Physical activity has always played a big role in Maggie McQuillen’s life.

“I’ve been working out my whole life. I played four sports in high school,” McQuillen says. “When I started taking classes for exercise science, I loved it right away.”

When McQuillen graduates this spring from the University of Iowa, physical fitness will continue to play a role in her career—most immediately as a personal trainer.

But four years ago, it was uncertain whether McQuillen would get a chance to start college at all. After an automobile accident near her hometown of Anamosa, Iowa, McQuillen was rushed to UI Hospitals & Clinics, where she was treated for massive trauma to her skull, brain, face, and jaw. She spent a month at UIHC and six weeks of rehabilitation at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago.

McQuillen worked hard to regain strength and mobility by attending an outpatient neurological clinic in Coralville, Iowa, several times a week for occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy—work that continued throughout her first year of college.

Now, she wants to help others reach and maintain their own fitness goals—whatever they may be.

“One of my clients recently told me, ‘Maggie, we carry bags of mulch up the hill every year, and this year it was so much easier. And that’s because of the training. Thank you so much,’” McQuillen says. “That was just so awesome to hear.”

Why did you choose the University of Iowa?

I always had my heart just set on Iowa. I didn’t need to look at any other school. I didn’t care where I got sports scholarships. I wanted to go to Iowa.

What has been your favorite memory at Iowa?

Meeting my boyfriend, for one. But also, I met one of my best friends during freshman year, and I would spend almost every night in her dorm. We made so many great memories that year. Some of my favorite memories also have come during summer school.

What do you love most about campus and Iowa City?

You can talk to everyone. Everyone is so nice. And there is always stuff to do. It’s just a fun place to be. If I move out of Iowa City, I’m going to miss hanging out with my friends. Also, Micky’s. I love Micky’s.

What has provided you with the greatest sense of belonging here at Iowa?

One thing I would say was moving into our own apartment and really making it our own.

Have you found a mentor who has especially impacted your time at Iowa?

Amy Fletcher has been my favorite teacher. I took Physical Activity and Health with her and during weekly Zoom meetings; she would ask me about my life and what I was working on.

I’m currently taking Musculoskeletal Exercise Testing and Prescription with her. It’s a really hard class, but it’s also the class that has taught me the most in regard to my work as a personal trainer.

What advice would you give future Iowa students?

Study for every exam. And if you study more than one day in advance, you’ll probably up your grade 10%!

Also, rewatch lectures. Teachers record all their lectures. For some classes, the only reason I got an A is because I could rewatch every lecture and take notes and make study guides. So, rewatch the lectures.