Biography
I started in Campus Recreation at the University of Delaware where I earned my degree in Sport Management with a minor in Business Analytics. I was an Intramural Official for two years before I became an Intramural Supervisor which led to being the Coordinator of Intramural and Club Sports. During this time, I became the NIRSA Region 1 State Student Leader for DE, MD, and D.C. After I graduated, I became the Graduate Assistant of Intramural Sports and Sport Clubs where I am pursuing my MBA.
Questions & Responses
Describe your personal perspective on the role of collegiate recreation within higher education. In your response, explain how being involved with collegiate recreation has impacted your own growth and development as a student.
When I get this question I always think back to my start at the University of Delaware. I didn’t know anything at all about Campus Recreation until I became an Intramural Official. From here joining the Campus Rec community allowed me to flourish in many ways I didn’t originally see for myself: learning to prioritize my own physical fitness, further developing a passion for sports, and growing personally through creating and maintaining relationships. Student development is my number one focus as a professional because of what Campus Rec did for me as an undergraduate. I always tell my staff that we trying to help them become great officials, but most importantly, I want to help them become great people. To be ready to attack the world post-grad, both personally and professionally because Campus Rec put me in that position.
Share the ways you have been involved with NIRSA (e.g., volunteering, presentations, previous leadership roles, etc.). Explain how these experiences have prepared you to represent and advocate for students in collegiate recreation.
I was previously the Region 1 State Student Leader for DE, MD, and DC and also attended the 2024 Region 1 Conference/Student Lead-On. I will also be attending the Region VI NIRSA Championship Series at GCU on the Officials Committee. My experience has taught me how to represent the voice of the student body at my institution and around the region. Using my position to help advocate for change and also enhance student development is a huge personal pillar for me as their development is my why each and every day.
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?
I’d say health and wellbeing is a struggle for students of today. They neglect their physical health and mental wellness in many ways. Whether it be overexertion within school and work, trying their hardest to circumnavigate this challenging job market waiting for them post-grad or ignoring their physical fitness and instead opting for vices that could lead to addiction over time. During my term, I would try to emphasize departments in Campus Recreation that many don’t know about, the different ways you can achieve physical health through Campus Rec. We live in a beautiful climate in Region VI, emphasizing the Outdoor Adventures programs that are cool ways to get physically fit while exploring the terrain. Emphasizing Group Fitness classes and the ability to exercise in ways that aren’t necessarily just free weights. I feel many students know about their campus rec center and that it is a gym, but too little of the student body knows how dynamic the programming we offer is! During my term, I would like to get involved in committees that help enhance these programs and encourage my colleagues to push the idea of physical and mental wellbeing more within their institutions.
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?
As far as skills, I am a detailed thinker, I like brainstorming different ways to get students engaged. Appearing relatable, showing real empathy and care towards the students and their personal wellbeing, are some big ways I’ve been able to grow participation throughout Intramural Sports.
Describe what role you typically take on a team and how your leadership style will contribute to the Student Leadership Team.
When I am on a team, I consider myself a transformational leader. I try to inspire and motivate others. I typically speak a lot, I take the reigns and guide but I love when the decision-making process is team-driven. I never try to dominate the conversation, but lead it to a place that I believe is beneficial.
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 how you maintain a healthy balance between your various responsibilities (student, volunteer, athlete, employee, etc.).
I dedicate a lot of time to what I believe is important. I am very task-oriented, I have schedules that I follow closely during the week to allow me to manage my time efficiently. I have never had much of a problem balancing school, work, volunteering, and other interests.
