By Erica Estes, Graduate Assistant for Facilities & Fitness at the University of Southern Mississippi
There are times in life when we’re tested—pushed to the furthest limit, forced to exhaust all resources and expend every bit of energy that we can muster. People have always claimed that the times following trials and tribulations are ones in which we often discover great joy and confidence. This proclamation could not have described my recent experience at the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference in Hattiesburg, Mississippi more accurately. I traversed multiple states via car, plane, cab, Uber, and shuttle through airport power problems, missing seat assignments, hotel power outages, inaccurate directions, tornado warnings and lost baggage. It was surely a traveler’s nightmare yet it eventually led to the aforementioned joy and a truly comical story on reflection.
“Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty” –Thomas S. Monson, public figure
The joy of my most recent experience was sandwiched between my traveling challenges to and from #ERSLC. As this prestigious conference celebrated its 24th year on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi, I was blessed to have my inaugural ERSLC experience alongside several NIRSA past presidents, regional student leaders, and a host of other special folks in our field including the honorable Mrs. Wasson.
The factor that sets ERSL apart from other state or regional events is the access that motivated students within the field have to the professionals that are in attendance. The tone for the weekend was set by the opening keynote speaker Dr. Rodney Bennett, President of the University of Southern Mississippi. During his closing remarks and passionate personal responses to student questions, President Bennett explained that leaders must have the confidence to make tough decisions and traverse various trials. He emphasized that as emerging leaders we must continually work to solve difficult problems while also building intentional relationships. This opening keynote message and the associated motto of the conference, “Creating connections…Building bridges,” were clear indicators that my travel woes were already well worth the struggle.
The wise words continued to pour forth from the passionate professionals in attendance throughout the weekend. One session in particular, which featured a treasure chest’s worth of wisdom, consisted of a panel discussion led by six collegiate recreation directors. The group shared what they strive to find in a recreation professional as well as some of their personal trials and triumphs in our ever-evolving field. As a recent student transitioning into my professional role, I took one particular nugget of knowledge to heart. Kevin Martin, Assistant Director-Competitive Sports Program at the University of California, Riverside, stated that during this growing period new graduate assistants and professionals should first seek to understand then seek to be understood. During the process of starting a new position, we must take the initiative to understand the culture, operations, students, and facilities that we are now fortunate to be a part of. Dr. Kevin Marbury, Director of Recreation at the University of Oregon, furthered this stance by saying that to become acclimated to the culture we must not be clock-watchers because graduate assistants and professionals become invaluable through their dedication to hard work. As if flashing in bright neon lights, my traveling trials were a distant memory and the ERSL experiences and acquired insights had become my triumph.
“To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility” –Thomas S. Monson, public figure
With ERSL concluding and the NIRSA year coming to its climax with the 2016 Annual Conference, the Student Leadership Team hopes that you are also excited for Kissimmee, Florida. Having experienced those first-time conference jitters, the SLT has prepared a program that will encourage and assist you as you network, mentor, and explore. To ensure that you are set for success from April 3–6, we’ve organized an inaugural Conference Kickoff event that will follow the Opening General Session. Stop by to learn the NIRSA lingo, map out the best sessions for your passions, and meet some lifelong NIRSA friends. Additionally, you could win a ticket to Take a Student to Lunch: Presidential Edition. This opportunity will lead to fellowship with several NIRSA dignitaries and fellow student members.
We encourage each of you to completely engage in the conference experience. Be present and embrace the opportunities that are offered to you. Attend as many educational and information sessions as you can and return to your institution with a mind full of new knowledge. In between sessions, be sure to stop by the Student Lounge to interact with passionate students and professionals over a cup of coffee. Snap a few photos with your new NIRSA family as you take part in the NIRSA Student Leadership Team Social Media Challenge to be eligible for some great prizes.
There is so much that we have to learn from others in our ever-evolving profession. As students, we serve as the front line face of our country’s collegiate recreation centers. With the honor of operating in these roles comes the challenges presented by supervising students who are learning the campus culture and how to interact with participants. These scenarios provide us with the chance to grow as undergraduate and graduate students. To discover some best practices in these difficult scenarios, the Student Leadership Team will be hosting an educational session featuring several seasoned professionals within the field.
After taking the time to reflect on your own personal behaviors and how they impact your daily interactions, you will be provided with some sound advice from others who have shared similar struggles. Be sure to check out this education session on Wednesday, April 6 titled “Candid Conversations: Graduate Assistant Edition.” We are excited for the transparency and guidance that this session is sure to provide!
“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it.” –Shannon L. Alder, author
The countdown to the 2016 NIRSA Annual Conference has begun and we could not be more enthusiastic. Pack your bag with open ears to listen, an adventurous spirit to engage, and a porous mind that will soak up the excited environment. Get ready for a family reunion that you will never forget. Catch a sneak peak of NIRSA 2016 online before you hit the road in early April and remember that regardless of any travel trials, your trip is sure to result in a true treasure due to the lessons you’re going to learn and the leadership skills you will develop in Kissimmee this year. See you in sunny Florida to network, mentor, and explore!
