Eddie Morales is the Student Coordinator in Personal Training at Campus Rec and he is on his way toward his dream career, but to get here, he has had to work hard and put himself out there. Maybe he is so successful because he follows his own advice to “breathe and take everything one step at a time”. This year, Eddie is a senior at PSU, majoring in Applied Health and Fitness with a minor in Aging Services and he is on the pre-physical therapy track. His goal is to become a Physical Therapist in his hometown of Woodburn, Oregon, and provide physical therapy support services for the aging population there.
Eddie was born and raised in Woodburn where he graduated High School despite the fact that during his high school career, he had people tell him he wouldn't be able to graduate or succeed. Proving them wrong by graduating and getting into college is one of the accomplishments Eddie is most proud of. Eddie believes he would be a very different person if he had not graduated and he is grateful for how he has grown, changed, and been able to come out of his shell.
Eddie came to PSU in September of 2017 and started as a Fitness Monitor for Campus Rec in the FLASH program. In this position, Eddie learned how to ensure the weight room and cardio floors are safe and clean for patrons to use and to provide the best possible customer service. After two years on the Fitness team, he completed the Personal Trainer and began to work as a Personal Trainer in 2020. In this role, Eddie trained a wide range of clients by creating an environment where they could achieve their goals while learning and growing in their fitness and well-being journey.
Eddie knows that the more you get involved, the more you enjoy working here. During his work as a Personal Trainer, he realized that it's key to put yourself out there, make connections, get out of your comfort zone, and introduce yourself to people. So in 2022, Eddie applied for and got the job as the Personal Training Student Coordinator. As the student coordinator, Eddie leads weight room orientations, and staff meetings, and works with multiple departments within Campus Rec. This year, he will graduate and then pursue graduate school to become a Physical Therapist.
Eddie loves working at Campus Rec and says that one of his favorite things is that he has made a lot of connections and friendships with lots of different people. He enjoys meeting a wide variety of people and learning from the people he meets. In addition to his work positions, he also finds time to contribute to the FLASH program by mentoring incoming freshman employees.
Eddie’s positions at Campus Rec have helped prepare him for his career as a Physical Therapist. There’s no doubt he will continue to interact with a lot of different people. Eddie's ultimate goal is for him and his sisters to be able to help their parents retire so they can relax and be taken care of. He said that his parents always took care of him and his siblings so they want to return the favor. Eddie believes in the importance of enjoying everything that comes your way and remembering to appreciate the little things.
Thank you for all you do, Eddie! We are looking forward to seeing you around the Rec. Be sure to say hi to Eddie if you see him around.