Meet Stephen Sowulewski – Professor, Health & Physical Education
Did you lot grow upwards inward Richmond? If not, where did you lot grow up, when did you lot come upwards here, too what brought you lot here?
I grew upwards inward Saginaw, Michigan too lived on Longboat Key, (near Sarasota for 2 years) earlier I accepted the faculty seat from Dr. Rhodes inward 2004.
How long possess got you lot been a Professor at Reynolds?
Last yr I obtained total professor condition later on I earned my Ph.D. too volition celebrate my 14th year inward August of 2018.
What create you lot similar best almost teaching?
Unlike some jobs where 1 industrial plant amongst the same laid of people for the long-haul, I larn to travel amongst a novel laid of individuals almost every 4 months when the semesters change. It gives me swell satisfaction to travel amongst students on some aspect of their educational journey. I e'er say students that our working human relationship is never over—I encourage them to come upwards dorsum too inquire questions too permit me know how I tin proceed to aid them on their trajectory. One of my students kept inward contact amongst me for almost 8 years. I wrote quite a few letters of recommendation for her over the years but she was unable to make credence into physical therapy school. After much consternation on her part, she prevailed final summer. When she relayed the news, I was elated for her. I liken her journeying to the “Footprints inward the sand” reflection. There is 1 slice that mentions, "I never left you lot during your fourth dimension of trial…" too that purpose sure as shooting rings truthful inward this situation. Of course of report I am non speaking of myself inward the Godly feel but I was amongst this pupil cheering her on every footstep of the way.
What drew you lot to the surface area of Health & Physical Education?
My parents were actually tally too became avid runners inward the 80s too this inspired me to desire to hold upwards precisely similar them. Ironically, I was precisely looking at my fleck majority over the Christmas intermission too marveled at how competitive I was every bit a youngster. I recollect looking forrard to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness events too how closed I could larn to the top tier or percentile ranking inward running, chin-ups, pushups too the like. As I got older too mulled over majors, I came across practise science, too therein was that eureka moment! It precisely made feel to major inward something hence pivotal to one’s longevity. Through the years my parents possess got had their trials too tribulations amongst wellness setbacks too I am reminded that Ralph Waldo Emerson was correct when he said, “The outset wealth is health.” I am confident I made the correct choice.
You possess got written several articles for the Richmond Times Dispatch, Men’s Health Journal too other publications. How did you lot larn your get every bit a author too what is your favorite plain of report to write about?
I precisely inquired amongst diverse editors too sent them samples of my travel too made pitches too from there, the ideas just seemed to stick. I am passionate almost the topics of nutrition too fitness but I actually relish writing almost faith too religion. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) latterly added spiritual wellness into the wellness continuum. Although faith too spirituality are non necessarily synonymous, in that location is some interesting enquiry out in that location suggesting that this domain of wellness mightiness hold upwards linked to improve wellness inward people who marry some variety of faith or those that possess got a spiritual sense. I wrote an article inward the Faith too Values column of the RTD some years agone on this really topic.
You are an advocate for men’s wellness too possess got encouraged men to travel inward your words, “better stewards of their health.” What are the most of import things men tin create to hold their health?
Men seem to detect fourth dimension to convey their machine inward for an crude oil change, but are reticent when it comes to their health. Men precisely need to house a telephone phone hollo upwards to the MD too educate an engagement for a caput to toe physical. My 3 commandments for men are actually indicative of lifestyle behaviors: diet, practise too sleep. This trifecta is all related too if 1 revamps their behaviors, the remainder volition autumn into place.
What is your favorite affair to create inward Richmond?
Eat out at diverse restaurants—I am a foodie at heart. Next to DC or NY, Richmond is actually a mecca for all things food. I precisely want they had a proficient Polish restaurant!
After taxes, I would convey the lump amount too divvy it up. I would convey attention of my entire household unit of measurement too friends too hence donate to the church building too other causes. Afterward, I would purchase a solid on the Leelanau peninsula (Traverse City, Michigan area) too purchase a vineyard. Next up, to avoid the harsh Michigan winters, I would purchase a solid on Siesta Key inward Florida—often voted America’s Best Beach. Of course of report I would need the leer jet to convey me betwixt residencies.
