Working with Campus Recreation and Intramurals (CRI) at Georgia Southern University not only inspired Samantha Estep to pursue a degree in exercise science, but it also encouraged her to write an article that was selected as the grand prize winner of the inaugural Next Generation of Campus Rec writing contest.

“This recognition is important to me because it is not only about what I’ve done with CRI, but how CRI and its professional staff and coworkers have helped me achieve my goals,” Estep said. “Before CRI, I didn’t know what kind of career I wanted to pursue but working there has helped me find my passion.” 

To be eligible, students had to write an article about their experience working for their institution’s recreation department, the impacts of college recreation programming on the student body and the future of college recreation.

A native of Canton, Georgia, Estep wrote an article, “Work in Rec Opens Up New World of Possibilities,” that was published in the April edition of Athletic Business and highlights Estep’s time working with CRI and how it has shaped her into the person she is today.

“I chose to study at Georgia Southern because of its personable and small college feel even though it is a rather large school,” she said. “I have been able to form relationships with professors who have helped me network with many other schools and businesses around Georgia and around the country.”

Estep will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Athletic Business’s annual conference held in Baltimore, Maryland, in November. She was also given the opportunity to participate in an Instagram takeover day for the magazine in April. 

After graduation, Estep plans to pursue a career as a physical therapist and continue her work as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. 

“Georgia Southern has prepared me for my future by challenging me in regard to my individual goals while also encouraging me to branch out in a much larger way than I ever expected,” she said. 

The Next Generation of Campus Rec program was developed by Athletic Business and National Intramural and Recreation Sports Association as a way to demonstrate their dedication to helping the campus recreation profession succeed.