By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- More than 20 student-athletes on this year's Willamette University teams are also student employees in the Division of Student Affairs. The Department of Athletics is part of Student Affairs, along with Student Activities, the Chaplains' Office, Multicultural Affairs, Housing and Conferences, the Bishop Wellness Center, Gender Resource and Advocacy Center, Bon Appetit Dining Services, student programs such as the Bistro, and the Tokyo International University of America Student Affairs Office.
This is the third in a series of five articles about student-athletes who are working in the Division of Student Affairs. The focus of this article is on student-athletes who are employed at the Fitness Center. There are two primary assignments for workers in the Fitness Center, and most of the workers perform both major jobs from time to time.
"The first type of shift I work is cleaning, where throughout the shift I go through the gym, sanitizing equipment and touchpoints, and making sure COVID-19 protocols are being followed," said Carson Herrick (Jr., Newberg, OR/Newberg HS) from the men's cross country and men's track and field teams. "Alternatively, I am sitting at the front desk checking people in, giving them spray bottles to clean their equipment, and making sure they understand the protocols that they have to follow in order to work out."
Arianna Khan (Sr., OH/OPP, Yuba, CA/River Valley HS) from the volleyball team concurred, saying "My duties at the Fitness Center vary from checking people into the gym, making sure all of the users are following COVID protocols, and a lot of deep cleaning shifts to make sure the Fitness Center stays as clean as possible."
According to Anabel Ohsman (Sr., ATT/MID, Snohomish, WA/Glacier Peak HS) from the women's lacrosse squad, COVID-19 protocols have changed many of the skills student employees use in the Fitness Center.
"COVID has changed the job because we are now in charge of enforcing new COVID safety rules," Ohsman commented. "Monitor who is in the space and for how long. It is really important that the staff members walk around the space and make sure COVID rules like staying six feet apart and wearing your face mask properly are all being followed."
Herrick and Khan also have noticed significant changes due to COVID-19.
"Most of the shifts I work are after the Fitness Center has closed," Khan said. "Even though the Fitness Center hours are reduced, we are still getting just as many hours as before. We are also now double-staffed to make sure that we can clean and monitor people to the best of our ability. It has definitely impacted my job by increasing the amount of work we do each shift."
"The biggest impact that COVID-19 has had on my job is that I need to be extra diligent and intentional in cleaning the equipment in the Fitness Center in order to ensure that it is a safe environment for everyone," Herrick noted.
An advantage of working at the Fitness Center is the chance to meet and talk with other Willamette students as they arrive and leave their workout sessions. With so many things happening in virtual environments it can be uplifting to see and communicate with other people directly.
"This semester I have enjoyed the social interactions that come along with checking people into the Fitness Center," Herrick said. "For the past eight months I have not been able to see or talk to many people, so this has given me an opportunity to interact with people again in a safe manner."
"I found that working on campus is a great way to get involved and meet new people while gaining experience with how to best manage your time," Ohsman said.
Managing time is always a key factor for student-athletes. For those involved in student employment, there's another layer added to time management. Even so, Herrick, Khan, and Ohsman have found ways to achieve success.
"Typical shifts are two hours," Ohsman noted. "I have been working at the Fitness Center since I was a first-year, and I have found that a busy schedule helps me be more productive. I fit in work shifts around class and practice. We are able to choose how many hours we work, which is great so that if I am in season, I can take fewer shifts, or when I am not, I can pick up more."
"Working at the Fitness Center has been super flexible and understanding with my schedule, whether that be academic or athletic," Herrick said. "I also have great coworkers who are more than willing to cover or switch shifts if needed.
Khan has gained a lot from working in the Fitness Center. Like Herrick and Ohsman, she has enjoyed the social interactions. She's also glad to be helping other students have a positive experience while in the Fitness Center.
"Working in the Fitness Center as a student-athlete has been fun," Khan explained. "My favorite part of my job is just the fact that the Fitness Center is open. I know that working out is a way for a lot of people to wind down, and it makes me happy knowing that we are doing everything we can to make sure the Fitness Center can be open and safe for all students."
Student-Athletes who Work in the Division of Student Affairs:
Fitness Center
Men's Cross Country/Track and Field
Carson Herrick, Fitness Center
Women's Lacrosse
Anabel Ohsman, Fitness Center
Miranda Piros, Fitness Center
Softball
Marley Nicassio, Fitness Center
Women's Swimming
Kristell Mares De Juan, Fitness Center
Volleyball
Arianna Khan, Fitness Center
