Fleur Wayman's story is a great example of how the Mason Recreation experience can help a student figure what they want from their future! Throughout her years working with Mason Rec, her roles and positions may have changed, but she has grown to be a successful and active member of our team. Her time with us ignited a passion for the field of Collegiate Recreation that has helped shape her goals for the future. Below, she describes her journey through Mason Rec and how it has impacted her life, education, and future career path.
Tell me about your journey working in different roles within Mason Recreation?
"My Mason Rec career started with working for Camps. I was a Camp Counselor, and throughout the summer I enjoyed bringing physical activity and care to very energetic kids. Towards the end of the summer one of my Supervisors, Jeremy, asked if I wanted to work for him as an Intramural Supervisor. I was very excited for the opportunity and of course I said yes."
After working within the Intramural (IM) Sports program and becoming very good friends with my coworkers, I decided to branch out and get more recreation experience. I applied and was accepted for the Customer Service Assistant (CSA) and Outdoor Supervisor position. Now I am currently working on getting referee experience and helping the IM department out so I can hopefully be a Program Assistant."
Did having changing job positions affect your goals for your future?
"Working for Jeremy and with my friend and Administrative Supervisor, Susan, really made me feel at home. Seeing all the different parts of Mason Recreation excited me and I realized that collegiate recreation was the combination of all the things I loved: sports, management, helping others enjoy physical activity, and so much more. I decided to change my major 3.5 years into it, and now I am trying to give my all to a future in recreation."
What is your favorite part of working for Mason Recreation ?
"My favorite part of working with Mason Rec is how all of us employees, student and professional, work together to solve any issue that may come our way. Recreation is a very fast paced and uncertain environment, involving many random issues needing complex problem solving. All of Mason Rec's staff works together to provide the best and quickest solution to any and every problem they face."
What are your favorite recreational sports and interests ?
"My favorite sport is Brazilian Jiujitsu, I love martial arts and I love grappling. It's very unpredictable, difficult, and rewarding. I also played quidditch for three years, and while I didn't stick with it I will always have a soft sport for the goofy but very intense sport."
Tell us about the Club Sport team you started through Mason Recreation!
I have started a Brazilian Jiujitsu club at Mason. While it hasn't been off with the smoothest of starts due to life being the busy obstacle that it is, I am very excited to start a very beneficial martial arts club at Mason. Brazilian jiujitsu at all levels is a very rewarding and fun experience if you're willing to put in the effort.
Do you have any advice to students who may be interested in working in the field of Recreation?
"Don't be afraid to mess up. Recreation is a place where everyone shares ideas and experiences, something I learned from attending the 2017 NIRSA conference, and from watching my intramural referees. Just do what you can and throw yourself into enjoying the recreation environment. If you do this I promise so many doors will open for you."
- Mason Recreation
Writer: Sean Hickey