Where am I Going? How do I Get
There? A Talk in Public Recreation
and Youth Camping
Megan Owens
PhD Student, University of Illinois
The world is full of negative as
well as positive, whichever you
direct your focus to, so shall your
world become.
- Abhishek Tiwari
Dream Job vs. Your First Job
 Average 4.4 years in a job
 15 – 20 jobs over lifetime
 Consider the difference between a bad
situation & an imperfect job
EVERY ONE OF US ALONE HAS THE
POWER TO DIRECT THE COURSE OF
OUR LIVES BY CHOOSING WHAT
ACTIONS WE WILL OR WON’T TAKE.
YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE.
- SARAH MOORES
Say Yes More
 You can always learn something!
 Builds your credibility
 Volunteer before being asked
A BEND IN THE ROAD IS NOT THE
END OF THE ROAD…UNLESS YOU
FAIL TO MAKE THE TURN.
- UNKNOWN
Encountering Conflict
 Administration, your staff, participants,
parents
 Be aware
 Playing the game
 Never burn bridges
 Don’t run from it, address it, & see it through!
COMPLACENCY IS LIKE SLEEPING WITH
A HIPPOPOTAMUS; IT’S NICE & COOL &
COMFORTABLE FOR AWHILE, BUT IT
EVENTUALLY ROLLS OVER & CRUSHES
YOU.
- ANONYMOUS
Strive for Improvement
 Personally & professionally
 Knowledge is power…use it wisely
 Make yourself valuable
 Do right by other people
How you get where you’re going?
 Start somewhere
 Always be open to learning
 Don’t be afraid of making mistakes
 Get to know yourself
 Keep in touch with RPTA
Good Luck!!!!