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Since coming to �ǿ����޴�ý University from his hometown of Chicago, Serron Pettis has immersed himself in many opportunities related to both his interests and his major. As a senior majoring in sport & recreation management within �ǿ����޴�ý’s School of Exercise Science & Sport (ESS), Serron’s involvement in athletics, on and off the field, started his first year.

He’s been an athlete, having competed in track and field and is a member of the cheerleading team, which qualified for the 2022 National Cheerleading Association's (NCA) College Cheer Nationals in Daytona Beach, Fla. He’s also assisted with recording basketball games and serving as manager of the football team. According to Pettis, he’s “having the time of his life,” at �ǿ����޴�ý, learning versatile skills and discovering the full scope of careers in the sports industry. 

“It’s all about finding the right fit for you at �ǿ����޴�ý,” he said, discussing how he transitioned to the sport & recreation management program when his previous major wasn’t the right fit for his goals. “Ever since I changed to this major, I’ve loved everything about my courses and my teachers. They are so enthusiastic about sports and giving me the knowledge I need for this major.” His change in a major allowed him to take more diverse courses, something that Serron says �ǿ����޴�ý encourages of its students. 

From a summer internship at the Decatur Indoor Sports Center (DISC) to capturing drone footage of Big Blue football games for the coaches and athletes to analyze performance, Serron’s experiences have not only shown him the many careers he could pursue, but also provided him with the skills to thrive in those careers. Through ESS, Serron also had the opportunity to travel abroad to London and planned to visit the University of Winchester, though the trip was canceled due to COVID-19. 

Serron attributes his preparation for a future in the sports industry to �ǿ����޴�ý’s hands-on approach to education.