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Jessilyn Rich
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Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. I went to Dartmouth Public Schools and played sports through local recreation leagues and competitive travel teams for soccer and basketball.
What is your favorite thing you have done post-graduation?
Only two weeks after graduating, I moved to Amherst on my own to work for the football team. I gained hands-on experience in developing Division I football athletes. After my internship at UMass Amherst, I applied for a GA position at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. I enjoyed all the people I met, the different environments, and the sights to see.
What made you choose the major that you did? Did you consider any other options?
I did not consider any other options. I knew coming into Salem State that I wanted to major in Exercise Science. I chose my major because I love to train. I was an athlete my whole life and took pride in how hard I trained and how rewarding it feels to reach a potential you did not think was possible. Training is beyond just sports; it is a lifestyle that teaches you to put your mind to something, work hard at it no matter what, and achieve it.
What classes or faculty members had the greatest impact on you?
The Exercise Science program has so many great professors. However, a few who had the greatest impact on my education and opportunities were Dr. Dion, who gave me my first-ever internship at Iron-Spider; Dr. D’Amico, who helped me organize a strength and conditioning program my senior year for the athletes at Salem State; and Professor Abboud, who was my advisor my junior and senior years and helped me stay on track to graduate while also pushing me to stack more credits to have a more flexible schedule my senior year.
Was there a specific out-of-classroom learning experience that was especially significant to your career preparation?
Going to NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) state clinic conferences. These conferences invite strength and conditioning coaches to speak on various topics and provide opportunities to network with experienced coaches across Massachusetts and the New England area.
What was one of your favorite moments at Salem State?
My favorite moment at Salem State was my internship. This program was founded by my mentor and friend, and Salem State alumnus, Francisco Aguilar. He helped create a strength and conditioning program for the athletes at Salem State. I learned so much about training athletes and how to organize and schedule a strength and conditioning program through him. Francisco also introduced me to the NSCA and helped me study for my Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification (CSCS).
This internship helped me understand early in my career how to organize a program on my own. It forced me to do my own research on how to train different sports and taught me how to communicate with professors who used the weight room space, coaching staff, and athletic training staff. Most importantly, this was an on-site experience, so I did not have to worry about traveling and was given a stipend. I also got to train many different athletes who were respectful, hardworking, and committed to the program.
What was your favorite activity or event that you attended?
My favorite events at Salem State were senior send-off week. There were plenty of activities throughout the week for seniors to come together. My favorite event by far was the senior cruise. That same week, my friends and I planned to hang out and enjoy downtown Salem for our last week before graduation.
What advice do you have for prospective students thinking about following in your footsteps?
Take chances, even if you think it is not possible. Ask questions and reach out to your professors about how you can become a better student or intern. Most importantly, be involved in everything. How people view you can go a long way. Part of the reason I was able to run the strength and conditioning program my senior year was that the players, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletic director trusted me because they knew who I was. Be the first one to introduce yourself.
What do you wish you had known before starting college?
I would not have wanted it any other way. I am grateful for every experience, the good and the bad, because I took chances and trusted the process, no matter what was thrown at me. Now I am right where I always wanted to be.
What is your best advice for future students?
Network. Who you become close with can help you get a job or get into graduate school. Know someone who will have your back and advocate for you, and who believes in your abilities as a professional.
What are you hoping to accomplish in the future?
In the future, I want to work at a Division I college as a strength coach, become a director of sports performance, and eventually work professionally in this field. I would also like to own a facility that trains athletes and provides internship opportunities to young coaches.
Where is your favorite place to study on campus?
My favorite place to study on campus is the library. It has a lot of space, is very quiet, and the staff members are very helpful when you need help booking a study room.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I want to give a huge shout-out to Campus Life and Recreation, especially the Gassett Fitness Center staff. They are always respectful, have smiles on their faces, and are welcoming to all students. I was able to work as an intramural referee and had the most fun working with my coworkers.