Warhawk Fitness and Aquatics is more than just rec sports, intramural sports, spirit programs, working out and club sports. It is about building a family and making memories in each department and program. When participating in Warhawk Fitness and Aquatics in any program, individuals can feel more a part of the program and feel more like a family with their program and individuals in it. Many individuals who just work for Warhawk Fitness and Aquatics have made so many friends, memories, and moments that they will remember with people who mean a lot to them.

            Kate Mislivecek, the Group Fitness Student Manager and Instructor for Yoga, Core, Below the Belt, Cycling, Triple Threat, PiYo, and Anything Goes says in a video interview for group fitness that “coming to group fitness classes or programs is a super fun way to work out and meet new people to build relations and make awesome memories.” Kate has worked for Warhawk Fitness for 9 semesters and has met a ton of individuals who have become lifelong friends of hers and people she has built great connections with. Along with Kate, there are many other students and facility who consider their sport, workout team or coworkers more than individuals or friends, but as family.

            Many programs at UW-Whitewater that are not even a part of Warhawk Fitness consider their close contacts to be more like family. In an article called “Friends Are Like Family”, the author states “Just as literal families, friends who are like family can bring not only happiness but also the family we choose. They are there for us when we need them and not only like us but love us.” It is important to surround yourself with friends who are more like family in any program, living arrangement, organization or work because of the love, support and comfort they bring in both good and bad times.

            I am lucky enough to be a part of many programs and organizations such as Warhawk Fitness that brings me close friends that are more like family. It is important to feel closeness to both friends and family because it can help individuals have a better and healthier well-being and mental state. My best piece of advice is to join jobs, organizations or programs to meet people who love and support you because they see you as family!

Start Strong, Finish Stronger

Emma O’Connor