The Power of Support

The whir of the blender, the clink of ice in a custom-made dirty soda, the laughter echoing through the Wellness and Recreation Center’s staff room – these are the sounds that Lily Palmer remembers most fondly.  For Lily, who graduated from NC State in December 2024 with a degree in Psychology and Criminology and a minor in Statistics, her time at WellRec wasn’t just a job; it was a transformative experience that solidified her passion for mental health and set her on the path to a promising future.

Lily’s journey began in May 2022 as a wellness program assistant. She quickly discovered a supportive community, both among the staff and the students she served. “I always knew my supervisors were on my team,” she recalls. “They were cognizant that I was a student first and supported me throughout my time at WellRec.” This support allowed her to thrive, taking on increasing responsibility and ultimately becoming a Wellness Coach.

Working with over 60 student clients, some for all four years of her college experience, Lily discovered a hidden talent for counseling. “As far as I know, this is the only role you can do with coaching before getting a master’s in counseling,” she explains. “Being able to actually practice, within a different scope, what I hope to do in the future, reiterated that I do like counseling.”

Lily’s role provided invaluable experience in motivational interviewing, a technique that empowers clients to discover their own internal motivations for change. “Motivational interviewing is about evoking from the client why they want to do something,” she explains. “Rather than external motivations, it helps them find things they might not have thought were a goal or priority before, uncovering hidden obstacles so you can work on those to make the changes they want to make.”

Her dedication and skill earned her recognition, including the Wellness and Recreation Friends and Family Scholarship, the Wellness Coach of the Year award for 2022-23, and a nomination for the prestigious 2023-24 John F. Miller Award. A particular highlight was the surprise farewell party her team organized, complete with a dirty soda bar – a testament to the strong bonds she forged at WellRec.

Beyond the accolades, Lily gained invaluable confidence and leadership skills. Working with students, including graduate students older than herself, taught her to “feel like I belong in the room and as a coach.” She learned to navigate the complexities of peer management as a program assistant, balancing relatability with authority and inspiring trust. She also gained a deep appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that makes a thriving recreation center possible, from reserving rooms to preparing marketing materials.

Wellness and Recreation also invested in Lily’s professional development, providing student professional development funds for her ACE Behavior Change Specialist certification. This investment, combined with her hands-on experience, proved invaluable during graduate school interviews. “They were very surprised that I had used these techniques as an undergraduate student,” she says.

Now, as she applies to PhD programs in Clinical/Counseling Psychology, with offers from Texas A&M and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lily credits WellRec with solidifying her career path. “WellRec set me up for my future,” she affirms. “I am not sure I would have gotten grad interviews without my coaching role. I had clinical hours, so it helped me on my resume, but mostly to feel more confident.”

Lily’s advice to current students is clear: “Working with WellRec allows you to build community with your peers and professional staff. Start very early in college and truly grow your skills while you are here.” She emphasizes the care and support provided by the professional staff, who challenge students while nurturing their growth.

Lily’s story is a powerful example of how NC State’s Wellness and Recreation Center empowers students to discover their passions, develop essential skills and build a strong foundation for future success. On NC State Day of Giving, your support can ensure that more students like Lily have the opportunity to thrive. Your gift is an investment in future leaders, in health and well-being and in stories of transformation like Lily’s.