Employee Spotlight: Chris R.

Name: Chris R.

Position: Member Services Assistant

Year in School: Freshman

How long have you worked with Rec Well: 3 months

Meet Chris, one of our new smiling faces at the Welcome center. Chris is a freshman and is new to the entire OU experience. He chose to work at Rec Well because of the fun atmosphere we provide and all of the connections we offer our student employees. He has already made plans to join some of the intramural teams that the other employees create in order to get to know the other employees. Chris also wants to get to know more people on campus so he has decided to look into joining some different clubs on campus. Rec Well is happy that we are able to help students like Chris make these connections and we are certain that Chris is not going to regret coming to work with us!

 Why did you want to work at the Rec?

“I thought this would be a good opportunity to meet new people and other students on campus.”

What is your favorite part about working here?

“So far I have made a lot of new friends and met a lot of people as a desk attendant. I like being able to meet new people on a daily basis.”

When you’re not at the Rec, what are some things you like to do?

“When I’m not here I’m usually enjoying my free time by hanging out with friends on campus or playing video games.”

What fuels your shift? (Music, food, people, etc.)

“Being able to talk to my coworkers and interact constantly with others makes my shift more interesting.”

What are you looking forward to?

“Since I am new to OU I want to get more involved and I look forward to joining more clubs and doing different campus activities.”

What are your plans for the future?

“So far I just want to get used to the college life and get to know more people and get involved.”

Name your top 3 workout songs

“When I do workout I will basically listen to anything that is fast-paced.”

What is your best tip for health and wellness?

“Always move during the day. As long as you’re moving it means you’re doing something!”

Fun Fact:

“I already have my real-estate license so I can help you buy a house!”

 

Employee Spotlight: Kelcey H.

Name: Kelcey H.

Position: Wellness Ambassador

Year in School: Senior

How long have you worked at OU RecWell: 1 year

Intro

Say hello to Kelcey, one of our wellness ambassadors. Kelcey works behind the scenes in the Wellness Suite on projects and events regarding wellness programs and promotions. She works hard to promote not only being physically fit but also on how to keep track of your mental health.

 Why did you want to work at the Rec?

I wanted to help others succeed in the aspect of wellness. I wanted to help educate people in both their mental and physical well-being.

What is your favorite part about working here?

Since I started this job I have learned a lot while helping others, which has been very rewarding.

When you’re not at the Rec, what are some things you like to do?

When I don’t have to worry about any exams or homework I like to just stay home and relax. I will most likely be sleeping!

What are you looking forward to?

I look forward to making an impact on more people. I love being able to educate students and I hope that I will be able to impact more individuals outside of student audiences in my future.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to apply to medical school within the next year. I am interested in studying general surgery or trauma surgery.

Name your top 3 workout songs

I listen to mostly rap during my workouts. I turn on Apple music and find a rap playlist and let it run!

What is your best tip for health and wellness?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Fun Fact:

I just got the opportunity to meet my biological father and his side of the family three years ago.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love Working at Rec Well

Here are our employees reasons why they love working at OU Rec Well!

1. “No matter what position you hold at the Rec, you are always learning new skills. Rec Well has offered us many different training opportunities that lead to students having transferable skills to take into the workforce.”

Nathaniel S. (Senior) Lifeguard

2. “Becoming a part of the marketing team as an intern has not only taught me about my future profession, with the help of my boss, but it has also given me an insight on the ‘real working world’. I now have a foot inside the door in the marketing field and have a better understanding of what to expect when I enter the workforce.”

Madeline N. (Junior) Graphic Design Intern

3. “Working at one of the bigger and more popular buildings that attracts students has opened doors to a lot of friendships that not a lot of other students would have the privilege of having. The amount of possible connections is endless and that is a major perk.”

Alexis H. (Senior) Lifeguard

4. “This job is very convenient for any student to manage with their class schedule. The supervisors understand that we are students and help to make sure school is the number one priority.”

Jade M. (Senior) Member Services Assistant 

5. “If you personally have a passion for fitness then this is a great environment to be in. You have the power to uplift others when they are pursuing their fitness goals.”

Courtney F. (Junior) Member Services Assistant

6. “Working in a physical environment not only allows us to promote a healthier lifestyle for our customers but it also helps us to stay on a healthy track as well!”

Kirstie B. (Junior) Fitness Assistant

7. “Having a job at a gym gives me no excuse to not work out and better myself. If I am here encouraging people to be healthy then I should also do my part to work out and be healthy.”

Sheilah H. (Senior) Building Manager

8. “Being able to work as the club sports program assistant has given me skills and a lot of relevant experience that I can put onto my resume. I plan on becoming a strength conditioning coach so being able to work with sports and build my knowledge and communication skills in this area is great to show on my resume.”

Tyler T. (Junior) Club Sports PA

9. “Aside from helping people physically workout, working at a recreation center allows me to educate others on how to live a healthy lifestyle. Working here allows me to have an impact on someone’s physical and mental well-being.”

Kelcey H. (Senior) Wellness Ambassador

10. “Working here has actually made me a more outgoing individual. I find that it is easier for me to talk to others and to voice my opinions. Since I am more confident in being able to talk to others I find it a lot easier for myself to give fitness advice and to create relationships with the customers.”

Shantel G. (Senior) Fitness Assistant

Employee Spotlight: Emily P.

Name: Emily P.

Position: Fitness Assistant

Year in School: Senior

How long have you worked with Rec Well: 3 months

 Intro

We would like to give a warm welcome to Emily, one of our newest Fitness assistants. She decided to come work with Rec Well because of (1) her love for exercise, and (2) to build experience for her future career as a health science major.

Why did you want to work at the Rec?

“I am an Health Science major, but want to focus specifically on exercise, so I thought this environment would be a good place to experience my field in action.”

What is your favorite part about working here?

“I really like the other staff members I’ve met by working here.”

When you’re not at the Rec, what are some things you like to do?

“I like to still come here and play basketball with friends.”

What fuels your shift? (Music, food, people, etc.)

“I think the people make my shift go by fast and it’s nice to be able to talk to different people.”

What are you looking forward to?

“I am looking forward to graduating next semester!”

What are your plans for the future?

“I have a lot of different career ideas for myself, which include: cardiac rehab, becoming a personal trainer, or an educational teacher for well-being. I look forward to learning what the best option is once I graduate and go further into my career.”

What is your best tip for health and wellness?

“Don’t take the easy way out. It is better to take the stairs instead of the elevator.”

Fun Fact: “I have a three-year-old godson that I spoil constantly.”

 

Managing the New Semester the Right Way

Getting back into the semester routine means students are going to have to get used to new class schedules, different professor expectations, and back into the grind of doing homework and studying. Students can become overwhelmed with the new amount of work and that can create stress and anxiety which leads to the bad habits of continuous nights of staying up late, running on very little hours of sleep, and consuming numerous cups of coffee just to stay focused. Isn’t there a better way to manage the new semester workload without getting into the bad habits of not sleeping enough and letting your stress take over?

Yes there is and it’s simple…increase your daily exercise! While it sounds simple, exercise doesn’t eliminate the stressful activities that have to be done or slow down the time but it can have three beneficial effects on the body to respond to stress better: 

1. Exercise creates blood flow to the brain, which allows oxygen, antioxidants, and glucose to enter the brain.
2. Allows for the release of beneficial hormones and chemical compounds into the body.
3. Improves focus and helps the brain to function faster. (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/features/exercising-exam-success)

#1 – Creating blood flow to the brain

According to Simple Gym (https://simplygym.co.uk/exercising-will-help-exam-performance/), physical activity does many things for the body. It gets all of the body parts moving, both internal and external. It increases the heart rate, gets your arms and legs moving, and circulates the blood within the body. Circulating blood throughout the body is very important, especially for the brain. Blood carries air, sugars, antioxidants, and hormones into the brain. Having an increased flow is beneficial because it gets all of these elements moving in your body. By coming to Rec Well for one hour a day you are giving your body the chance to increase the necessary blood flow. This blood flow increase does not have to be done by a traditional cardio and weight lifting session. You can come to the Rec and participate in a 1-hour GroupX class, swim in the lap pools, or play basketball or racquetball for an hour. By taking advantage of the center for one hour a day, you will notice an increase in your energy, which will most likely impact your performance in your classes.

#2 – Releasing hormones and chemical compounds

 When the body gets blood flowing into the brain certain hormones and chemicals are released into the body and brain. For example, Simply Gym also identifies three main hormones/chemicals being released during physical exercise which include:

1. Serotonin – involved in regulating sleep cycles and boosting ones mood.
2. Dopamine – positively influences learning and elevates ones attention span.
3. Norepinephrine – affects motivation and mental stimulation.

Along with releasing these helpful hormones, exercise significantly reduces the resting levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, allowing someone to spend less time worrying, and more time getting work done. So, if your classes are becoming stressful as the semester gets busier and you find yourself becoming very stressed come to the Rec! Releasing these hormones giving your body the ability to release this tension will help you to return to a more calm and relaxed state which will help improve your studying

#3 – Improves focus and helps the brain to function faster

When blood is flowing throughout the entire body and these hormones and chemicals have been released it is automatically assumed that the brain is functioning at a higher rate that it would be without any physical exercise. It has also been proven that this physical exercise allows one to focus a lot better afterwards due to a study done by the University of Surrey. Individuals are able to focus for longer periods of time and their attention span is at a higher quality, both being very helpful for taking exams.

Exercise is not just to lose weight, or to tone the body, it is also a natural remedy for stress, and helps brain functioning. Keep in mind that one doesn’t need to exercise for hours on end to get these results. A simple 20-minute walk before the exam would give you these benefits. So, instead of staying up until 2 a.m., waking up at 8 a.m. to grab a coffee and make it to class on time try going to bed early, waking up and eat a healthy breakfast, and give your body 30 minutes of physical exercise.

Can You Earn Your Stripes?

What jobs exist at universities for students looking for that unique experience? Traditional positions may include office helpers, tutoring, catering, service desks, and while these positions offer many benefits—what about exploring an employment opportunity that will challenge you, and change you in unexpected ways?

Have you ever considered becoming an intramural referee? Does this idea intimidate you, or excite you? This opportunity is a hidden gem at Oakland University with only 30-40 student positions. Thanks to our current referees, ranging from freshman to seniors, this blog uncovers what you can expect as an intramural sports referee, and the unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

Grow your voice

Many of our referees agreed the largest benefit was their personal growth. Spencer W., (pre-business sophomore) shared being a referee for one year has given him more confidence. “You interact with all different types of people and sometimes they don’t agree with the call you make or how you monitor the game. So, you have to stand your ground and make your voice heard.” Overall, the majority of our referees responded with gaining communication skills, leadership skills, and personal growth.

Sharing common concerns

Current referees admit to initally having some doubts prior to accepting the position. The main concern was their level of experience with the different sports they would have to ref. They were quickly relieved during the interview process because they learned no prior experience is required. Each referee is provided paid training to be successful in this position. Entering his 3^rd year as a referee, James G., (finance junior) shares that he had no prior experience in refereeing before he started. “I thought the job would be fun and I love sports, so I went to training and got the hang of it!” James fell in love with being a ref and even noticed that this position taught him skills that would help him in the workplace environment, such as communication skills, problem solving, and time management.

Our referees were also concerned about managing conflict on the field and dealing with difficult situations. Mary M., (elementary education junior) shares: “I didn’t know if this was a job for me because of the late hours. At first I thought it wouldn’t be good if I was already having a bad day and then I would have to go and deal with angry players yelling at me.” Mary followed her gut and took the job, which ultimately taught her how to “ignore the little things”, and helped her to “grow thicker skin.”

Why should you try it?

Every job we encounter in our lives will have multiple pros and cons. “Yes, the job has some difficult days, but when I look back on my experience I realize how many skills I gained, how many connections I’ve made, and just how much fun I’ve had during the past 3 years as a ref supervisor” explains Kylie W. Not only is it a fun job but it’s also a unique position that not many others can say that had the pleasure of enduring. It goes to show that trying something out of your comfort zone really can lead to a successful experience. Listed below are the main reasons why our referees believe this job is worth your time.

1. Financially rewarding– it serves as your paycheck during the semester.
2. Personal growth– you gain confidence, new skills, and the ability to self-reflect.
3. Social experience– during your shift you are always able to socialize and meet new people.
4. Helps your health– this position requires you to be moving, which means you’re getting exercise.
5. Dealing with different situations and new people– any sports game will bring on unique situations with many different people. You get to enjoy “out-of-the-box” situations with new people.
6. Scheduling– most intramural games are in the evening, which means your shift won’t interfere with your daytime events and classes.

How do I apply?

Complete the Rec Well employment application at Oakland.edu/Recwell. Rec Well is always accepting applications, even if there is not a specific position available at the moment. Applications are filed and students are typically contacted within the semester if positions open up. When students apply to work at Rec Well there is an option on the application to check the “Referee” box. Kylie W., intramural sports supervisor shares her experience: “I remember coming in to fill out the application to become a welcome desk assistant and when I saw the option to be a referee I got really excited. I had no idea that being a referee was even an option until I looked at the employment application!”

Starting Off Strong

Getting back into the semester routine means students are going to have to get used to new class schedules, different professor expectations, and back into the grind of doing homework and studying. Students can become overwhelmed with the new amount of work and that can create stress and anxiety which leads to the bad habits of continuous nights of staying up late, running on very little hours of sleep, and consuming numerous cups of coffee just to stay focused. Isn’t there a better way to start the new semester without getting into the bad habits of not sleeping enough and letting your stress take over?

Yes there is and it’s simple…increase your daily exercise! While it sounds simple, exercise doesn’t eliminate the stressful activities that have to be done or slow down the time but it can have three beneficial effects on the body to respond to stress better: 

1. Exercise creates blood flow to the brain, which allows oxygen, antioxidants, and glucose to enter the brain.
2. Allows for the release of beneficial hormones and chemical compounds into the body.
3. Improves focus and helps the brain to function faster. (https://www.surrey.ac.uk/features/exercising-exam-success)

#1 – Creating blood flow to the brain 

According to Simple Gym (https://simplygym.co.uk/exercising-will-help-exam-performance/), physical activity does many things for the body. It gets all of the body parts moving, both internal and external. It increases the heart rate, gets your arms and legs moving, and circulates the blood within the body. Circulating blood throughout the body is very important, especially for the brain. Blood carries air, sugars, antioxidants, and hormones into the brain. Having an increased flow is beneficial because it gets all of these elements moving in your body. By coming to Rec Well for one hour a day you are giving your body the chance to increase the necessary blood flow. This blood flow increase does not have to be done by a traditional cardio and weight lifting session. You can come to the Rec and participate in a 1-hour GroupX class, swim in the lap pools, or play basketball or racquetball for an hour. By taking advantage of the center for one hour a day, you will notice an increase in your energy, which will most likely impact your performance in your classes.

#2 – Releasing hormones and chemical compounds

When the body gets blood flowing into the brain certain hormones and chemicals are released into the body and brain. For example, Simply Gym also identifies three main hormones/chemicals being released during physical exercise which include:

1. Serotonin – involved in regulating sleep cycles and boosting ones mood.
2. Dopamine – positively influences learning and elevates ones attention span.
3. Norepinephrine – affects motivation and mental stimulation.

Along with releasing these helpful hormones, exercise significantly reduces the resting levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, allowing someone to spend less time worrying, and more time getting work done. So, if your classes are becoming stressful as the semester gets busier and you find yourself becoming very stressed come to the Rec! Releasing these hormones giving your body the ability to release this tension will help you to return to a more calm and relaxed state which will help improve your studying.

#3 – Improves focus and helps the brain to function faster

When blood is flowing throughout the entire body and these hormones and chemicals have been released it is automatically assumed that the brain is functioning at a higher rate that it would be without any physical exercise. It has also been proven that this physical exercise allows one to focus a lot better afterwards due to a study done by the University of Surrey. Individuals are able to focus for longer periods of time and their attention span is at a higher quality, both being very helpful for taking exams.

Exercise is not just to lose weight, or to tone the body, it is also a natural remedy for stress, and helps brain functioning. Keep in mind that one doesn’t need to exercise for hours on end to get these results. A simple 20-minute walk before the exam would give you these benefits. So, instead of staying up until 2 a.m., waking up at 8 a.m. to grab a coffee and make it to class on time try going to bed early, waking up and eat a healthy breakfast, and give your body 30 minutes of physical exercise.

Employee Spotlight: Cheyenne K.

Position: Fitness Attendant

Year in School: Sophomore

How long have you worked with Rec Well: 3 months

Cheyenne is a sophomore at Oakland University and a fitness attendant with Rec Well. While Cheyenne has been with Rec Well for 3 months, she does more than simply help people workout in the Fitness Center—she assists with a program called Know Your Numbers. Cheyenne feels her purpose is to make a difference at the Rec through helping others learn how to use fitness equipment, as well as encouraging patrons to know their health numbers to begin conversations about living healthy lifestyles. Being able to assist with Know Your Numbers allows Cheyenne to see numbers that may impact a person’s physical health, mental health, and emotional health. Knowing health numbers and ratings can be very eye-opening for patrons that participate.

Why did you want to work at the Rec?

“I wanted to be a part of an uplifting environment where people are motivated to workout and better themselves.”

What is your favorite part about working here?

“I love meeting new people and being able to help answer any fitness questions.”

When you’re not at the Rec, what are some things you like to do?

“I still enjoy working out so I end up coming here even on my days off, or I like spending time with friends.”

What fuels your shift? (Music, food, people, etc.)

“I tend to people-watch! That might sound creepy but I watch the workouts that other people are doing and it gives me my own workout ideas.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I have a goal of running a full marathon before I graduate, which I am training for at the Rec. I look forward to doing this because that will be a personal achievement.”

What is your best tip for health and wellness?

“My personal advice is to do everything in moderation. Don’t workout too hard one day and then skip the next.”

Fun Fact: “I love to hula hoop and it’s a hobby that I practice!”

Annual Rec Feast Celebration!

November marks the beginning of a season that allows us to reflect, give thanks, and of course, celebrate! While traditions held may be among friends or family, University Recreation and Well-Being (Rec Well) employees have a Thanksgiving tradition of their own. This celebration, known as Rec Feast, has been hosted since 1998, which was the very first year that the Recreation Center was established. For 20 years, professional staff and student employees across all working units join together, giving everyone time to sit down with their coworkers to enjoy food, stories, and laughs.

How does Rec Well make Rec Feast happen? Rec Well Assistant Director, Marie VanBuskirk explains, “the structure of Rec Feast has changed, but the intention for hosting has always remained the same. In the past, each working area would be assigned a course (e.g. fitness brought salad, aquatics brought drinks, etc.). While it was special that every person participated in creating the meal together, we’ve transitioned to the administrative staff entirely providing and preparing the meal for the student employees as a true, heartfelt thank you.”

The administrative staff also believes Rec Feast plays an important role in creating a stronger workplace community. A new member services employee, Erin H., is excited to experience her first Rec Feast and feels that this dinner is going to help her become closer to the staff. Erin shares, “an event like this impacts myself and Rec Well in a positive way because it encourages everyone to come together and get to know folks on a more personal level.” Erin has described one of the pillars of Rec Well: creating a stronger community.

According to research from Endless Events, organizational events like this are important to host for three main reasons. First, they can improve organizational culture. Rec Feast brings employees together to interact and create stronger relationships. Secondly, they can promote creativity. Rec Feast allows employees to voice their opinions, express their views, and share new ideas with new people. This can lead to more cross-collaboration. Lastly, these events can boost morale amongst working groups. Rec Well employees are excited to come to this event because it is a chance to unwind, relax, and have fun with individuals they may not interact with on a daily basis.

Overall, Rec Feast is an opportunity for Rec Well to pause, and give thanks for not only another successful year of operation, but for every individual as part of the unified team.

Bibliography:

Kaiser, M. (2018). 4 Reasons You Need to Have a Company Event. Retrieved from https://helloendless.com/4-reasons-you-need-to-have-a-company-event/

Employee Spotlight: Najae R.

Position: Members Services

Year in School: Junior

Number of years employed with Rec Well: Less than 1—new employee

Meet one of our new Rec Well Member Services employees, Najae! Najae has been with Rec Well for one month and so far, she is enjoying her time. “I love that I am able to meet more students on campus just by working here. It allows me to make connections that I wouldn’t have been able to make if I wasn’t working here.” Najae is a nursing major and is working on getting accepted into the Nursing program at OU.

Why did you want to work at the Rec?

“I needed a job for work-study and my friend Justin A., who was currently working here, told me that the Rec Well is always accepting applications. So, I applied on Handshake and here I am!”

What is your favorite part about working here?

“Getting to know my coworkers through different trainings has been the most fun and I look forward to seeing them. Interacting with our members is a close second favorite part about my job.”

When you’re not at the Rec, what are some things you like to do?

“I am usually practicing with the OU dance team, or I am doing homework and sleeping!”

What fuels your shift? (Music, food, people, etc.)

“My shift is fueled by the interaction I have with my coworkers.”

What are you looking forward to?

“Getting further in my nursing degree and to be accepted into the nursing program.”

What are your plans for the future?

“Graduate from the nursing program and become a delivery nurse.”

Name your top 3 workout songs

“I don’t have a set three favorite but I love anything by India Aria or Beyoncé.”

What is your best tip for health and wellness?

“I personally feel that your mental health should always come first. Do not stress yourself out too much because it can lead to something worse. Even if it is over school, you need to have good mental health.”

Fun Fact: 

“My name was misspelled on my birth certificate and it has never been fixed! My name is not supposed to have an “e” at the end.”