David Mejía-Buenaño

I first heard about The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) from my professors at Montgomery College (MC), where I was studying to get my associate's degree in Exercise Science. I went to an open house that USG was hosting and did a tour to see what the campus was like in person, and it did not disappoint. The facilities were beautiful, the academic environment was inspiring, and I fell in love with USG. I went to the table that had the Salisbury University Exercise Science program. After speaking with the representatives at the table, I knew exactly where I wanted to transfer to pursue a bachelor's degree.

Transferring from MC to Salisbury at USG was the best academic and financial decision I have ever made. USG's affordability and convenient location allowed me to continue pursuing my educational goals and get more time to work with my professors to expand my knowledge to become the best exercise professional I could be. The Exercise Science program offered by Salisbury University at USG has allowed me to form great friendships with my classmates and has opened doors to opportunities that I never would have imagined.

For example, in the Spring 2024 semester, I interned at Shady Grove Medical Center, right across the street from USG, in their cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. My passion for working in a hospital as an exercise physiologist began during my time at MC, and I was grateful to gain experience in the setting I had long aspired to work in. While interning at Shady Grove Medical Center, I also began studying for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Exercise Physiologist exam. I have since passed the exam and obtained the American Heart Association Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Certification, which is required for my role.

Toward the end of my internship, I was offered a position in the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program, where I now work after graduating from the Exercise Science program in May 2024. I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in Health and Human Performance, also offered by Salisbury University at USG, where I serve as a graduate assistant.