For Michael Klooster, the journey to a future in pediatric physical therapy didn’t begin with certainty—it began with exploration, mentorship, and a willingness to say yes to new experiences.
Hailing from Belmont, Michigan, Michael arrived at Carroll College as a student-athlete, recruited for the soccer program. Like many students, he started his college career unsure of exactly where his path would lead. At one point, he found himself navigating between multiple majors, searching for the right fit.
That clarity came through connection.
Kelly Parsley, Carroll College Associate Professor of Health Sciences, played a pivotal role in helping Michael navigate that uncertainty. Through conversations, guidance, and encouragement, she helped him see the possibilities within the health sciences field—and more importantly, helped him align his interests with a meaningful career path.
“She was super easy to talk to and pointed me in the right direction,” Michael shared. “She helped me figure out what I wanted to do and even connected me to internship opportunities.”
That mentorship opened the door to hands-on experiences that would ultimately shape his future.
A Turning Point: Special Olympics
While coursework and internships provided direction, it was Michael’s involvement with Carroll’s Special Olympics Club that truly transformed his perspective.
Through his time with the club, he worked alongside athletes, building relationships and supporting their growth—both on and off the field. What started as an extracurricular quickly became something much deeper.
During one of his first state competitions, something clicked—not as a player, but as a partner and supporter on the sidelines.
“It was the most fun I’d had being around soccer in a long time,” he said. “The joy they have, the way they see the world—it just makes life feel lighter.”
One moment in particular stood out. During a tightly contested game, emotions ran high as the score shifted. But instead of frustration taking over, one athlete began dancing—turning the entire atmosphere into one of laughter and joy.
“We didn’t even realize we lost the game,” Michael recalled. “It didn’t matter. We were just having fun.”
That moment reframed everything.
It wasn’t about winning. It was about connection, inclusion, and impact.
“The main message is that everyone belongs,” he said. “Being part of that and helping them grow—it just made me realize that’s what I want to do.”
From Experience to Calling
Through Professor Parsley’s guidance, Michael secured internships that expanded his exposure to the field, including working alongside physical therapists and gaining experience in pediatric care. Those opportunities, combined with his time in Special Olympics, helped him discover a passion for working with children—particularly those with developmental challenges.
Today, Michael is pursuing a path toward becoming a pediatric physical therapist, with plans to take a gap year before applying to graduate programs.
“I realized that if these are the people I get to help every day, it won’t even feel like work,” he said.
A Foundation Built at Carroll
Reflecting on his time at Carroll, Michael credits not just one experience, but the combination of many—academics, athletics, campus ministry, and service—for shaping who he is today.
“Once you figure out your character and who you want to be, everything else becomes clearer,” he said.
It’s a lesson rooted in mentorship, strengthened through service, and defined by purpose.
When asked to describe his Carroll experience in three words, Michael didn’t hesitate:
Exciting. Exploratory. Challenging.
And through it all, one thing is clear—Michael Klooster’s journey is just getting started, grounded in a passion to make a difference in the lives of others.
