As a freshman at Cal State Fullerton, Brittney Aceron found her community while living on the health and human development-themed floor in the residence halls. The kinesiology major connected with faculty, staff and students with similar interests — eventually serving as a resident adviser herself to help other students find their own campus communities.
The sense of community not only supported her in her journey to achieving a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2019, but motivated her desire to continue her education at Cal State Fullerton.
Joining the Class of 2021, Aceron will graduate with a master’s degree in kinesiology. She is the recipient of such honors as the 2020 Roberta Rikli Emerging Leader in Kinesiology Award (named for the emeritus professor of kinesiology and former dean of the College of Health and Human Development) and American Kinesiology Association Master’s Scholar Award.
“The health and human development community introduced me to clubs, service-learning experiences, and opportunities to present and conduct research,” shared Aceron, whose thesis focuses on “Athletes Coping With the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Self-Compassion and Cognitive Appraisal” under the advisement of Kathleen S. Wilson, associate professor of kinesiology.
During her time at CSUF, Aceron took on leadership roles with the Sport Psychology Club, Health and Human Development Inter-Club Council and Peer Mentor Program. She also conducted research for CSUF’s Active Together Exercise Psychology Lab and served as co-curricular coordinator for the University Honors Program.
“It’s no surprise that our college is made up of students and staff who are genuinely interested in the development and well-being of others,” reflected Aceron. “Now more than ever, the world needs this, too. It needs people like us to continue promoting health, wellness and human development.”
Aceron currently works as a program development specialist and lead coach for Core Athletic Training, a youth sports organization. She is a member of such professional groups as the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity as well as the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.