On the field, in the classroom and at home, Bennett Yellow Bird III, a nutrition, health and exercise science major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, embodies the values of his culture and works to pay it forward to others.
The University Communication and Marketing team reached out to Yellow Bird to find out how he's making the most of the experiences that come with earning a degree.
What drew you to your major?
I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible ability of the human body to heal and recover, and I’ve had a deep desire to help others improve their quality of life. From a young age, I was captivated by how the body works, how injuries heal, muscles strengthen and people overcome challenges to regain their independence and well-being. This curiosity, combined with a natural passion for supporting others, led me to pursue a major in nutrition, health and exercise science.
I’m driven by the belief that optimal health and physical wellness are key to living a full and vibrant life, and my goal is to become a physical therapist so I can directly contribute to that process. Through my studies, I aim to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to help individuals recover, stay active and live their lives to the fullest — whether it’s after an injury, surgery or simply through preventative care. I’m inspired by the idea of making a tangible difference in people’s lives by empowering them to move, heal and thrive.
Is there anything specific you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, I’m excited to take the next step in my journey by attending physical therapy school, where I can deepen my knowledge and training to help others regain mobility and improve their lives. I also think it’s important to take some time for myself after all the hard work. I think going on a vacation would be a great way to celebrate my achievements and set the stage for the next chapter in my career. I also have plans of spending some time volunteering or doing community service abroad to combine travel with giving back.
You mentioned that your culture plays a huge part in your life. Can you speak more to that?
My culture has profoundly shaped who I am today. Being Native American isn’t just a part of my identity — it’s a deep, living connection to my ancestors and to a rich history that spans generations. It means belonging to a community that carries the wisdom, traditions and resilience of those who came before me. It’s a reminder that I am part of something much larger than myself. My heritage instills in me a sense of pride, not just in where I come from, but in the strength and perseverance that have allowed my people to endure centuries of hardship. It’s in the songs we sing, the stories we share and the values we uphold — values of respect for the land, the importance of family and community and a deep sense of responsibility to honor the sacrifices of those who paved the way for us. Being Native American has taught me to carry these traditions forward with pride and passion, knowing that each step I take is a reflection of the generations who came before me and the future I hope to create for those who will come after me.
You’re really involved with Campus Rec. How has that impacted your college experience, particularly with building community, etc.?
I’m extremely involved with Campus Recreation, both playing and officiating intramurals, and these experiences have had a profound impact on my college journey. Being part of intramurals has allowed me to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it’s also helped me build strong connections with others. Whether I’m playing on a team or officiating, I’ve met so many people from different backgrounds and majors, which has expanded my social circle and allowed me to build friendships I might not have made otherwise.
The sense of camaraderie that comes from being part of a team, or even just participating in friendly competition, has enhanced my college experience and helped me feel more connected to the campus community. Officiating has taught me important leadership and communication skills, as I have to stay focused, make quick decisions and keep the atmosphere positive for everyone involved. Overall, my involvement with Campus Rec has not only allowed me to stay engaged with the college community, but also helped me grow personally and professionally by developing teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills that will serve me well in the future.
I’m also involved with the Special Olympics, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Volunteering with the Special Olympics has shown me the power of sports to bring people together, regardless of ability, and I’ve seen firsthand how inclusive, supportive environments can make a lasting impact. It’s not just about competition — it’s about creating joy and confidence in others. Being a part of the Special Olympics has inspired me to continue to make a difference in the community and has further strengthened my commitment to helping others through physical activity. Overall, my involvement with Campus Rec and Special Olympics has not only allowed me to stay engaged with the college community, but also helped me grow personally and professionally by developing leadership, empathy and teamwork skills that will serve me well in the future.
You’re part of a big family and always have people looking up to you. Can you talk about the importance of being a good role model and what you hope to show your younger siblings?
Being a good role model is important to me because it allows me to motivate, inspire and guide my siblings toward making positive choices and finding their paths to success. I want to show them that achieving their goals is possible, whether that’s through getting an education or using it to create a better future than the one we had growing up. I hope to encourage them to believe in themselves and understand that they have the power to go anywhere and do anything in life, as long as they maintain a positive attitude and stay determined to reach their goals. By setting a strong example, I want to help them realize that with hard work and confidence, they can achieve anything they want to.
Is there anything you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
In my lifetime, I hope to accomplish several meaningful goals that not only fulfill my personal aspirations, but also make a positive impact on others. One of my biggest dreams is to become a physical therapist and eventually open my own clinic, where I can work with a wide range of patients, including athletes. I’ve always been passionate about helping individuals recover, rebuild strength and achieve their full potential. I want to create a space where people feel supported through every step of their recovery and where athletes can receive specialized care to get back to peak performance, whether it’s recovering from an injury or preventing one. Working with athletes, in particular, is something I’m deeply excited about. I want to use my knowledge to help them not only recover from injuries, but also optimize their performance and keep them at their best. Whether they’re professional athletes or weekend warriors, my goal is to guide them in understanding the importance of injury prevention, rehabilitation and maintaining long-term physical health.
In addition to running my own clinic, I hope to mentor future health care professionals, sharing my experiences and encouraging them to pursue careers in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Ultimately, I want to leave a lasting legacy by inspiring others to push beyond their limits, live healthier lives and recognize the incredible resilience of the human body.
What or who inspires you?
My mom inspires me every single day with her unwavering dedication, boundless love and incredible strength. She is the epitome of selflessness, always putting her family first, even when it means sacrificing her own needs. Her hard work and determination show me what it means to persevere through challenges, and her intelligence and wisdom are a constant source of guidance for me. But it’s her kindness and compassion that truly set her apart. She has an uncanny ability to make everyone around her feel loved and valued. I am beyond grateful to have her as my mom, and I am so lucky to witness her incredible example of what it means to live with purpose, passion and a heart full of love. Her love and strength inspire me to be the best version of myself every day, and I am proud beyond words to call her my mom.
What is your advice to others looking to make an impact on campus or in the community?
My advice to others looking to make an impact on campus or in the community is to embrace curiosity and never be afraid to stand out. It’s easy to fall into comfortable routines or stick with familiar groups, but real growth happens when we step outside our comfort zones and take risks. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help along the way; chances are, others are just as eager to make a difference as you are. Exploring new opportunities, meeting new people and trying new things can open doors you never expected, and it’s through those experiences that you can truly make an impact. So, go for it, take initiative and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
