My First Racquetball Experience

So I have been employed in Campus Recreation for 5 1/2 years, and I had never played a game of racquetball until yesterday....I know, I know, how can that happen. I'm not going to put out any excuses, in this field, it is important to know about each area in your facility. So now racquetball is on my arsenal list.

Yesterday, I played my first "game" of racquetball with my Assistant Director. It wasn't really a game. Basically, my supervisor taught me how to play the game, some mechanics, and some rules of etiquette. We played a couple of rounds and didn't even keep score...that is how terrible I am right now. Yet, racquetball is a sport that you can get use to after playing it for some time. I could see myself start to pick it up as we were going along. Let's also say that it is a very good cardio sport; well for me it is. I was sweating so bad, you would have thought I had just stepped out of a sauna. But I had fun.

The cool thing was how patient my supervisor was when he was teaching me how to play. That reminded me how important patience is in leadership. When in a leadership position you must be able to be patient with those who you are trying to lead. As long as they have the drive and desire, your actions will help them get to where they need to be, no matter how long it takes. We often must find new techniques when teaching others because everyone has different learning styles. It takes patience in order to figure out another person's learning style.

So I encourage everyone to show others patience and try a game of racquetball if you haven't. I have to go stretch out my arm, it is still sore...

Reflection #1

So far as NIRSA Region IV Representative, I have seen many opportunities laid before me, and I really enjoy it. The longer my membership in NIRSA is, the more I see what it is, what it can be, and the opportunities that it provides.

No more than two years ago, the word "Selflessness" was not part of my vocabulary; this does not mean i did not have this quality. Rather, I just didn't realize that I had that quality or fully understood the concept. This position, and any team position for that matter, should require selflessness. This quality is often lost by many today. There are many times when Selfishness overtakes selflessness. During my time in this field I have seen many students look solely at what they can benefit from rather than how they can be a benefit. A realization needs to happen where they understand that if they give up their selfish ways and become committed the the betterment of the team, that they will benefit much more.

"A person does not become whole until he or she becomes a part of something bigger than himself or herself"

-Jimmy Valvano-

A pretty simple explanation, to a concept that should be embraced more. Yes, there is a time to be selfish, but in leadership, more selflessness is required.

It is my hope that I can do great things for the organizations that I am a part of. I also hope that this will show others the great benefit to being a part of such great teams.