The Final Exam is your chance to get advice and insights from experts in the industry. For the September/October issue Campus Rec spoke with Rachael Finley, the director of Campus Recreation at York College of Pennsylvania.
1. How did you get started in the industry?
I played club volleyball as a first-year student at Central Michigan University. I was completely amazed that such experiences were available for non-varsity athletes like me, and I wanted to provide these types of experiences for other people. From there, I started working at our rec center and getting more involved in the field.
2. How would you go about describing Campus Recreation at York College of Pennsylvania?
Evolving. While COVID-19 created some challenges, we have continued trending upwards in building a campus culture that values Campus Recreation.
3. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced throughout your career?
Seeing the culture we spent years building taking a big step backwards because of COVID-19. I’m confident we can get back to it, but it was mentally and physically exhausting becoming a “no” person and taking away opportunities when I had always been a “yes” person who tried to figure out how to make things work.
4. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
Getting our community to see Campus Recreation is an integral value to the institution, not just an added bonus.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other recreation professionals might benefit from?
Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It keeps you busy, but it does not get you anywhere. Spend some time planning, but recognize you can’t proactively cross bridges; you can truly only cross them once you are actually at them.
6. What is one fun fact about yourself others may not know?
I was a National Champion Artistic Roller Skater when I was eight years old.
