Lexi Morrissey
University of Central Florida

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.

I believe collegiate recreation is an essential aspect of the higher education experience that can greatly contribute to a student’s sense of belonging. In many collegiate recreation programs across the nation, there is an experience for everyone, whether they’re interested in a sport club, outdoor adventure trip, or just staying active. These experiences create opportunities for students to grow into themselves in a safe environment. They can make friendships and discover themselves in ways they have never explored. A common outdoor adventure quote that can be attributed to campus recreation as a whole is “Challenge by choice.” We provide spaces for students to challenge themselves and foster their growth. In my own experience, I did not truly feel a part of my college campus until I was involved with the recreation center as a student employee and a participant in multiple programs. Through the opportunities provided by the recreation programs, I found a career path that combines the things I love- developing students and sports. My supervisors trusted me enough to offer growth opportunities since my sophomore year of undergrad, and I am thankful I accepted the challenges. I can truly say I would not have graduated college without the support and trust of campus recreation, so providing the same connections to other students is a very important goal of mine.

Within the context of the NIRSA Strategic Plan, what area/item would you say is a major issue students face today? Please identify a student-driven issue that we are currently facing today and how you would like to address this during your term. How will you create solutions in your role on the Student Leadership Team to address it?

A major issue students face today is establishing a sense of belonging, especially for BIPOC or LGBTQ+-identifying students. In the NIRSA JDEI Climate Report and Analysis, member experiences were listed as a major theme asked among focus groups. The participants shared they experienced microaggressions as BIPOC members and a history of erasure of LGBTQ+ members. These experiences were addressed again in the membership needs theme, where providing financial opportunities to these underrepresented groups was impressed upon. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are values of mine that I would carry into my term. As an advocate for the student members in NIRSA, I would give all my effort into reducing the previously mentioned member experiences and uplifting member needs. As NIRSA continues in this evolving society, we cannot leave behind folx who are traditionally marginalized. We must create spaces for them and amplify their voices.

In describing your contributions to NIRSA (i.e. presentations, volunteering, previous leadership roles, etc.), identify how your involvement and experiences meet the NIRSA Student Leader position criteria and qualify you to advocate for and serve the students of the Association?

As a student leader in multiple roles within collegiate recreation, I have had opportunities to develop not only my skills but the skills of those around me. A great leader inspires others with their actions, and my actions show my leadership skills. I’ve been able to create trainings for student staff regarding several aspects of equity, diversity, and inclusion, including developmental sessions on pronouns, interacting with Special Olympics athletes in an intramural setting and tailoring officer training to traditional and non-traditional clubs and their students. Throughout my experiences, I believe I would be more than prepared to advocate for and assist in the development of the students of NIRSA.

As the NIRSA Student Leader, you have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the field of collegiate recreation. With a focus on Student Member Recruitment & Retention, and Student Development what skills, talents, and perspectives would you bring to the Student Leadership Team?

Students are a reflection of the society they grow up in. As the collegiate student body evolves, NIRSA needs to evolve with it. While NIRSA has many responsibilities, none are relevant without a student population to serve. I will bring my experiences in student staff and sport club officer recruitment and retention to this position within NIRSA to keep the flame burning for collegiate recreation. Students need to feel heard, understood, and supported, not just accepted. We can challenge them to grow and become leaders when these basic needs are fulfilled. One of my strengths is relationship building. I will use this strength to listen, understand, and support the students, then challenge them to grow, as people have done for me.