As an International Studies major with minors in both Sports and Exercise Psychology and Nutrition and Food Studies, Julia Swart values staying active.
Since August of 2021, the Student Recreation Center has been her second home. Here, she holds dual roles as both an Operations Supervisor and as a Membership Program Assistant.
As an Operations Supervisor, Swart is responsible for running the facilities at the Rec Center, the day to day operations, setting up the basketball courts and carrying out the Emergency Action Plan when needed. She also is in charge of managing the shift staff.
In her role as a membership program assistant, she works directly with the business manager and membership coordinator to figure out payroll, mark inventory of the pro shop, sell memberships, manage deposits and take care of cash handling.
Swart recommends students interested in participating in Rec Center activities to come by and join in on an activity. From intramural sports to personal trainers and Zumba classes, there are plenty of opportunities for individuals to get involved.
The Rec Center also provides a student workspace environment, where students can get work and studying done.
“I think the thing that I always fall back on is the sense of community,” she said. “No matter where you fall into place, there's somewhere for you.”
Community plays a huge part in Swart’s work ethic, as it is a driving force for her success and the success of others.
Swart is very involved elsewhere on campus, too. She shares her packed schedule with the MountaineerThon, CHAARG, Women in Politics and Government and Omega Phi Alpha.
Her commitments and love for West Virginia University are rooted in more than just the Rec Center. Her father is a WVU grad, and his experiences at college as the football team’s athletic trainer helped support Julia’s college decision to come to Almost Heaven.
“It was probably the best decision I ever made, coming to WVU,” she said. “There's really everything here.”
Swart attended the Backyard Brawl earlier this year, gathered with friends to watch the revival of the WVU, Pitt rivalry at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
It was a really important memory for her, one she says she will never forget.
She mentions that it felt like a community event, with the journey up to Pitt and back home and the WVU students and fans that showed up to the huge, away stadium.
When “Sweet Caroline” began to play, Swart was speechless.
“That moment literally changed my life,” she said. “Being able to sing, after everything we had been through with COVID, it was full of emotion; it was powerful; we could really feel the community.”
She plans to attend graduate school with a focus in nutrition policy and maybe even attend law school after gaining some real-world experience.