By Erica Estes, 2015-2016 NIRSA Student Leader
Each one of our lives is filled with an abundance of busyness. This active and engaged style of living comes with having to constantly balance our roles as students, employees, friends, and teammates. While we are perpetually exposed to experiential learning opportunities, I believe that in order to understand ourselves, we must also set aside time to reflect on our experiences.
In today’s culture, we are focused on continuous striving and achievement; our academic and professional curriculums are goal-driven to ensure that we arrive at destinations in an effective and efficient manner. While being goal-oriented is a good thing—perhaps even a necessity—I hope that each of us can begin to place higher value on our journeys, on the paths we meander. I hope that you recognize that you’re gonna be sculpted by the experiences you have as you head towards a landmark moment.
My summer travels have offered the perfect platform for me to reflect on my journey over the past year—an adventure I could never have imagined in my wildest dreams. When I began to think about my experiences, my favorite childhood country artist, Miss Reba McEntire, came to mind. The words of wisdom from her hit song “You’re Gonna Be” resonated with me as I attempted to draw meaning from even the smallest steps along my life’s journey:
“You’re gonna fly with every dream you chase
You’re gonna cry, but know that that’s okay
Sometimes life’s not fair, but if you hang in there
You’re gonna see that sometimes bad is good
We just have to believe things work out like they should”
It can often be difficult to see the struggles and challenges of our daily life in such a light; but it’s important to recognize that each step of life’s journey has value and purpose. Both the highs and lows have their place and contribute to the greater good. It is when we make it a priority to interpret and reflect on these waves of experience that we are able to discover the greater values and lessons.
One of the many advantages of working in the collegiate recreation profession is that each of our journeys features similar landmarks. The students and professionals who are also part of this Association can be the necessary water sources or tent you’ll need along your life’s hike. When you feel as though a portion of your journey is difficult, reach out to those who are sharing in this campus recreation life with you. Always consult your mentor for a guiding hand along the way, and remember that you are never on this adventure alone. There are a plethora of resources that can help you navigate the various pathways to the profession.
“Cause anything worth doing is worth doing all the way
Just know you’ll have to live with all
the choices that you make
So make sure you’re always givin’ way
more than you’re takin’”
Regardless of your progress along the trail, giving your utmost is the best way to serve others and, ultimately, yourself through the journey. I was recently reflecting on the trials and triumphs of my experience as a graduate assistant and realized that I have gotten the most out of my time when I am giving to those around me. I encourage you to survey your ultimate destination and consider how serving and developing others can be incorporated into your path.
Consider how NIRSA’s strategic values can act as a roadmap for each of our journeys towards success. Allow these core values to guide you toward your professional goals. And don’t forget to also craft goals to help navigate your personal pursuits. With this as the big picture, remember that the journey is the destination and that the present is where we learn to live. Imagine all we have to gain as a NIRSA community by reflecting on, analyzing, and appreciating the present moments within our profession. Recognize and embrace the fact that you’re gonna be shaped by the steps that compose your unique journey.
As your summer adventures take you far and wide, take time to reflect on your individual journey. Recognize that the only way to reach the top of the mountain is by living within and fully embracing both the rocky and smooth sides of life. As American writer and philosopher Robert Pirsig says:
“Each footstep isn’t just a means to an end but a unique event in itself…To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top. Here is where things grow.”
