Stories of Change
Jessica Assists NSU’s Biggest Losers
NSU’S Biggest Losers program is about healthy change. "This is eighteen different contestants’ lives." The 2009 program director understands change. Jessica Besch left her life in Minnesota for her graduate assistantship at NSU. "I have a passion for health and fitness." Jessica’s passion makes an impact.
NSU’s Biggest Losers contestants commit time and intention. They signed a contract to change their lives. Jessica honored their commitment with her own. She gave encouragement around the clock. "I feel a connection to the program. It’s not about the hours."
Contestant Kevin Keegan knows the program connects people. He’s met staff, students and faculty from a variety of departments. Kevin works for Enrollment and Student Services. At night he’s earning his master's degree in computer science. How did Kevin make NSU’s Biggest Losers fit?
Kevin says NSU’s Biggest Losers gave him "medical, nutritional and mental development." He lost weight and gained a lifestyle. Jessica says the program wouldn’t work without any of them. NSU gives people healthy opportunities. Jessica credits three NSU services for the program’s success:
- Personal Training available through Campus Recreation
- Nutrition Counseling Services
- Counseling available through Healthy Lifestyles Guided Self Change
Jessica came to NSU to earn her master’s degree in public health. She changed states, jobs and schools. "A happy healthy work environment made it a positive change." She wants to help everyone create that environment in their own lives. Contestants believe it.
Mary Friel is the 2009 NSU’s Biggest Losers individual winner. She’s also a director for NSU Admissions. Mary learned how to eat well and exercise. Support helped her DO IT. "Jessica and the coordinators genuinely care." They listened. They encouraged. Kevin and Mary said program supporters became like family.
Wellness for students, faculty and staff is an NSU goal. NSU’s approach creates educational opportunities for wellness students.
Jessica’s supervisor, Caitlyn Mancuso is NSU’s Assistant Director of Fitness. She guides many working in the wellness field. "I try to make sure they get the largest variety of experience they can." Working for Campus Recreation expanded Jessica’s skills. "Jessica is unbelievably prepared for the real world."
Jessica earned more practical experience in the Women's Health program. She admires Dr. Kenneth Johnson, director of the NSU Women’s Health Center. His approach to women’s health issues mirrors Jessica’s beliefs. "You can do little things in life to educate the general population. How do I eat? How do I work out? Let’s all learn and teach each other."
NSU’s Biggest Losers contestants exemplify what is possible. "The program ends after four months but what they’ve learned lasts forever." Jessica’s NSU degree gives her power to inspire greater change. "What we know in a university setting needs to make it to health care settings." And Jessica will deliver.
