From Push-Ups to Leadership

NC State’s Wellness and Recreation program employs 650 students in over 1,100 positions, creating a vibrant hub of activity and personal growth. These student employees play a crucial role in inspiring others to embrace movement and wellness, while simultaneously discovering and nurturing their own passions. Becca Strong, a dedicated group fitness instructor and ROTC cadet who will graduate in May 2025, shared her transformative experience.

“Working with Wellness and Recreation has taught me so much,” Becca explained. “As a freshman, it exposed me to new people and opportunities for growth. The transferable skills I’ve gained, like effective communication and public speaking through group fitness classes and small group training, are invaluable.”

One of Becca’s favorite memories highlights the strong sense of community within the department. When two professional staff went out of town for a conference, the student team members playfully documented their workdays with photos, demonstrating their dedication while also expressing how much they missed their teammates.

Becca’s journey with Wellness and Recreation began with a simple question, “Could I really do the coaching thing?” Nervous about leading groups, she learned about the Wellness and Recreation student professional development fund and applied, earning her ACE Group Fitness certification. This experience ignited a passion she never knew she had. “From not being comfortable speaking in front of others to commanding a group of participants to do more pushups,” she shared, “this certification has empowered me to lead others, both in and out of the fitness setting. My passion for fitness has evolved and significantly helped my physical and mental wellbeing.”

After coaching HIIT classes, she expanded her repertoire to include F45 training. She finds joy in connecting with participants from all across campus, from different departments and majors, who are all striving for self-improvement and stress reduction.

Wellness and Recreation has been instrumental in building Becca’s confidence and leadership skills. “Developing relationships with others and observing experienced coaches has been key,” she noted. “Being a student program assistant has taught me to lead effectively and communicate clearly.” These skills have also proven invaluable in her ROTC training. “Through coaching, I’ve improved my own physical fitness, enabling me to excel in obstacle courses and leadership exercises. I’ve also honed my speaking voice and command presence, skills crucial for military science.”

Looking ahead, Becca plans to commission as a Military Police officer in the Army after graduation. She hopes to continue coaching on the side, combining her passion for fitness with her commitment to service. “Wellness and Recreation has prepared me well for this role,” she reflected. “The time management, communication, and planning skills I’ve developed, from organizing ThriveWell events to designing effective fitness classes, have built my confidence. These skills have also been essential for my ROTC training, where I’ve learned to manage and plan under pressure.”

Her experience with a 50-miler race in November 2024 exemplifies the resilience fostered by her involvement with Wellness and Recreation. “Seeing people come in every day and ‘get after it’ inspired me,” she said. “When the race got tough, I thought about how it’s not about not failing, it’s about not giving up. The people I’ve met through coaching have shown me the power of resilience.” She also credits her family, training and experiences, including the ROTC Ranger Challenge and a month-long training in Kentucky, with preparing her for the challenges ahead.

Her advice for current and future student employees and participants is simple, “Always ask questions, even the silly ones. Get to know people. I wouldn’t have met half the people I have if I hadn’t asked questions.” She emphasizes the importance of small, consistent efforts, comparing it to the way ice melts at 32 degrees – it’s the one-degree changes that make a difference. “Be curious about others,” she advises.

For Becca, her passion is clear: “Coaching and teaching people is so rewarding. My passion is to develop others while developing myself along the way.” As she prepares for officer’s course and whatever the future holds – perhaps even jumping out of airplanes – her journey with NC State Wellness and Recreation has laid a strong foundation for success, both personally and professionally.

With the support of generous donors, Wellness and Recreation continues to provide students with opportunities to grow, connect, and discover their passions. Help to fuel these passions by donating to the Wellness and Recreation Enhancement Fund.