As a Minnesota native from the Twin Cities suburb Richfield, Fametta Zubah, School of Kinesiology first-year student and 2021 Mike Zimmer Foundation MVP Scholarship recipient, decided to stay close to home to pursue her undergraduate degree in kinesiology. Zubah intends to use her kinesiology degree to become a pediatric physical therapist. But in high school, her athleticism suggested a different career path.
“In fifth grade, I started playing basketball, and in middle school and high school, I added track and tennis. But basketball was always my main sport. Up until my junior year of high school, I had dreams to play college basketball. But with COVID-19 and my back-to-back sports schedules canceled, I had time to explore other things I was good at and learn more about myself. I realized that although I really loved sports, I wanted more.”
Despite not wanting to play sports in college, Zubah didn’t want to leave sports completely. “I always knew I wanted to do something that tied me to sports even if I wasn’t playing. After I graduate, I want to go to PT (physical therapy) school. I have always loved the medical field so kinesiology really just ties my interests of sports and medicine together.”
As a former high school athlete, Zubah is no stranger to PT. “I sprained the MCL [medial collateral ligament] in my knee four times from basketball. Even though PT isn’t always the most fun, it is essential and beneficial. I had a great PT experience that really furthered my interest in wanting to be a clinical therapist.”
During the fall semester, Zubah learned more about kinesiology in her Introduction to Kinesiology course, where guest speakers frequently shared their research and career paths with students. Zubah especially connected to guest speaker Dr. Daheia Barr-Anderson’s research about African-American children and obesity because it broadened her perspective on kinesiology’s impact and was relevant to her interests and background.
What excites Zubah most about kinesiology is “The people interaction. Dealing with people, helping people, and making an impact on someone else’s life is what I want to do.”
So far, Zubah’s favorite college experience has been attending Black Student Union events. “It is really nice to feel that community of African-American and Black students on campus and learn about different opportunities for BSU students.”
In Zubah’s free time, she volunteers as a mentor for kids’ basketball camps and participates in other mentorship opportunities. But volunteering isn’t the only way Zubah gives back to her community. She also runs a small business empowering people of color. Her newest line, “All Dis Chocolate,” comes in hoodies and joggers.
“My business, Delighted Radiance, which I started in 2020, makes merch [clothes, gift baskets, etc.] to help people of color embrace their skin. Even though society is getting more accepting, there are still times where many people feel defeated and uncomfortable in their own skin. I want people to know that their skin is beautiful.”
The School of Kinesiology wishes you the best, Fametta, in all your current and future endeavors and is excited to continue to be a part of your academic journey!
