“My bachelor’s degree (from the U) was in health and kinesiology with a minor in nutrition. And I just started a Master of Sports Management through Utah State online. Growing up, we were taught that education is very important. It was something my mother always told my siblings and me: ‘Wherever you want to go in life, education is really what you need to go for.’ That’s always been embedded in my mind, although I never loved school growing up. But when I hit college, I found my people, passion and purpose. I found my sense of community.
College gave me something that I was very interested in, where I had the opportunity to reach my goals. I’ve always wanted to be part of something larger and to do something I love. I just love managing. I love leadership skills. I definitely aspire to be in something within sports and event coordinating together.
That’s leading me up to the profession of sports facilities management, which is very exciting. That’s the route most graduates within this program progress towards.
Being in Student Affairs, I’ve seen that there are so many individuals, whether they’re directors or managers, who are still pursuing more education, and actively doing it has been very motivating and very inspirational. I wouldn’t have pictured myself in this position if it weren’t for seeing so many people in Student Affairs or even other offices nearby, striving for something more in their careers. Just seeing this has been so inspirational. I know I can actually do it.
It’s really, really great. I love this. That’s where the sense of community comes from, because I love just talking to the folks around me and being able to collaborate. But also be personable and have friendships. We’re here eight hours a day and away from family, so it helps to have good people around you.
When I’m here, there are people who you can bond with, have conversations with and just be able to be yourself. You can explore and exchange different thoughts and ideas. It’s just so nice and such a breath of fresh air to have that. It makes coming to work enjoyable.”
— Hailee Roberts, events coordinator, Center for Community and Cultural Engagement