Photo Courtesy of Emily Watkins SPA/BA'19
My first encounter with American University Athletics and Blue Crew was April 15th, 2015. It was my “Freshman Day” before classes started in the Fall, and we were given free time to roam around Bender Arena and check out the tables that were set up for different clubs and organizations. After walking around for a bit, I gravitated towards the Blue Crew and their Leadership Council (BCLC) table. This is when I first met Benjamin Zenker, who would later become my boss as well as my friend. Ben explained the workings of Blue Crew and their Leadership Council, I was immediately intrigued and knew I wanted to send in an application.
Ben and I kept in touch that summer and I sent in my application for a position on BCLC as soon as I could. When I got it back, I was given the position of Residence Hall Marketing and Promotions Assistant. While this was my official title, I also appeared at every game day to help out as much as I could. Being the Residence Hall Marketing and Promotions Assistant meant that I had to find creative ways to get people living in residence halls more involved with AU Athletics. It was a tough, although not impossible job. I spent much time creating big posters to place on or near the front desks of residence halls, and attended many meetings. It was my first collegiate leadership position and I did everything in my power to do well and make a name for myself.
Throughout this process I met so many wonderful people. I was an intimidated freshman in an organization full of upperclassmen. I am so fortunate that I met Abby Lore, Luke Barr, Shaina Spector, and Olivia Carini. Not only were they all instantly kind to me and extremely inclusive, but they actively made the effort to be friends with me outside of work. To this day I consider myself so lucky to have met them and still know them. Working alongside them was one of the greatest privileges I could have had.
A few months in to the job, Ben informed me that he would be stepping down. Since he was President of the organization, this posed as a problem. Where would BCLC go without leadership? Who would coordinate anything? Who would rally everyone together? As all these thoughts were rushing through my head, Ben told me that he would be appointing me as President. Me. Small, freshman, frequently-too-nice-to-people me. With every doubt in my mind about myself, I accepted Ben’s offer.
I began my job as President of BCLC a few weeks after Ben gave notice to everyone. Ben and I did a photoshoot for it, and The Eagle even wrote an article about it (Building A Family Within Blue Crew). These events leading up to it made me very excited. As I began working as President, I quickly realized how many things I had to juggle at once. It was difficult, but extremely rewarding. I realized how good I was at managing a team, rallying people together, interacting with fans, and finding quick fixes when things went wrong. I enjoyed everything about the job. From every game to the seemingly endless meetings, it was like I couldn’t get enough. I even liked the fact that I was given a walkie-talkie for every basketball game, and there was always a script waiting for me with my name written at the top. I especially loved that I worked with very dear friends. I loved being a leader because AU BCLC made me feel like I could do it.
I am now a part of the AU Athletics Internship Program. Ben is my boss once again, but this time I am a Program Manager and he is a full-time staff member as the Assistant Director of Ticket Sales and Marketing. This position is still new to me and I am still finding my way, but my entire experience has been nothing but rewarding. I know that with this internship my opportunities will do nothing but grow, and I will learn so much more along the way.
If you are interested or have questions about the AU Athletics Internship Program e-mail me at ew2382a@american.edu and I'll be more than happy to help!