plans. Her first semester brought a devastating shift when a loved one experienced a life-altering accident, leaving them paralyzed. “Everything I thought I knew was turned upside down,” Sara recalls. The experience sparked a transformation in her perspective — and her calling. Watching her loved one work tirelessly with physical therapists to reclaim pieces of their independence awakened something in her. “I saw how powerful that connection could be, and I realized that’s what I wanted: to be part of someone’s healing journey,” she shares.

Determined, Sara pivoted to Valpo’s exercise science program, which became the foundation for her aspirations as a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine. The program offered a perfect blend of academic rigor and hands-on learning. Through courses like anatomy and biomechanics, she gained insights into the human body, while her internship in Valpo’s athletic training room allowed her to work directly with athletes. “Valpo’s approach to experiential learning made all the difference,” Sara shares. “Everything has lined up perfectly, and I feel very well prepared.”

The relationships she built along the way also became pivotal. Her advisor, Jennifer Smolnicky, proved to be a constant source of support. “She’s been my rock,” Sara says. “From career advice to helping me navigate personal challenges, she’s gone above and beyond.” Professors like Peixing Jiang, Ed.D., also stand out for their compassion and encouragement, fostering a nurturing environment that allowed Sara to grow both academically and personally.

Sara’s time at Valpo hasn’t just been about academics. As a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), and the campus TEDx team, she’s embraced leadership and advocacy. On the SAAC mental health committee, she has worked alongside other compassionate students to promote well-being among student-athletes and help organize various athletic events, including a number of mental health awareness events. Through TEDx, she’s shared her own journey in a powerful talk titled, “The Necessity of Integrating Trauma into our Daily Lives,” in which she reflected on how trauma shaped her and encouraged others to embrace vulnerability as a way to foster resilience. “The world doesn’t stop for you,” Sara shares, “but sometimes your world needs to.”

Looking back, Sara is filled with gratitude for Valpo’s supportive community and transformative experiences. “I’ve grown in ways I never thought possible,” she reflects. “From the classroom to the pool to the relationships I’ve built, every part of my time here has shaped me into someone ready to take on the world.”

Inspired by Sara’s story and ready to embark on your own transformative journey? Begin by exploring all Valpo’s exercise science program has to offer.