Inspiring Wellness at NC State

Student Employee Spotlight: The Dynamic Fitness Program Assistants

As Student Employee Appreciation Week (April 13-19, 2025) dawns, we’re shining a collective spotlight on the incredible team of Fitness Program Assistants who are the heart and soul of our fitness initiatives at NC State Wellness and Recreation: Becca Strong, Taylor Sine, Bellina Johnson and Avery Hunter. These graduating seniors (Class of 2025) bring a diverse range of academic backgrounds and a shared passion for empowering the Wolfpack community through movement and well-being.

For Becca (Nutrition & Military Science), working at WellRec is about more than just fitness; it’s about supporting others’ holistic wellness journeys. “Seeing people gain confidence in themselves, push past their limits, and find joy in movement is incredibly rewarding,” she shares. This role has also been a space for Becca’s own growth, learning to balance her demanding schedule and leadership roles while prioritizing her own well-being.

Taylor (Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management & Health minor) echoes the strong sense of community that defines their experience. “The gym feels like a second home to me because of how many friends I have made and how much I truly enjoyed the environment,” Taylor explains. This supportive atmosphere and the encouragement from managers have empowered Taylor to test their leadership skills and discover a passion for fitness and wellness, even influencing their academic pursuits.

Bellina (Human Biology & Sports Science) deeply appreciates the professional staff’s investment in her growth. “I enjoy how encouraging and supportive the professional staff is in my professional growth,” Bellina notes. “My supervisors have a lot of confidence in me and want me to explore my interests within my work. They are always pushing me to try new opportunities.” This encouragement has fostered her self-confidence and proactive leadership.

For Avery (Biological and Agricultural Engineering), the joy comes from sharing their love for fitness within a supportive community. “I loved the community that I built here and that I get to share my love for fitness with others,” Avery shares, highlighting the connection forged through shared passion.

Working at Wellness and Recreation has been a transformative experience for this dynamic team, pushing their boundaries and fostering significant growth in confidence and leadership. Becca reflects on the demanding yet rewarding nature of her roles, “Working with Wellness and Recreation has pushed me far beyond what I thought I was capable of handling…the biggest lesson has been realizing that I’m stronger than I give myself credit for.” Taylor’s journey from a shy freshman to a confident facility supervisor and group fitness instructor showcases the supportive environment that encourages personal and professional development. Bellina has gained self-assurance and learned to take initiative in her leadership role, while Avery has honed their leadership skills through teaching fitness classes and managing the fitness team.

Beyond their defined roles, these Fitness Program Assistants have also discovered unexpected talents. Becca has realized her ability to inspire and connect with others, even leading to unexpected opportunities like becoming a TA. Taylor found a passion for fitness and wellness that shaped their academic minor. Bellina discovered a knack for evaluating and providing constructive feedback to fellow coaches, and Avery unearthed a love for specific fitness activities like cycling and running.

The relationships built within Wellness and Recreation have been a cornerstone of their experience. Becca has connected with students, professors, and professionals, building a diverse network. Taylor has formed lifelong friendships and even met their boyfriend within the WellRec community. Bellina values the strong bonds formed with clients, participants, supervisors, and coworkers, while Avery cherishes the professional and personal relationships that will extend beyond graduation.

Memorable moments abound for this team. For Becca, it’s the simple joys of wellness walks with coworkers and challenging noon F45 sessions. Taylor’s favorite memory is a serendipitous encounter that led to a meaningful relationship. Bellina finds immense satisfaction in seeing participants return to her classes, a testament to her impact. Avery fondly remembers the energy and community spirit of FitExpo.

As Becca, Taylor, Bellina, and Avery prepare to graduate and embark on their next chapters, their contributions to NC State Wellness and Recreation will leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, community, and a passion for well-being. Their dedication and enthusiasm are the driving force behind our fitness programs, inspiring countless students to embrace healthy and active lifestyles.

Thank you, Becca, Taylor, Bellina, and Avery, for your incredible energy, leadership, and commitment to the Wolfpack! We are so grateful for your dedication and wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.