Hi everyone! My name is Cammi VanGilder, and I’m a freshman Marketing major here at The Woods. In addition to my academics, I’m also a member of the cross country and track teams, competing throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons.
Beyond athletics, I stay highly involved in campus life through Student Senate and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). These organizations have helped me gain experience in leadership, communication, event planning and community engagement, all of which provide me with skills I need for marketing. Through Student Senate, I help represent the student body by serving as a voice for campus needs, while also planning and supporting creative events that bring students together and strengthen the campus community. One of my favorite events this year was our mini pumpkin painting event, which had a big turnout with a lot of campus engagement.
My involvement in SAAC has also strengthened my ability to understand and advocate for a specific audience like athletes. We work to improve the overall student-athlete experience by identifying needs and creating an environment where athletes can be their best, academically and personally.
Being involved on campus has made my first-year experience incredibly rewarding. Athletics has taught me time management and teamwork, while my membership in campus organizations has allowed me to build strong networking and professional communication skills. These experiences have helped shape the way I prepare for my studies in marketing.
When balancing academics, athletics and campus events, I rely heavily on being organized and planning. I always create my schedule by dates and times to make sure everything runs smoothly. When I stay organized, it helps me manage multiple events and deadlines.
I highly encourage new students to get involved in campus organizations, even if they simply attend meetings. Getting involved with clubs is a great way to build relationships and gain experience for future careers. Student Senate has allowed me to connect with the Board of Trustees and other professionals, which has been valuable for my professional growth.
As a busy student-athlete, my favorite way to de-stress is lifting weights and getting a coffee afterward. Taking time to reset is so important, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that balance matters. Giving yourself time to de-stress helps you show up more focused.
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