Spotlight - Fencil

As a junior majoring in Exercise Science with a Pre-Physical Therapy concentration, Monica has found a second home within Recreation and Wellness Services. She has used her academic path and involvement on campus to help others grow, learn, and feel connected. Monica is currently an officer for Kent State of Well-Being at the Rec, where she acts as a liaison between student employees, administrators, and the community. As she promotes wellness initiatives across campus, she also brings her passion for supporting students into her role as a Peer Success Mentor, Certified Peer Educator, and an active member of the Student RecWell Council (SRC). Monica’s role in the SRC helps ensure that students’ voices are valued and heard.

She recalls her journey in RecWell beginning with the support system from the professional staff as she was introduced to leadership roles by administrators like Flash Fellows and the Student Leader Cohort. Both of which helped her build leadership confidence and expand her skill set.

Working at the Well Hub has been a meaningful experience for Monica, as it aligns with her career goals in health education and physical therapy. She shares that her favorite part is that she assists people in properly developing health topics. She plays a big part in managing social media and communications for the Well Hub. Being able to explore creatively and receive positive feedback from peers has been a highlight. “It is really uplifting when someone tells me they learned something from a post I made,” Monica says. 

Monica’s involvement across RecWell has strengthened her time management, empathy, and technology skills, which are qualities that she believes will serve her well in her future profession. She adds that she appreciates how interconnected RecWell is. “Networking is a big thing here,” she insists, “Take the opportunities handed to you, even if they are outside of your comfort zone.”

Outside of her pivotal role in the Well Hub, Monica continues to make an impact on campus as a Peer Success Mentor and a participant in the Flash Fellows Program. It’s also worth noting that Monica is not just a leader, but an adventurer: she’s been skydiving and has even owned a hedgehog.

Monica’s compassion, leadership, and willingness to embrace new possibilities have made her an inspiring part of the Recreation and Wellness Services community.