By Margie Wallington, Region III Student Leader
If you’ve been to a collegiate recreation event in Region III, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Region III is the place to be!” Of course we love where we live, work and play whether it’s in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, or Ontario, but what really makes Region III special?
As we approach the 2017 Region III Student Lead On, I challenge those attending to take advantage of the many opportunities presented because part of what makes #region3theplacetobe is our student planned, student run regional conference. On January 26, first time attendees, seasoned undergraduates, graduate assistants and professionals will walk into the doors of Ohio State’s RPAC for the 30th Region III Student Lead On Conference.
Opportunities await…
Download Guidebook to stay connected throughout the conference! The app is available on all app stores. Simply search 2017 Region III Student Lead On to download ours.
Attendees will have the opportunity to attend 30 different sessions, ranging in topics from personal/professional qualities, to how to get a GA position, what to do when you’re a new professional, and research in recreation.
Students and professionals can stop by the Career Opportunity Center to sign up for Mock Interviews and in-person Resume Critiques. Bring your resume (and business card) to drop off for critique and exchange with others!
Visit the Student Lounge (located in the Nike Lounge) throughout the conference to see what the State and Provincial Student Leaders have been up to! Programming for the lounge will be found on the Guidebook and will include trivia and gaming tournaments!
Friday 12pm-5pm attendees can bid on swag from across the region! Bring items to the Silent Auction and drop them off at the Registration Desk! Proceeds go towards our Region III endowed NIRSA Foundation Scholarship fund.
Don’t miss out on the Mentor/Mentee Lunch on Friday. Meet graduates and professionals in the field who know what’s it’s like and make sure to ask questions and swap business cards!
The Capital Challenge will take place over the course of the conference. Participate in as many activities as you can for a chance to win.
Thursday’s informal social will be held at Pins Mechanical Company. A fun spot to bowl, grab food, and mingle for everyone. The All Conference Social on Friday evening will be sure to impress at the Ohio State House. Comedian Josh Sneed will entertain over dinner and drinks.
Lastly, networking with others at the conference is what truly makes this a special event. Students and professionals from around the region come to support each other as we try to make a difference in collegiate recreation.
“So many of NIRSA’s past and present leaders have called Region III home, and the passion of the region’s students is immeasurable. Simply put, it’s the people.” – Darin Leigh, Associate Director of Programs and Facilities at Western Michigan University
It’s the people. Not only are there great leaders with roots from Region III, but the people in our region also care about other people. Our region’s leaders put dedicated time and effort into mentoring the next wave of professionals.
“There are so many professional mentors and NIRSA leaders in/from Region III!” – Katie Birdsall, Facilities Coordinator at Illinois State University
In Region III, we know we will only continue to improve and grow our profession by putting our resources back into development. This is exemplified by our Region’s robust student development opportunity: Region III Student Lead On.
This year at Lead On, #capitalizeyourpotential by experiencing why #region3istheplacetobe.
