By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications
SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University women's golfer Analyssa Ruiz (Sr./So., Keizer, OR/Blanchet Catholic School) was one of just 40 ethnic minority student-athletes who attended the NCAA Division III Student Immersion Program from Jan. 13-15 during the virtual 2021 NCAA Convention. Participants learned about NCAA Division III and the process of passing new NCAA legislation.
The event was held virtually, but it was still a great learning opportunity and a tremendous chance to meet other student-athletes and athletic administrators.
"I think that we got to know each other more than if we were to meet in person," Ruiz asserted. "We all shared our social media and connected with each other on LinkedIn so that we could keep up with each other in our future endeavors. I loved the cohort I was in. I was placed in this program with 40 other students who were all so nice and welcoming. Despite being completely virtual, we all bonded quickly and leaned on each other for support during the program and still do to this day. Most of us still talk, share our accomplishments and cheer each other on in our athletic, academic, and professional pursuits."
Meetings were held throughout the Immersion Program, allowing the student-athletes to interact with presenters and to discuss issues with each other.
"Two notable events that I attended were the Special Olympics Unified event and the LGBTQ and Allies Reception and Awards Ceremony," Ruiz commented. "Each day we would get to sit in on the State of College Sports meetings and forums to listen in on issues like the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and other controversial topics. We even got to sit in on a voting session for the NCAA Division III voting forums, which was really interesting."
During the Immersion Program, participants completed a DISC assessment, which measures how each person organizes their life and relates to others. It is a personal assessment tool used to improve work productivity, teamwork, leadership, sales, and communication.
"The DISC assessment was very helpful," Ruiz said. "I didn't really know what to expect after taking the test since we took the test about a month prior to the program, but during the convention, we had multiple in-depth conversations about each personality type, the strengths, and weaknesses present in our own personality types and we workshopped how to interact with and understand other individuals so that we can better relate to them in professional atmospheres -- which I found most helpful."
For Ruiz, the entire experience of being involved with the Immersion Program was valuable. She learned a lot, gained new friends, and established working relationships with fellow participants and presenters.
"It's hard to choose just one thing I like most about the Immersion Program," Ruiz said. "There were so many aspects of this program that I loved, but if I had to choose one, it would be listening to the keynote speakers who visited us virtually. It was such an amazing experience to hear these people talk about their experiences, explain ways to empower each other and ourselves, and express the value in being our true authentic selves."
Ruiz was glad she was able to be involved with the select group of individuals who were chosen for this year's Immersion Program.
"I had such a great time at this event!" Ruiz said. "It helped me grow my leadership, professional and personal skills exponentially and improved my ability to understand others. This program was such an eye-opening experience and provided me with numerous opportunities and resources that will undoubtedly help me in the future.
"I am extremely grateful that I had the chance to participate," Ruiz continued. "I truly wish everybody got the opportunity to experience this program, but I feel excited to apply all that I have learned from this convention to my own life. I hope that through leading by example, others might second-handedly feel inspired and changed for the better by this program in the same way that I do."
