By Erica Estes, Graduate Assistant for Facilities & Fitness at the University of Southern Mississippi
In light of the holiday season and the NIRSA Foundation’s #GivingTuesday initiative, I’ve been meditating on our ability to give back as active members of collegiate recreation. According to a recent Gallup poll, the average American will spend at least $830 on gifts this holiday season. As a student living on a strict budget, this amount overwhelmed me. It led me to consider the purpose and application of all those tangible, materialistic “gifts” that we’re encouraged to spend money on for friends and family.
We make a living by what we get, but we made a life by what we give. –Winston Churchill, politician
I believe we must be intentional with the gifts we give. Consider all the people in your life who have given to you through money, mentorship, or motivation. Family and friends are usually at the forefront of this list, and we often neglect to back give to those we interact with daily on our campuses. Think about the mentors, friends, colleagues, supervisors, and directors who have guided you along your journey through collegiate recreation. As developing students in this field, we can make a career living by what those predecessors have done for us—and there comes a time when we need to make a life by giving back.
The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving. –Albert Einstein, scientist
Living on an undergraduate or graduate student budget, it may not always feel as if we’re financially able to give back. I invite you, though, to take a moment to consider how many times a week you stop for that extra coffee, snack, or restaurant meal. By choosing to save that money once a week, we can all redirect our funds so that we’re able to give back to an association that has provided us with abundant development opportunities. With more discretionary funds on hand, we’re capable of giving to initiatives like the NIRSA Foundation’s #GivingTuesday campaign as well as to other opportunities at NIRSA regional and annual events.
The Student Leadership Team has partnered with the NIRSA Foundation to create a student-driven campaign for the 2016 NIRSA Annual Conference & Recreational Sports Expo taking place in Kissimmee, FL from April 3–6. Since we love our strong core and bright future, we have a burning desire to support NIRSA. Students are indeed the future of this growing association and as such we want to create a sustainable campaign to develop those who will be following in our footsteps. So consider setting aside a few extra dollars each week so that you can participate in the Give to Get student campaign at this upcoming Annual Conference. If you do, we’ll have a special ribbon ready to recognize your giving spirit.
The greatest give you can give someone is your time, because when you give your time you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back. –Anonymous
Each of us also has a set of unique intangible gifts to give. Our time, strengths, and passions can be dispersed to those within our sphere of influence. We can give our time by serving on NIRSA committees that help to propel the advancement of our Association’s goals, strategic plans, and core principles. As a thriving student, you have so much to give to these collaborative work teams. Additionally, these committees are great networking, leadership, and development opportunities where we can learn from experienced professionals within the field. Don’t miss this precious chance to pay it forward by giving your intangible gifts—apply to serve on a committee or work team today.
Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have. –Jim Rohn, motivational speaker
Service and generosity are the lifeblood of organizations, and as students we should strive to serve our patrons, co-workers, and friends within collegiate recreation. In turn, we need to take advantage of all the little NIRSA opportunities that we have to fulfill this mission. The spirit of giving must be expressed throughout the entire year, not just during the holiday season. Our Association and its members are worth our time, gifts, and contributions each and every day. To all those who give their resources and efforts, I am personally grateful—your gifts are greatly appreciated. To all those who have yet to give, continue to consider how your gifts can be given to others. Then take action to provide value and life to the Association.
Happy Holidays & God Bless, NIRSA!
