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Like many college students, Julia Fike went into Kent State’s Recreation and Wellness Services to look for a job. In the end, Aquatics became one of the most formative experiences at Kent State, where she left with “lifelong friends”.

Julia took on several positions when she joined RecWell’s Aquatics department: Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, and Aquatics Supervisor. During her final two years, she stepped outside the pool deck and served as Secretary of the Student RecWell Council (SRC). Since 2023, she has displayed inspirational leadership and professionalism as an employee. 

One of her favorite parts of her position was teaching swimming lessons. As Julia guided first-time swimmers through foundational skills, she found it enjoyable. Beyond instruction, her roles required vigilance, quick-decision making, and adaptability. She learned to expect the unexpected and think at a faster pace as her RecWell position required her to respond to emergencies.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing upon graduation in May 2025, Julia moved on to work as a nurse rotating between day and night shifts and applying the skills she’s fostered. While the transition to a full-time clinical environment brought new challenges, such as working alongside colleagues across a wide range of ages and experiences, she found that RecWell helped ease that shift. Interacting with a varied patron population prepared her to communicate confidently with individuals older than she was, a skill she now applies daily in healthcare.

Julia shared that she “wore many hats” during her time at RecWell. With each responsibility, she grew stronger professionally. Through student leader collaboration in SRC to supervising staff, she developed composure under pressure, confidence, and the ability to lead with empathy. 

Whether it was Aquatics or the Adventure Center, she describes RecWell as a tight-knit, welcoming environment where she felt a sense of community. Julia recalls her first day walking into the Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center and being greeted with immediate friendliness at the Welcome Desk and feeling welcomed to the pool deck. That feeling of belonging affirmed her decision to apply and shaped what she now looks for in future professional environments – community. 

Beyond the RecWell walls, Julia was also a member of the Kent Student Nurse Association, further showing her dedication to service. 

A lesson that stuck with Julia came from a regular patron who reminded her, “You never know the type of day someone is having, so always be nice.” Julia carries that perspective into the nursing field each day.

As a proud former Flash, Julia describes Kent State as not just a place where she earned a degree, but a place where she felt like home – one she would return to anytime with the chance to give. She wants new student employees to know that those of RecWell want to see you excel, so reach out, get involved, and talk to professional staff.