A Look at 2021 Commencement Student Speaker Ajhamae Quiring
Published: April 29, 2021 | Author: Kierstin Pitcher-Holloway | Read Time: 4 minutes
Southern Utah University graduate Ajhamae Quiring will be speaking at the 2021 University Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 1, 2021. Quiring is graduating from the College of Health Sciences with a major in exercise science and a minor in human nutrition.
Quiring’s graduation speech focuses on her cousin Jack Tueller and shares the lesson he taught about forgiveness, kindness and spirit.
“I never met him in real life, but his stories are so inspiring,” said Quiring. “He has taught me that what you do is not as important as how you treat people. He was always able to find things to make him happy, no matter how challenging his circumstances were. He was the epitome of joy. That gives me hope in a world when we need it most. There is good out in the world and we can be the good. Life isn't meant to be dull and sad. It's so important to maintain a positive outlook, even if it is easier said than done. There's always something to be happy about, especially if you had to look hard for it.”
Quiring grew up in Perry, Utah where she enjoyed dancing, riding horses and four wheelers, taking care of animals and hanging out at the local movie theater with friends. While in high school Quiring took an human anatomy and physiology class that started her interest in the human body, and decided to pursue a degree in exercise science with the intention of becoming an athletic trainer. Over the course of her college education Quiring discovered that she had passion for disease prevention.
“I took a course called Clinical Applications with Dr. Abigail Larson,” said Quiring. “The basic idea of the course applied exercise to vulnerable populations, such as for those with heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory conditions. This class changed the course of what I wanted to do to disease prevention through nutrition and exercise.”
During her time at SUU, Quiring was also able to intern with the Cardiac Rehab Facility at the St. George Regional Hospital.
“I loved seeing the way exercise and eating well can change the course of anyone's life,” said Quiring. “I have spent time around athletes helping them improve in their sport, which was fun to be a part of, but helping and encouraging someone who has no experience or knowledge to overcome these types of challenges was so rewarding.”
Dr. Cody Bremner also had an impact on Quiring's educational success through athletic training courses and research projects.
“Ajhamae showed an amazing amount of dedication toward completing her own research project start to finish,” said Bremner. “I was so impressed with how well she balanced her coursework while taking the lead on designing her project; she persevered through the unforeseen COVID restrictions. I am sure she will continue to succeed in all of her future endeavors.”
While attending SUU Quiring also met her husband, fellow T-Bird and nursing student Conner Quiring. He believed in Quiring and motivated her to keep pursuing her educational goals. Together the couple got involved with the swing dancing club at SUU. They enjoyed getting to take a break from studying and have fun learning all the different dances, tricks, flips, and dips.
Quiring advises current and prospective T-Birds to not miss out on the fun parts of college, and encourages them to try new things and take chances. She also recommends that students have a plan for themselves, but to keep moving forward when plans change, and reminds them that they shouldn’t be embarrassed when they have to take a break.
“I just want to say how grateful I am for everyone who has believed in me in the process of getting here. My family, people from back home, friends, professors. They've all been a big part of it,” said Quiring. “College would have been a very boring and lonely experience if I didn't have the support network that I do. Get people in your life that believe in you. Whether they come to you or you go to them, find them! We all need to feel like someone has our back.”
In an effort to promote COVID-19 health and safety guidelines, Southern Utah University will hold two 2021 Commencement Ceremonies on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1. For additional information about SUU’s Commencement Ceremonies visit suu.edu/graduation.
Tags: College of Health Sciences Exercise Science Graduation
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