Empowering Well-being at NC State

Student Employee Spotlight: Khadeeja Ali Syeda

As Student Employee Appreciation Week (April 13-19, 2025) approaches, NC State Wellness and Recreation is thrilled to highlight the incredible contributions of our talented student staff. Today, we shine a spotlight on Khadeeja Ali Syeda, a dedicated wellness coach and wellness specialist who is making a difference in the lives of her peers.

Khadeeja, a Psychology and Human Biology major set to graduate this May, has become an invaluable resource within our department. When asked what she enjoys most about her work, her passion for student well-being shines through. “The best thing about working with Wellness and Recreation is getting to be a resource for my peers at NC State,” Khadeeja shares. “I’m passionate about advocating for student well-being, and my positions in WellRec have allowed me to do just that.”

Through her roles, Khadeeja has not only expanded her own knowledge of on and off-campus wellness resources but has also become a go-to expert for the campus community. Conducting engaging presentations, hosting informative tabling sessions, and providing personalized wellness coaching have all played a significant role in her personal and professional growth. “While working with Wellness and Recreation, I’ve been able to expand my understanding of wellness resources located both on and off-campus, and have become a knowledgeable resource for my campus community,” Khadeeja explains. “Conducting presentations, tabling sessions, and coaching have all grown my confidence and leadership skills as an employee and have helped me discover my passion for holistic wellness.”

Interestingly, Khadeeja has also discovered a hidden talent while engaging with the campus community. “I’ve discovered that I really enjoy holding tabling sessions and getting to meet people whom I otherwise may never have met,” she says. “I love hearing about who they are, what they do, and what they enjoy related to wellness.” This genuine curiosity and ability to connect with others are hallmarks of her approach.

Beyond her interactions with students, Khadeeja has also built strong and supportive relationships within the Wellness and Recreation team. “I created many new relationships with not only the professional staff here at Wellness and Recreation, but also with my fellow specialists and coaches,” she shares. “Our group is tight-knit and we all love watching each other grow and succeed. I also enjoy forming new bonds with clients and helping them along their wellness journeys.”

When asked about a favorite memory as a student employee, Khadeeja fondly recalls a unique team-building experience. “One of my favorite memories as an employee was going through the high-ropes course as one of our team bonding activities,” she remembers. “This activity was super unique and fun and helped us gain confidence and trust in one another.” This memory perfectly encapsulates the supportive and growth-oriented environment fostered within Wellness and Recreation.

As Khadeeja prepares to embark on her post-graduation journey, her contributions to NC State Wellness and Recreation will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. Her dedication to empowering her peers and her passion for holistic wellness make her a true asset to our Wolfpack community.

Thank you, Khadeeja, for your incredible work and for embodying the spirit of Wellness and Recreation! We are so grateful for your dedication and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.