Final Reflection:  I grew up participating in various recreation programs, visiting local, state and national parks and benefiting from having access to parks and recreation opportunities in various capacities. However in 2002, when I entered college, I didn't even know that parks and recreation field was a career or degree opportunity. As I evolved as a professional, it was only by chance when I was an Americorps member that I ended up in the field. Now, I am fortunate enough to be working across the state of North Carolina with academics, professionals, and volunteers towards the advancement of the park, recreation, and leisure professions.

 

In my career, I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak to various groups at a variety of conferences from state recreation and park conferences, Brand-Aid, the National Recreation and Park conference and more. I enjoy teaching and presenting to various groups about this field and obtaining a masters degree in PRTSM will help to open up more opportunities to do this.  Additionally, my undergraduate degree was not in PRTSM, adding this to degree to my resume helps open up more opportunities for me as a professional, and helped me to grow and refine my skills and abilities, while also allowing me to learn about aspects of the field I did not necessarily consider before this degree. What I knew before this program was only reinforced in the two years that I was enrolled; I believe in Parks and Recreation, its ability to bring people together, connect them with nature, make activities accessible, promote health and wellness and so much more.

 

This degree has helped me grow as a professional and empowered me to keep NCRPA’s training and continuing education at the forefront of our field. Additionally, this degree is a key component to my future career aspirations which is to be in a senior level position at a forward-thinking local government, or in a University or Nonprofit setting working to get people outside and promote health and wellness, through placemaking and Parks and Recreation. Additionally, this program has helped my refine my skill and interest, through the various classes, lectures, and projects I have learned my strengths and weakness in this career. This degree has led to a newfound interest in innovative planning and placemaking, and in how planners, architects, managers, and others are working to design smarter, healthier and holistic places and programs.  

 

Finally, this program provided me the opportunity to connect with professionals across the state and country who share my passion for our field. I was fortunate enough to serve as a PRTM GSA officer, representing the online cohort, meeting with the board monthly to address the concerns of my cohort. I was also able to connect with classmates online, through Facebook and in person at various workshops and events, building both my professional and personal network. Lastly, I was able to build my network with the professors at NC State, although this was an online program, I had multiple interactions outside class with professors that have led to Dr. Bush presenting at a NCRPA’s Athletic Directors Workshop, Dr. Floyd and Dr. Bocarro presenting at NCRPA’s wellness workshop, me presenting to an undergraduate class about graduate degrees and plans to bring a summit for NC State and other students to interact with professionals. 

 

---

Thanks

 

The students, professors, teaching assistants, Ph.D. Students and staff at NC State have been outstanding throughout this journey. The classes were engaging and kept my attention throughout each semester. I am also grateful for the support of the Team at NCRPA, Michelle, Wanda, Diquan and Nicole who all work with me at our office in Raleigh and their flexibility letting me pursue this degree. Thanks to Dr. Hipp my advisor for advice and guidance, and Dr. Bocarro, Dr. Floyd, Dr. Bush, Dr. Casper, Dr. Barcelona, Dr. Larson, Dr. Leung, Margaret van Bakergem, Erin Adair and Dr. Kanters for answering countless questions, keeping classes engaging and making this a challenging but enjoyable experience. Also thanks to my family for supporting me through this program!