Meet Michael Atunzu: an inspiring, driven, motivated, and caring student from Georgia State University.
These are the kind of people that are going to shape our future. What an inspiration!!
Tell us a little bit about you.
I am a 23 year old student expected to graduate this summer 2018 from the College of Education at Georgia State University. Currently I work as a Student Intern for the Metro Atlanta YMCA Association, a Wellness Coach for the Covington Family YMCA, a Cognitive Skills Trainer for LearningRx, and as a Group Exercise Instructor for SeniorFitAtlanta.
What steered you to pursue working in the health and wellness field?
I love this question, and I’m glad that you decided to ask me about why I choose the health and wellness field. Since my early years as an adolescent, I have always had a passion for health, wellness, and exercise. I am grateful for the physical education courses, and sport programs that I have participated in grades K-12. At such a young age, I began to challenge myself through exercise which resulted in not only physical growth, but a tremendous amount of mental and spiritual growth as well. Health, wellness, and exercise has truly impacted my life in such a way that I feel excited to have the opportunity help others improve their overall quality of life through my expertise.
How has working with kids & being a Diabetes Health Educator shaped you?
Having the opportunity to work with children through LearningRx, as well as through the YMCA’s Summer Camp and Start For Life programs, has given me a new perspective towards our Youth. Investing our focus towards the growth and development of our children is what I believe should be a top priority on a global scale. Children represent the future and advancements of all of mankind. By providing children with active programs, we help decrease sedentary habits and increase the likelihood of children living an active lifestyle as they grow older. In addition to working with children, working with people who are considered pre diabetic continues to drive my passion towards public health. Working with the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program has been nothing less than motivation for me to continue to help others strive pass adversity to better their health conditions.
Is there any diabetes prevention advice you can give to our readers?
Advice I would give to our readers, do not be discouraged of whatever life challenges you may be experiencing no matter how big or small it may be. It is never too late to make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. To readers that may be pre-diabetic, set short term and long term goals for yourself. Progressing your condition will not happen overnight, however if you put yourself in a position to succeed in the long run, that’s all that matters. After speaking with your doctor, engage in regular physical activity and start educating yourself on healthy dietary habits. To readers who are not pre-diabetic but may know someone who is, be the support system that he or she needs. Strive to help others better themselves, and help keep them accountable.
Are there any post graduate goals or passions are you looking to pursue?
I plan to pursue enrollment in the doctorate chiropractic program at Life University in Spring 19’. I want to work as a chiropractor because I find it amazing how they enhance the quality of life of their patients without surgery. I was exposed to this profession when I became a patient of a chiropractor after being involved in a terrible car accident in 2016. To this day I am thankful to still be alive, as well as have had the opportunity to be treated by a chiropractor to ease my pain.
When you aren’t working what’s your favorite thing to do?
I bet $10 you can guess what I may like to do in my spare time!? Haha. In my spare time I love to exercise! The feeling I get while exercise is something that is truly special and like no other feeling. I also enjoy cooking, reading, listening to music, and traveling when I get the chance too.
What’s your favorite motivational quote?
The quote I’m about to share with you has helped me get through a lot of tough times in my life. Once I was able to program my mind to always continue striving towards my own success, despite the adversity, a lot of opportunities opened up for me. I hope this quote influences you and all of our readers.
“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”
– Lance Armstrong
Do you know someone ordinary doing extra-ordinary things? We would LOVE LOVE LOVE to highlight them!
