Leadership Notes

Prepare today for tomorrow’s success

By Amy Jo Jenkins, University of Texas at Austin, National Student Representative

Over the past month I have had the privilege of representing NIRSA at two Student Lead On Conferences (Regions III and IV) and the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference. I also took part in the Texas Outdoor Leadership Conference, which is not affiliated with NIRSA, but was started by outdoor professionals at three Texas institutions. There were more than 700 attendees at these four conferences, and countless hours of preparation and behind the scenes work. What excites me most is that most of this work was done by energetic and enthusiastic students. And a few years down the road, they will be the ones leading our Association. Thanks to all who planned, presented and attended these conferences!

As I drove home after the last conference (at least until the Annual Conference in Minneapolis!), I reflected on all the students and professionals I met throughout the past year. It is always wonderful and comforting to see those warm, smiling faces of friends and colleagues from past conferences. It is also exciting and energizing to see those new, unsure, nervous faces for the first time. I met students who drove ten hours through a blizzard to attend a Lead On, professionals who were presenting for the first time at a NIRSA conference, and numerous students who were eager to find out more about NIRSA. To those students currently involved, thank you for your dedication and passion in recreational sports and for spreading the NIRSA message. To those students who still are not sure about all these conferences or are fearful of presenting in public, hang in there—we were all in your shoes at some point!

So, now what, you ask? Now is the time to take a quick breather, and figure out where you’re headed and what you want. If you’re traveling to Minneapolis, check out the conference website for pre-conference workshops, education sessions and social events. If you’re looking for a graduate assistantship or professional position, check out the student website full of information on resumes, cover letters and interviewing tips. The more work you do now, the better prepared you will be at the Annual Conference (and the more fun you’ll have!). Prepare today for tomorrow’s success.

See you in Minneapolis!

Amy Jo