CSM Student, Co-Instructor is Student Rep for National Recreation Conference
Justine McHone believes in working up a little sweat. Whether she is studying for a test, providing assistance as a student assistant in the College of Southern Maryland's wellness, fitness department or representing her fellow students at a national conference, McHone believes with a little determination and perspiration you can reach your goals.
This spring, McHone attended the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association's annual conference in Minneapolis, Minn., April 18-21 where she was selected by her peers to be the student representative for Washington, D.C., Maryland and Delaware. McHone is the first community college student to serve in this capacity.
“The conference was interesting. I attended a lot of break-out training sessions on fitness issues such as facilities management and training techniques. There were also special areas like the exposition hall where we got to try out new fitness gear like climbing walls, weights etc.,” said McHone.
“NIRSA is a great organization because their focus is on mentoring future sports/fitness professionals like myself,” said McHone, 21, who is a full-time student studying sports management at CSM and a co-instructor of water and land aerobics with CSM instructor Jane Pomponio.
“I have had so many opportunities and experiences at CSM that I couldn't have had anywhere else,” “she said. “I have to admit sometimes I get tired. I have focused my schedule to the point where there are days when I am on the La Plata Campus for 12 hours between my classes, job, and co-instructing, but I like what I am doing.” said McHone, who highly recommends the conference to other sports management students.
“The NIRSA conference was a great opportunity to learn new skills and do an insane amount of networking,” she said. “I have always been extremely athletic, so it is a natural step to move into sports management and exercise science,” said McHone, who is planning to transfer to Towson University where she will major in exercise science.
The mission of the NIRSA is to provide for the education and development of professional and student members and to foster quality recreational programs, facilities and services for diverse populations. NIRSA demonstrates its commitment to excellence by utilizing resources that promote ethical and healthy lifestyle choices.
For information on CSM's sports management program call 301-934-7726 or 301-870-3008, Ext. 7726 for Charles County; 240-725-5499, Ext. 7726 for St. Mary's County or 443-550-6199, Ext. 7726 for Calvert County or visit http://www.csmd.edu/wfs/.