From Job to Career
Beth believes, “that she was put on a staff with the most diverse, personable, fun loving, hard working individuals on this campus.” She says that her experiences as a RecSports employee gave her tangible skills and friendships that will last her a lifetime.
What sparked your interest in working for RecSports?
I needed to find a job that was convenient and flexible with my schedule since I was a full time student. I took it as an opportunity to work in an environment that was surrounded with the type of lifestyle I was living at the time. I lived on campus and spent all of my time here so it was an obvious decision to work for RecSports. It was only after being hired that I realized all of the benefits of working in the division. It became more about the people I got the privilege to work with and less about the convenience. Having the chance to meet and learn about so many different people and their personalities was an eye opening experience. I honestly believe that working with so many different types of people taught me how to adapt and compromise with people in any type of environment.
Describe how working at RecSports helped influence your decision to pursue it as a career?
If I had to name one thing that influenced my decision to pursue recreational sports as a career, I would have to say the relationships that I’ve developed with my coworkers, supervisors and other professionals here in the division. I have formed friendships that I will have for life and had the opportunity to be a part of an unbelievable staff of students that will in some way always be connected. I know that I will always have someone to call for advice because of all the professionals in the division that have gone out of their way to be a mentor to me (Thanks E.J. and Chad). I admire the professionals here in this division because they really emphasize the importance of student development and they are an encouragement to those who struggle to find a little direction in life. My experience here with RecSports has given me the desire to be an influence on someone’s life just like I received here.
What memories will you remember most fondly as you look back at your time here?
I think the times I spent with the Indoor Satellites staff (a.k.a. the wRECking crew) will be my fondest memories. I truly believe that I was put on a staff with the most diverse, personable, fun loving, hard working individuals on this campus. I don’t know how possible it is to put the best people on one staff but I’m pretty sure that we did. I’ll never forget all those staff socials, from our annual Cinco de Mayo boat party, trips to Salt Lick, Super Bowl parties, to the infamous 2008 Spring Break trip. Either way, we always found a way to have a good time. In my opinion, I think we all have very close relationships and we always look out for one another. I will miss every moment that I’ve spent with them.
If I could say anything to the wRECking crew (student staff), I would say:
Thank you for being an inspiration to me and encouraging me to pursue recreational sports. You guys are the reason that I do what I do everyday. Thank you for keeping a smile on my face during my highest and lowest points. Even though I think we all tested each other’s patience and pushed each other’s buttons, I think we created worthwhile friendships every time. I believe that you all bring something special to the table and I can only hope that the next staff I work with can be as great as all of you. I appreciate having the opportunity to work with all of you and I know that you guys will only do great things in the future.
If I could say anything to my supervisors, E.J. and Chad, I would say:
Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I don’t think there are enough words to express my appreciation for your presence during my time here. Thanks for keeping me grounded and focused. I know that there are times that I drove both of you crazy, but I appreciate all of the patience that you both had during my moments of absolute ridiculousness. Thanks for the words of wisdom; I’ll make sure that those go with me wherever I go in the future. I think that I was very lucky to have the both of you here because I got the opportunity to work under two totally different personalities. Thanks for all the laughs, fun times, moments of encouragement, and sharing in amazing experiences. I appreciate everything and I will try to make you guys proud.
What was your reaction to winning the Thomas W. Dison Endowed Scholarship?
Through my own personal struggles and experiences at UT, I know that it is hard to be a college student and live life at the same time. There are so many obstacles that may get in the way and it becomes harder to stay focused and encouraged to continue what you’ve started. I know that everyone has a story to tell and those students that struggle are just looking for someone to reach out and invest a little time in them and help them find some direction. I think that Tom Dison does this everyday but for the student body as a whole. He embodies everything that students want in an administrator: leadership, patience, determination, hard work, and most importantly, he devotes time to listen to the students. I was honored to receive his scholarship because it let me know that the professionals in this division not only appreciate what I do here but they also have faith in my abilities and what I can do in the future.
What are your current plans after graduating?
After graduation, I will be attending the University of Georgia where I will be getting my M.Ed in Educational Administration and Policy. I will also be working as a graduate assistant for Club Sports and the RecSports Complex with the Department of Recreational Sports.
