Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth Sharpe

Elizabeth Sharpe, a 2016 Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management alumni has an unwavering devotion to NC State. She was raised in Edgecombe County in a family with strong ties to NC State since her grandfather, two uncles and one cousin are alumni. Elizabeth always knew she wanted to attend NC State and is incredibly thankful that her dream came true. Once on campus, it’s no surprise then that when she heard about tryouts to be NC State’s number one fan and mascot, Ms. Wuf, she jumped at the opportunity which began an experience she treasures. Next year, Elizabeth will marry another NC State alumni who she met at a tailgating party ironically, after she graduated. The next wolfpack experience Elizabeth has in mind is to be an event planner at NC State where she hopes to create great experiences at the school she loves.

A Conversation with Elizabeth…

What made you decide to get a degree in PRTM?

I began my college career in CHASS studying International Studies. Once I began my freshman semester, I quickly came to the realization that this was not the major for me. Around the holidays I began searching for other degree opportunities. I stumbled across the College of Natural Resources’ PRTM information meeting and the rest is history. It was the perfect fit for me: working with diverse populations, recreating, event & program planning, working with kids, it had it all. I’ll always be proud of myself for having the courage to search for a new opportunity in the midst of uncertainty.

How was your experience at Ms Wuf?

My favorite memory from college was obviously being NC State’s number one fan, Ms. Wuf! Second semester of Freshman year I was taking a Spanish class in the 1911 building. I met some friends (Allison & Emily – shoutout!) and began talking with them about their previous weekend. Allison explained that she tried out for the mascot team and was selected to join. Before I allowed her to finish spilling the details, I asked “When is the next tryout? I’LL BE THERE!” With much anticipation, and continuing my front-row attendance at most sporting events, I made it to September and tried out for the team. They were searching for one Ms. Wuf and I was blessed enough to be chosen. Being a mascot is not just putting on an outfit…it’s portraying the personality of the school’s most prestigious and honorable fan. Throughout my experience I performed at every sporting event NC State offers, weddings, corporate events, baby showers, gender reveals, birthday parties, health fairs, homecoming parades, you name it! I also competed in the National Cheerleading Association’s Cheer Competition in Daytona Florida where I came in 6th place in the Mascot division. I was never a cheerleader growing up, but you don’t have to be a trained cheerleader to show your die hard love for the Wolfpack. It is so humbling to think back to my countless memories as Ms. Wuf and to see pictures still being used around campus and on social media to this day. I will always consider myself NC State’s biggest fan…only now it’s a little less sweaty!
 

Being a mascot is not just putting on an outfit…it’s portraying the personality of the school’s most prestigious and honorable fan.

 
Another favorite memory was traveling to Louisville, KY when the University of Louisville was being welcomed to the ACC. They flew all of the ACC mascots to Louisville for 3 days of exciting events. We ran the dirt track of Churchill Downs, toured the Louisville Slugger museum (and received a one-of-a-kind Louisville Slugger with our school logo on it), danced in front of 3,500 people at 5th street LIVE, and so much more – all while in suit of course! Representing NC State and the ACC in that way was a memory that I will cherish forever.
 

 

You were also a PRT 358 course assistant, how did it prepare you for your current position?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a PRT 358 course assistant. My course assistants as a student were helpful in understanding a student’s perspective and I admired their love for the program. I wanted to challenge myself to gain these leadership skills, while knowing this would be a perfect networking opportunity to connect more with my professor, Annette Moore. I was partnered with the NC State University Club during my time as a student in the class, which was a great experience. The PRT 358 class, in my opinion, is the most important class in the PRTM major. You receive first hand experiences for an entire semester with a Full-Time Professional (or two) at your immediate disposal. As a course assistant, I loved connecting with current students and helping them find their own path in the parks and recreation world. I enjoyed working with them to solve problems, brainstorm, and talk about life. I gained leadership skills, public speaking skills, communication skills, and confidence. But most importantly, I learned how important it is to be a listener. This skill will take you farther than most no matter the career path you choose

Was there a faculty or advisor that affected you personally?

Annette Moore. I do not speak of my college career without mentioning her name. Every moment I needed a spirit boost, motivational talk, prayer, or advice, she was there and has continued to be there even 3.5 years after graduation. Once you are her student, you are family forever. Her infectious spirit is engraved in every PRTM student’s heart. She is the heart and soul of the Program Management concentration and has impacted my life more than she knows. I’ll always be thankful for her professional connections that provided me with amazing experiences that have gotten me where I am today in my career. Thank you, Annette!

What do you enjoy most about being the Assistant Director at the Method Community Center?

One of the things I enjoy the most about my job at Method Community Center is the opportunity to provide such diverse programming for my community and for the citizens of Raleigh. I’m able to provide athletic leagues, summer camps, holiday programs, fitness programs, after school programs, art programs, and so much more. No day is the same, that’s for sure! On any given day I’m able to see a child make a new friend, book a room for someone’s family reunion, sweep the gym floor before Pickleball, plan a special event, or host a flashlight candy cane hunt. I couldn’t imagine working a desk job, I love how active I get to be. As busy as I am, I’m grateful for the opportunities to creatively problem solve as that is helping me grow professionally.

Since being in the work world, what “life lesson” has most affected your approach to your job?

Everything is “figureoutable.” I know, it’s not exactly the most professional way to say it, but it certainly resonates with me. On the days that have been my hardest, I look back and realize that every other hard situation was figured out, one way or another, and we moved on to the next. Don’t be afraid to use your resources, ask for help, and learn from your mistakes. Our bosses and executives didn’t get to where they are without stumbling along the way. Make sure that when you fail, you fail forward.

Where do you get your personal motivation?

My personal motivation stems from my desire to help others. Our field consists of jobs and careers that govern the spirit of helping, giving and loving others. Needless to say, I certainly have my bad days (or sometimes weeks) because working for the public is hard. However, the good always outweighs the bad and remembering how you touched one person during a long shift of what seems like relentless negativity is all it takes to get right back on track.

Any tips for undergraduate students thinking of going into this industry?

Find a mentor! This is always my number one piece of advice when talking with undergrads. Throughout my undergrad career, I was fortunate enough to have multiple mentors. This allowed me to network professionally, ask honest questions and opinions of professionals in the field, discuss my options of career paths, and many others. I cannot express how vital a mentor is to your success in starting your career after graduation.