We do that! Careers that make a difference

We do that! Careers that make a difference

By Eric LeggEducation
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We do that! Careers that make a difference episodes

  • A career in campus recreation with Joseph Alexis

    In this episode, Dr. Eric Legg interviews Joseph Alexis. The discussion focuses on the various challenges of finding a job and moving from part-time to full-time employment. Joseph shares his experience growing up in multiple states as a military child and his transition to ASU, where he majored in sports management. He details his first job at Scottsdale Parks and Recreation, working in adult sports, and later at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Joseph recounts his journey to becoming the Sports and Summer Programs Manager at Northern Arizona University, emphasizing the significance of sports clubs, intramurals, and summer camp programs. He offers advice for students interested in similar career paths and highlights the importance of mentorship and early involvement in professional organizations like NIRSA. The episode is a deep dive into Joseph's journey, career growth, and the valuable insights he offers to aspiring professionals.


    48 min
  • Bjorn Peterson: On Education, Community, and Poetry

    In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Peterson, a published poet and leader in community transformation, shares his life journey from earning a PhD to his current work with the international

    humanitarian organization Nonviolent Peaceforce. He talks about the importance of community work, listening, and humility in conflict resolution and violence
    prevention. Dr. Peterson also delves into his poetic inspirations and reads from his book 'A Beautiful Amble,' showing the intersection of art and community work. The conversation provides valuable insights for anyone
    interested in community development, peacebuilding, and education.

    38 min
  • Snake encounters and career discoveries: Ryanne Crary’s career in outdoor programming

    In this episode of We Do That: Careers That Make a

    Difference,' Dr. Eric Legg  talks with Ryanne Crary, a 2020 graduate in Parks and Recreation Management program. Ryanne shares her journey from
    growing up on a farm in northern Arizona to her current role as an outdoor programming specialist for Prescott Valley. She reflects on her early experiences as a recreation aide, her transformative time at Arizona State University, and her various jobs, including a role at the Phoenix Zoo. Ryanne offers valuable advice for those interested in similar careers and highlights the importance of promoting careers in Parks and Recreation. The episode also touches on her favorite events, the benefits of outdoor programs for children, and her beloved
    bearded dragon, Lizzy.


    26 min
  • From classroom to courtside: Eli Burk’s coaching journey

    In this episode of 'We Do That: Careers That Make a Difference,' Dr. Eric Legg interviews Eli Burk, the assistant basketball coach at Glendale Community College and Arizona State University graduate. Eli shares his journey from growing up in California, to his current role, emphasizing the critical role of networking, volunteering, and on-the-job learning. He discusses the impact of sports on family trajectories and reflects on his experiences with travel sports, youth coaching, and international training camps. Eli also gives valuable advice to aspiring coaches and highlights the transformative power of sports in shaping lives.


    38 min
  • Initiative and Exploration: Diana Hernandez's Global Journey

    Diana Hernandez shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Mexico to moving to the U.S., attending parts of high school in China, and attending Arizona State University. She highlights the importance of taking initiative, building relationships, and exploring diverse opportunities. Diana also discusses how her background in tourism has led to a successful career in technology, showing how careers can take non-linear paths. She offers valuable advice for current students, emphasizing the importance of getting involved, asking questions, and enjoying the college experience. Diana's story is one of adaptability, perseverance, and seizing every opportunity.

    44 min
  • Pursuing Passion: Justin Quarles' Career in Youth Sports

    In this podcast, we talk with Justin Quarles, a 2022 graduate in Parks and Recreation Management from ASU. Justin shares his journey from growing up as a military kid in Colorado Springs to becoming a sports director at the YMCA. He talks about his varied educational path, including stints at multiple community colleges and ultimately majoring in Parks and Recreation Management at ASU. He discusses the challenges and rewards of his work, the importance of organizational and people skills, and how his role at the YMCA helps make a positive impact on children and families. The conversation also touches on topics like youth sports issues, volunteer management, and the essential blend of Parks and Recreation with nonprofit work. Justin emphasizes the significance of relationships, taking time to find one's passion, and making a difference through community involvement.


    35 min
  • Finding Purpose: Elena Messenger's Career in Adaptive and Military Recreation

    In this episode we chat with Elena Messenger, a seasoned professional in the field of recreation who shares her diverse career journey. Elena has worked in adaptive sport, military recreation, and municipal recreation. She discusses her upbringing, experiences at ASU, challenges in selecting a major, and the importance of exploring various interests to find one's passion. We delve into her work at the U.S. Adaptive Rec Center, Disabilities Sports UK, and military bases, among other roles. Elena shares advice for college students, stressing the importance of networking, flexibility, and seizing diverse opportunities in the field of recreation.

    35 min
  • A career making travel plans with Zoe Kamman

    In this episode Zoe Kamman, a 2016 graduate in tourism development and management shares her life journey

    from being adopted from China to growing up in Phoenix, and eventually finding her passion in the travel industry. She discusses her experiences working at a
    resort, making a difficult career transition during the Northern California wildfires, and thriving as a travel agent Zoe emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, networking, and mentorship in shaping her successful career.

    43 min
  • A career in the skies with Taylor Shearer

    In this episode, Taylor shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Lake Tahoe, California, attending Arizona State University (ASU), briefly dipping into the corporate world, to ultimately finding her passion as a flight attendant. Taylor's story emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, adapting to various life changes, and the significance of the hospitality industry in shaping her career path. Her experiences highlight the value of exploring different career paths, the benefits of internships, and the impact of kindness and connection in the travel industry. Taylor's story is a testament to the idea that getting out of one's comfort zone and having an open mindset can lead to fulfilling and unexpected career opportunities.

    34 min
  • A career in international development, Alex Mierzwa

    In this in-depth conversation, Alex Mierzwa, a graduate of the

    Nonprofit Leadership and Management program shares her diverse experiences and unique personal journey. Born in Paris, Alex moved to Arizona at the age of 8 where she later discovered her passion for volunteering and social causes. Her
    career has spanned various roles with Make A Wish Foundation, the International Rescue Committee, Barrow Neurological Foundation, Disneyland Paris, and currently with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Alex provides
    advice on pursuing international work, discovering passions, staying curious, and importantly, saying 'yes' to opportunities, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in making an impact.

    59 min

About We do that! Careers that make a difference

From the publisher's feed

Dr. Eric Legg talks with professionals about their journey to and at Arizona State University, their current careers, and how they make an impact on the world. Guests are alumni, faculty/staff, and…