By Erica Estes, 2015-2015 NIRSA Student Leader
“Life is always turning a new page and encouraging us to begin again.” –Terry Cohen
Congratulations on completing another successful, exciting, and eventful year as an active student in collegiate recreation! As many of you are anticipating the turning of a new page in life—whether that’s through graduation, summer internships, or your first professional position—the 2015-2016 Student Leadership Team is also embarking on a new journey. Your SLT is already gearing up for yet another outstanding NIRSA-year full of tournament, conference, and networking opportunities.
As student stewards of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, the Student Leadership Team wants to embody YOU! This Association has had a lasting impact on all of us—particularly through the many leadership and development opportunities it’s provided—and so our goal as a united front is to ensure that we offer similar opportunities to everyone within the NIRSA student community.
Your SLT also wants to not only hear your voice, but to bring your ideas and initiatives to fruition. With this in mind, the entire team is asking you to please contact us with any comments, questions, or concerns that you may have throughout the coming year. Please don’t hesitate to send your Regional Student Leader a message!
Region I
Andrew Doyle is currently the Graduate Assistant for Facilities at Quinnipiac University. A Region I native, Andrew has a love for all things northeast—especially the New England Patriots. Note to all New York Jets fanatics: Andrew may not return your emails until after football season.
Region II
By way of Florida Gulf Coast University, Jenny Rodgers is now working as the Graduate Assistant for Events & Scheduling at Clemson University. Be on the lookout this year for Jenny’s #MotivationalMonday tweets on the @NIRSAStudents Twitter account!
Region III
Parker Anderson is the Graduate Assistant for Competitive Sports at The Ohio State University. With a background in all things athletic, Parker is always thinking strategically about the best game plan. Look out Region III, your Student Lead On is going to be one for the record books!
Region IV
Ashford Evans-Brown is currently working as the Graduate Assistant for Marketing and Promotions at Prairie View A&M University. Not only is Ashford innovative and creative but, as a long-time rugby player, Ashford also knows how to play hard and adapt to almost any situation.
Region V
Region V is in the fun-loving hands of Jordan Grindeland, Graduate Assistant for Intramural Sports at Drake University. Jordan, also known as “Grindy,” is sure to pull everyone out on the dance floor with his spectacular swing-dance skills. He does a fantastic job of making sure everyone in the group feels included!
Region VI
Leigha Krick currently serves as the Graduate Assistant for Group Fitness and Instruction at Washington State University. She is the spark plug of our dynamic team and has a strong passion for mentorship, empowerment, and…COFFEE!
Although unique as individuals, the SLT is united by a passion for this profession and a gratitude for those who have come before us. We each realize that we are a product of our mentors, that we are the fruits of their continual labor. Knowing the impact that our respective mentor relationships have had, one of the SLT’s goals for this upcoming year is to establish additional mentorship opportunities for campus recreation students and professionals.
A fantastic mentoring opportunity that NIRSA currently offers is the Mentor Program. If you’re interested in learning and growing from others, then this program is perfect for you. The Mentor Program helps pair NIRSA student members with professional members looking to share their wisdom. The program even provides mentor pairings with article, video, and book suggestions to help facilitate meaningful conversations that can lead to a valuable and lasting relationship.
The Student Leadership Team wants YOU to be as involved with NIRSA as possible this upcoming year. Consider standing for a state student representative position, acting as a leader on your campus by being an engagement coordinator, or volunteering for one of the many NIRSA Championship Series tournaments. Whatever your passion within recreation, push yourself to seek out every available opportunity, and to turn a new page in your individual book of life. As the 2015-2016 NIRSA Student Leadership Team, we are here to support YOU and ensure that your new beginning is made possible.
