Jennifer Medrano '17, '19

Jennifer Medrano '17, '19 began her journey at Texas Woman's studying kinesiology. Along the way, she found her calling to become an adapted physical educator. She provides individualized physical education services to children, youth, and adults who experience exceptional physical needs or impairments.

During Medrano's undergraduate degree, she volunteered for a TWU aquatics program for children with special needs. "Those Friday morning swim practices shifted my goals," she says. "And I developed a passion for working with kids who have special needs."

She cites Janelle Davis, kinesiology academic advisor at TWU, as a major inspiration and support throughout her education. Davis led the aquatics program that inspired Medrano's career, and she supported her throughout offering advice and support. "She believed in me," Medrano says of Davis. "A big part of who I am today is because of her and because of TWU."

After completing her bachelor’s, Medrano decided to pursue a Master's in Physical Education with an emphasis in adapted physical education. As a professional adapted physical educator working in Round Rock, she had the opportunity to represent Team Texas as a head coach for the Special Olympics — leading ten athletes to compete on the national level, all of whom took home medals in their respective sport.

"Adapted physical education isn't super popular," Medrano says. "I see my profession becoming more known to the world of education, and then expanding beyond that."