Introduce yourself! What's your name, program of study, and current stage of your graduate studies?
My name is Avery Pierce! I am graduating in December of 2023 with my Master of Education as a part of the Sport Management Program!
What motivated you to pursue a graduate degree in your chosen field?
My main motivator was the Esports program on campus. I had been a part of the program since August of 2020, and when Travis, Director of Esports, asked to come back to the program as a Graduate Student Staff I knew it was the right thing to do. With the amount of growth the program has seen since I joined, I knew there was more I could do to benefit everyone who was a part of it. I would鈥檝e had so many regrets if I didn鈥檛 come back!
What has been your favorite part about your graduate student experience so far?
My favorite part of the graduate student experience was hearing from outside speakers! Hearing others who have gone through what we were going through and hearing their success stories and life advice really helped me through these past few years. We got to hear from individuals who have worked in so many different fields, and it helped me personally with figuring out what exactly I want to do as a career.
How have your graduate studies challenged you and contributed to your personal and professional growth?
My graduate studies really pushed me to my limits in terms of how much I can handle at a time. Taking on so many projects while diving into what I was learning during classes was tough, but with the support of peers and professors, I was able to learn a lot about myself and my limits. I was able to find work/life balance during my time with CAS and will continue to do so as I go into the workforce.
How do you maintain a work-life balance as a student, and do you have any self-care tips for managing the demands?
Create time for yourself! Have an hour a day to do something YOU like and let the stress melt away. For me, that was creating an hour to play some video games. Granted, that is what I work in, but I would shut everyone out with my favorite music and just let myself play. I also recommend working out! I鈥檝e been an F45 instructor since January of 2021, and I have seen first-hand how working out can help someone alleviate all the stress they have built up!
Has there been a key influence or mentor in your academic journey?
I think there are 2 main mentors in my academic journey. The first is Travis Yang, who has been my 鈥渂oss鈥� during my graduate studies. He has been someone who has pushed me more than anyone in terms of what I can do as an assistant director. I know that my graduate experience would have been drastically different if he had not there pushing me every step of the way. He also introduced me to collegiate esports leaders, and I was able to make so many different connections because of him.
My second mentor would be Mike Ross. He might find this as a surprise, but his classes have taught me so much about myself and who I am as a leader. Every class I took from him, I walked out feeling like I knew more about myself than I did when we started. From ungraduated to graduate, his support of his students is unwavering, and anyone who has him as an advisor or professor is lucky. He constantly reminds each of the individuals that come through the sport management program that 鈥淵ou are here for a reason.鈥�
What are your long-term career goals or aspirations in your field after completing your graduate program?
My long-term goals are to continue to be in the sports industry as an Event Coordinator! My ultimate career goal is to work in esports and continue to be a part of the growing legacy of competitive gaming, but working in baseball would be a great career as well.
Can you share a fun or unique fact about yourself that most people wouldn't know?
My fun fact is something that some might know, but it鈥檚 been a while since I鈥檝e been able to brag about it. I danced for 16 years! I danced with a studio for 13 years, I competed with my high school team for 4, and finished out my career as a 3-year member of the 黑洞社区 Dance Team. There might have been a time where you saw me in Charles Koch Arena cheering on the Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Basketball Teams.