By Erica Estes, Graduate Assistant for Facilities & Fitness at the University of Southern Mississippi
NIRSA’s sacred season is upon us—the 67th NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo is only days away! And as we put the final touches on the program, logistics, and opportunities, the excitement continues to build. The 2015–2016 NIRSA Student Leadership Team has worked diligently since June to create a conference experience that will provide students with a plethora of programs, events, and interactions to guarantee successful networking, mentoring, and exploring while in Kissimmee, Florida. Just as the holiday season brings about anticipation, the Annual Conference awakens the same emotions. It’s like Christmas in the professional setting as families are reunited, lessons are exchange, and laughter is shared.
As the biggest “holiday” of the NIRSA year approaches, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the last eleven months with the Student Leadership Team. From the first few weeks of our term, it was evident that this group of leaders shared a common vision for the year we would spend together representing the student membership of our Association. We quickly decided that our year in office was clearly not about us. Instead, we chose to focus on the dedicated students throughout the organization who we were fortunate enough to serve.
I was reviewing a book that I recently read and stumbled across a quote that articulated this mission exceptionally. In Brad Lomenick’s book H3 Leadership, he says, “Leverage your power and influence for others’ gain. Once you have a platform, you are responsible to put others on it. Remember: it’s not about you.” Regardless of the position you hold or the potential power that you wield, we must all be willing to lend a hand, to maintain humility, and to sacrifice for the development of others. Just like the Christmas season is centered on giving, the Student Leadership Team has sought to illustrate that same mantra throughout the year—especially during Annual Conference season.
For those of you new to NIRSA, there is no need to be nervous about your first conference experience with the NIRSA family. The Student Leadership Team has prepared a preparatory event following the Opening General Session that is sure to equip you for the adventurous and exciting week ahead. During this brief session, known as the Conference Kickoff, you will have the opportunity to win a ticket to attend the Take a Student to Lunch event with current and past NIRSA Presidents, NIRSA dignitaries, and other valued student members. This luncheon will follow the Student Member Connection Meeting on Monday, April 4 when the Student Leadership Team will report on all the great student successes throughout the year and honor Horace Moody and William Wasson award winners. As you meet and greet with other students during this session, we will also recognize the incoming NIRSA Student Leadership Team led by 2016–2017 NIRSA Student Leader Will Trent of James Madison University.
Your network is sure to expand as the week progresses, and we encourage you to attend our educational session “Candid Conversations: Graduate Assistantship Edition.” During this time of dialogue, you’ll learn about your unique behavioral styles in certain situations in hope of understanding how these tendencies directly influence your approach to the challenging situations that are inevitable in collegiate recreation.
You will hear best practices from professionals in each NIRSA region including Jocelyn Hill, Director of Recreational Sports & Fitness at American University; Aaron Combs, Assistant Director of Intramural Sports and Special Events at James Madison University; Aaron Hobson, Associate Director of Programs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Andrew Chadick, Assistant Director of Intramural Sports at The University of Texas at San Antonio; Kelsey Whittaker, Strength Training & Conditioning Coordinator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and DJ Mackie, Coordinator of Competitive Sports and Youth Programs at Washington State University. Come take part in this development discussion on Wednesday, April 6 at 8:00am. Just by attending this workshop, your personal network will expand by six professionals who are completely committed to student development and learning.
NIRSA’s dedication to its members continues to evolve. As a student, I am grateful for the opportunities that my institutions and the Association have provided me. In an attempt to return this favor, the NIRSA Student Leadership Team has joined forces with the NIRSA Foundation for this year’s Annual Conference. To reach and recognize students, we have created the “Give to Get” campaign. This initiative features two levels of student giving—$25 and $50—and each level will be recognized and appreciated by a conference ribbon. We welcome any and all gifts—and to show our gratitude, anyone who gives a gift under $25 will be given a sticker. Regardless of the amount, you will be recognized on the giving board at the Foundation Table. The Foundation has set the following goals for student giving this year:
126 gifts at $25
15 gifts at $50
Most of us would not be the leaders we are today without the work of NIRSA and our faithful mentors. As such, we must give back for the future of the Association, others, and ourselves. Brad Lomenick echoes our need to give back when he states, “GIVE TO GET. No partnership—from business to marriage—is a unidirectional arrangement where you reap benefits and never make scarifies. You’ll need to offer up knowledge and revenue and personnel and time in order to get back.” So make an effort in the coming weeks to sacrifice the occasional cup of Starbucks so that you can give back and help us meet our giving goal!
The Student Leadership Team wants to give back to you as well. We have several prizes awaiting those that participate in our Social Media Challenge at #NIRSA2016. Creativity and daily involvement are encouraged. Make the most of what is offered and engage fully in the NIRSA Annual Conference in Kissimmee to bolster our strong foundation while also ensuring a bright future. And remember…’tis the season for NIRSA spirit. See you in sunny Florida!
