Finding Fitness, Finding Her Path

Gillian’s journey at NC State took an unexpected turn, one that led her from the realm of animal science to a fulfilling career in health promotion. Her experience at Wellness and Recreation (WellRec), beginning in the summer before her sophomore year (April 2018), proved to be the catalyst for this transformation. Starting as a fitness program assistant, Gillian quickly embraced the WellRec community, becoming a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. “I really enjoyed the community, I met some of my best friends,” she reflects. “It was the place that I grew the most professionally. The professional staff were instrumental in developing the foundation of my personal and professional development. Everyone was so eager to help me learn. I was able to try things and learn and grow.”

Initially an animal science major, Gillian discovered her true calling through WellRec. “I didn’t have a passion for animal science,” she explains, “and realized I had more passion for becoming a personal trainer, and that went hand-in-hand with nutrition science through fitness and well-being.” This realization sparked a change in her academic path, ultimately leading her to a degree in Nutrition Science in May 2021.

WellRec provided a fertile ground for Gillian’s passions to blossom. She fondly remembers the energy of RecFest, a testament to the community WellRec fostered. “It was always so much fun, and the energy was amazing. The time and energy put into planning the event and then seeing it come to life was amazing. It was truly a community event.” The launch of F45, a new fitness program, was another highlight. “Having a television with pre-programmed workouts was taboo at the time,” Gillian recalls. “But being able to do the same workout that people in another part of the world were also doing was amazing. It grew community. It also allowed group fitness instructors and personal trainers to see a new style class and learn how to integrate.” The program’s popularity soared, drawing students, faculty, and staff alike, even those traveling from other campuses. Remarkably, Gillian’s passion for F45 continues to this day. “I still coach at F45, 5 or 6 years later in Tampa,” she shares. “I coach Tuesday and Friday mornings – it’s great. I get the same feeling I got while coaching at NC State – I see the same people every Tuesday and Friday. I love getting to see people grow.”

WellRec also unearthed hidden talents. “I learned public speaking isn’t as scary as you think it is,” Gillian discovered. “Putting yourself out there is as scary as people assume. If you do something that lights your fire, people are going to see that. If you show your passion, people will see it. If I continue to do things I am passionate about, the public speaking comes naturally.”

The supportive environment at WellRec nurtured Gillian’s confidence and leadership skills. “It helped build my confidence and leadership through the support of my supervisors,” she explains. “They let me try things and take on more responsibilities – I never felt like I was thrown into the fire. They were there to help me learn from ideas and failures – to learn how to be better for next time.” Her dedication and contributions were recognized with a 2020-21 John F. Miller Award nomination, further highlighting her impact on the WellRec community. She also took her NASM certification exam with the support of Wellness and Recreation.

WellRec served as a launching pad for Gillian’s career. “WellRec laid my future path,” she affirms. After graduating, she pursued a master’s in health promotion at the University of Kentucky, working as a graduate assistant for personal training. “It made me tick – a light bulb went off, and I realized this is exactly what I wanted to do: help and guide people to find what is best for them, whether that be a fitness goal or a lifestyle change.” After a stint in the corporate world, Gillian returned to higher education. Currently, she is a Health Promotion Specialist for the University of South Florida College of Nursing, providing wellness and fitness programs for faculty, staff, and students. “My boss gives me support and flexibility to find new things,” she says. “A lot of my creativity comes back from my time at WellRec.”

Gillian’s WellRec journey is a testament to the transformative power of student employment. “I spent all of my time at the Rec,” she recalls. “The first time I walked in with my mom, I told her I was never going in a strength training room. I was too scared and didn’t know what to do in that space. It took me on a path of learning, and now it is my career. I can contribute that to the support of the professional staff – the learning and growth pulled the passion out of me.” Gillian’s story is a powerful example of how WellRec empowers students to discover their passions, develop leadership skills, and embark on fulfilling careers. Help to fuel these passions by donating to the Wellness and Recreation Enhancement Fund.