Trish Browns office is simple. Four white walls, narrow plywood shelves, a single desk. Hardly anything especially notable except the collection of thank-you cards and letters neatly displayed on the bottom shelf.

Brown looks up at the collection. Short blond hair frames her soft face. A wide smile spreads across her face as she describes the cards as not only gifts but also the motivation behind working as a health and fitness instructor.

Isnt that what you want to do in life? she said, reflecting on the students whose lives she has affected. Point out and show people the good they dont see in themselves.

Thats why I am so lucky I get to do what I do.

Brown has been teaching Winona State University students the fundamentals of physical education since 2006. When shes not on campus, Trish works part-time with Winona residents of all ages, leading a variety of fitness classes, including spinning, body pump and kickboxing at the Winona YMCA.

Winona State senior Tucker Blegen has participated in several of Browns fitness classes, including hip-hop hustle and kickboxing. He said there was never a day when Trish wasnt on top of her game.

I love Trish. She is so energetic and makes you want to work harder and push yourself because you dont want to disappoint her, Tucker said. She motivates you by leading by example.

Although Brown had always been active in sports and exercise, she never thought fitness would become her career. She went to college looking to become a nurse, but when her athletic trainer at Bethel University in the Twin Cities introduced her to the possibilities of a career in fitness, she knew it was the right path.

You need to enjoy what you do and find the avenue to get there, Brown said. Its hard work, but its not work because I love it.

She got a bachelors degree in athletic training and health education. After moving to Winona, she majored in adaptive physical education at WSU. She then got a masters degree in curriculum and instruction. Now shes working on a doctorate.

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Monday profile: WSU instructor Trish Brown spreads fitness gospel on and off campus