Alyson Sanchez
SUNY Cortland

Please provide a statement of your personal views on the role and contributions of collegiate recreation in higher education. In your response, describe how collegiate recreation has influenced your development.

Collegiate recreation plays a vital role in higher education by fostering personal growth, and community engagement. Not only is it an outlet for physical activity, but it is also a foundation for student development, enhancing mental and physical health, leadership skills, and social connections. Through recreation, students learn the value of teamwork, adaptability and balance which are skills that are essential for success both academically, professionally and socially.

Within the context of the NIRSA Strategic Plan, what area/item would you say is a major issue students face today? How would you address this issue during your term?

A major issue students face today within the NIRSA Strategic Plan is mental health and well-being. This is because academic, social, and financial pressures contribute to increased stress and anxiety. To address this, I would advocate for integrating mental health resources into campus recreation through mindfulness programs, stress-relief activities, and peer support groups. Ensuring accessibility and inclusiveness in recreational facilities would help all students engage with peers, while promoting physical and social connection through intramural sports. Strengthening partnerships with campus counseling services would also create a seamless support network, helping with students’ well-being.

Describe your contributions to NIRSA (i.e. presentations, volunteering, previous leadership roles, etc.) and identify how your involvement and experiences qualify you to advocate for and serve the students of the Association.

My involvement with NIRSA includes officiating at the 2024 NIRSA Basketball Tournament in Maryland, which gave me firsthand experience in teamwork, leadership, and professionalism in a high-level setting. Through this experience, I developed strong communication, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills, which are essential for advocating for and serving students within this Association. As an official, I learned the importance of accountability and adaptability, all of which translate well into a leadership role. Being in a fast-paced environment required me to stay composed under pressure, work collaboratively with other officials and staff, and ensure a positive experience for participants.

The Student Leadership Team focuses on student development and Student Member recruitment and retention. What skills, talents, and perspectives would you bring to the Student Leadership Team that would contribute to this focus?

I can bring strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that align with the Student Leadership Team’s focus on student development and member recruitment and retention. My ability to lead by example shows a welcoming and motivated environment where students feel encouraged to grow and stay engaged. My strong interpersonal skills allow me to connect with diverse students, making them feel valued and heard. This helps with recruitment, as students are more likely to join and stay when they feel a sense of belonging. Additionally, my organizational skills ensure that events can run smoothly, keeping members actively involved. With a positive and approachable attitude, I can help new and current members feel comfortable seeking guidance, encouraging their development as leaders. By combining these strengths, I can contribute to a strong, engaged, and growing Student Leadership Team.

Describe your leadership style. How will it benefit you and the rest of the Student Leadership Team?

My leadership style is centered around leading by example and fostering an approachable, supportive environment. I believe that when people see strong, confident, and ethical leadership, they naturally gravitate toward it. By demonstrating commitment, responsibility, and a positive attitude, I inspire those around me to do the same. Additionally, I make it a priority to be approachable and supportive. If someone has a question or needs guidance, I want them to feel comfortable coming to me. I’ll always be available to listen, provide advice, and steer them in the right direction. Whether it’s helping a teammate navigate a challenge or offering encouragement during a tough time, I’ll ensure that everyone feels supported and valued. By combining these qualities, leading by example, being approachable, and guiding others in the right direction, I will contribute to a strong, unified Student Leadership Team where everyone feels empowered to succeed.

As a member of the Student Leadership Team, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the field of collegiate recreation. However, we acknowledge and respect that you are a student first. Explain your strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between your various roles (student, volunteer, athlete, employee, etc.).

Balancing multiple roles, such as student, volunteer, athlete, and employee, requires intentional planning and self-discipline. To ensure I meet all my responsibilities while maintaining my well-being, I rely on several key strategies. First, I use both a physical planner and digital tools like Google Calendar to keep track of deadlines, meetings, work shifts, and other activities. Additionally, I implement time blocking by setting aside specific periods for focused academic work, requiring myself to complete what is needed before a shift or activity to make sure I don’t fall behind. Beyond academics, I prioritize self-care by scheduling time for workouts, social activities, and mental breaks, recognizing that rest and balance are essential for sustained productivity. I also set realistic goals for each of my commitments and communicate proactively with professors, supervisors, and fellow employees to manage expectations, especially during particularly busy weeks.