Lauryn Rogers
University of Windsor

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 think that collegiate recreation is a very important aspect of the post-secondary education system. I have always been very passionate about fitness, recreation, and health, so being involved in recreation once I began my post-secondary education was a vital part of my experience. The benefits I have experienced from being involved in collegiate recreation have been truly life changing. Not only have I become a better leader, I have improved both my physical and mental health during the process. Recreation has allowed me to grow as an individual and developed my skills in a variety of different ways. I have developed a confidence that has allowed me to push myself and believe in myself in ways that I did not think I was capable of prior to getting involved with the University of Windsor’s recreation programs. Another reason that recreation has influenced my development is that is has allowed me to explore different career paths and opened a door to other possibilities for the future, for which I am very grateful.

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?

In my opinion, a major issue that students face today within the context of the NIRSA Strategic Plan is within equity, diversity, and inclusion. In the last few years, it has become much more evident that all institutions must adapt and modify their procedures as we move towards a more diverse, equal, and inclusive society. It is very important that we provide a safe and welcoming environment for every student, regardless of their race, gender, sex, sexual orientation, and many more identifying factors. During my time working for Lancer Recreation, we learned that we did not have an adequate representation of the Indigenous community within our program. This pushed our team to get involved in racial equity, diversity, and inclusivity seminars that broadened our knowledge vastly. As a team, we all determined that it was extremely important to educate ourselves more about Indigenous culture so we are better equipped to recognize the Indigenous peoples within our campus community. In order to address the issue of equity, diversity, and inclusion while on the Student Leadership Team, I would encourage other students to attend an educational program that may inform them about different cultures and races. I learned many very important lessons from attending said programs and I enjoyed learning about a culture outside of my own.

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

Throughout my employment with Lancer Recreation, I have had the opportunity to volunteer for a variety of events such as the Relay for Life, where I raised over $600 for the Canadian Cancer Society. I have also participated in many open houses on the university campus, where I gave tours to incoming students. On multiple occasions, I volunteered at the Lancer Recreation information booth at our varsity home games to showcase all of the great things our department was planning. One of my favourite volunteer experiences was for a local retirement home in my hometown, where I planned recreational activities for the residents such as corn hole, horseshoe, and many more engaging activities.

Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 pandemic, I have not had the opportunity to do any presentations during my time in school, but I am very optimistic about getting the chance to present all of the benefits of being involved with NIRSA. All of the experiences I have described qualify me for the regional student leader position because these experiences helped me develop my leadership skills and my communication skills as well as informed me about how to improve the level of student engagement and involvement. I am qualified to advocate and serve the students of the Association because I am a very hardworking and responsible student with a passion for making the student experience as positive as I can, and I thoroughly enjoy engaging with the recreation community. I have had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills through my multiple positions at the University of Windsor, and I have been able to effectively support my fellow student employees during my time as the Marketing Supervisor.

As a Regional Student Leader within NIRSA, 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?

During my time with Lancer Recreation, our staff has worked very hard to recruit first- and second-year students. This is because student staff retention is very important to us. My personal experience is a great example of the opportunities that can arise for students. I began my position in my first semester of university, and I have grown as a person and as an employee throughout the three years I have worked for the recreation department. I have gained an amazing amount of experience working in collegiate recreation. I know that I would do a very good job with student recruitment and retention because one of my dominant skills is my ability to manage time and organize well. I am a full-time student who has worked two part-time jobs while maintaining an average that I am very proud of. I am a very supportive person and I encourage everyone to have a positive outlook on life. I have always been a very good communicator, specifically with those who come to me for advice or with questions. I pride myself on being a good listener with an understanding disposition. I would bring an innovative and student-focused perspective to the Student Leadership Team.