Jay P. Gilchrist Student Employee Scholarship

Andrea Morales, a criminal justice and criminology major, recently completed her junior year of undergraduate studies. Alongside her academic pursuits, she minors in Spanish Heritage and Culture, a reflection of her dedication to her Hispanic background. Andrea is an active member of the OMSE Academic Excellence Society, an organization that celebrates and encourages academic achievement. Through her involvement in this honor society, she volunteers with the College Prep Excellence Roadmap Academy (CPERA), which focuses on supporting the personal, academic, and professional growth of 8th to 12th grade Black and Latino males.

Outside of her studies, Andrea finds joy in various creative pursuits during her free time. Whether experimenting with new recipes, exploring different craft techniques, or delving into literature on entrepreneurship, she values the balance between her academic endeavors and extracurricular activities. When not engaged in creative endeavors, Andrea can often be found outdoors, learning skills like butterfly coiling a rope, tending to the Adventure Program lawn, or instructing participants in paddle strokes.

Her college journey at Maryland has been significantly shaped by her involvement in the Eppley Recreation Center. What initially began as a search for a campus job led Andrea to discover a supportive community that would become integral to her college experience. Through her work at the Challenge Course, Andrea has not only expanded her leadership skills but has also found a passion for outdoor exploration. Rising from a Challenge Course facilitator to a Challenge Course Supervisor, Andrea has dedicated herself to supporting new staff and fostering a sense of community among her peers.

In spring 2023, Andrea took on the role of Adventure Trip Leader and Operations Assistant, further deepening her involvement with the Adventure Program. Her commitment to the Challenge Course was recognized when she received a scholarship and was honored as the Challenge Course Supervisor of the Year. Andrea attributes much of her personal growth during college to her experiences with the Adventure Program and RecWell, acknowledging their significant impact on shaping her into the person she is today.

Matthew is a junior Finance major from Ellicott City, MD. He currently works as an Adventure Program Challenge Course Facilitator. In his essay, he said "My goal is to guide others in their growth and make them feel they are in a safe environment to do so. I can already see the extreme growth in myself as well, honing skills such as presenting to large groups, leading teams, and communicating points clearly to a variety of people. By working with our mission statement in mind, I get to lead growth in others while experiencing it for myself as well."

Gabriela is currently a senior Kinesiology working as a Supervisor for Intramural Sports with University Recreation & Wellness. In her essay, Gabriela said, “I believe having a positive environment in the workplace can make a substantial difference on an employee’s performance because it allows them to feel more comfortable to ask questions and be more engaged in their work, thus encouraging personal growth. Training the referees is just one of my responsibilities as a University Recreation and Wellness employee that allows me to interact with other students to help educate and inspire physical activity and wellness”.

David is a senior Kinesiology major from Havre de Grace, MD. David has worked for University Recreation & Wellness (RecWell) since 2013 as a Personal Trainer and is the Founder and President of the Weightlifting Club. He worked hard to promote fitness and wellness at UMD through advocating for Student Government Association (SGA) recognition of the weightlifting club, mentoring the RecWell personal trainers, and presenting at regional fitness conferences.

Daniella is currently a senior Government & Politics and History major from Houston, Texas. She is a Supervisor for the Intramural Sports Department with University Recreation & Wellness. In her essay, Danielle said, “My desire for competition led me to my job as an intramural sports supervisor. Through my role with intramural sports, I help promote a friendly competitive atmosphere and give participants a good experience. It is always my goal to help others find the competitive atmosphere that I am always searching for, and to ensure that they enjoy the experience and continue to come back. By fulfilling my duties of officiating sports, training new officials, and providing great customer service, I believe that I help uphold the mission of University of Recreation & Wellness. My job exists in order to provide a different way for students to stay active and I take this to heart every time I go to work.”

Emily is a Sophomore Computer Science Major and Math and Leadership Minor. Emily contributes to RecWell as a Lifeguard, an Adventure Trip Leader, and a Climbing Wall staff member and believes in leading by example in all that she does for Campus Rec.

Paul graduated in the Spring of 2013 with a degree in Dietetics and served as a Personal Trainer with RecWell; Paul provided a qualitative and safe personal training experience as well high quality customer service.