Meet the Pro Staff: Lizzie Milkas

Meet Lizzie Milkas.

Name: Lizzie Milkas
Undergraduate Degree: Valdosta State University (VSU). Exercise Physiology, 2014
Graduate Degree: University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Kinesilogy, 2016
Hometown: Waycross, Georgia
Job: Coordinator, Aquatics
Working at FSU since: May 2016 

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What was your first job?
I went to a job fair at the local community college the summer before my senior year of high school. Laura Walker State Park was hiring lifeguards, and I had reluctantly just got certified. I applied, and that summer, I began my first job as a lifeguard.

 

How did you get your start in Campus Recreation?
I had been a lifeguard for three years previously and needed a job during college. I had a friend who was already working at the rec center who got me an interview, immediately after my intramural volleyball game. So sweaty, red-faced, and nervous I interviewed for a job that would change my life. 
After landing the job, I wanted to explore all the areas of campus recreation. I work towards being a facility supervisor, a weight room attendant, a challenge course facilitator, and Team Leader of Aquatics.

 

What do you do for fun? 
I appreciate a good sweat sesh. Whether that’s lifting weights, going for a run, walk, paddling, etc or hanging just out on my back porch with friends. #stayhydrated #itshotinflorida 

 

Who do you admire and why?
This list grows longer every day. The person who I have been channeling a lot recently is Stacey Maline (UAB). She is an old supervisor, mentor, and friend from graduate school. She has always been exceptional at balancing level-headedness, efficiency, and fun, and I admire her so much.

 

What’s your favorite place to grab a meal in Tallahassee?
Table 23, I’m a sucker for a good brunch and a good glass of orange juice.

 

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What do you do?
As coordinator of aquatics, I oversee our a staff of lifeguards, swim instructors, and CPR/Lifeguard instructors. I coordinate all programs that take place in the Leach Center pool such as swim meets, water polo tournaments, swim lessons, and even underwater robotics competitions.

 

What does an average day look like?
Coffee gets me out of bed then I workout 3-5 time a week. On the way into work, I listen to the podcast “Before Breakfast,” where I get new ideas on being productive and managing my minutes. When I get to work, I spend about an hour answering emails, then I shift to different projects like scheduling CPR courses, approve training, or brainstorming ways to fix current issues. I go to lunch with friends. After lunch, I answer emails for another hour, then maybe teach a swim lesson or a lifeguard course!

 

What’s your favorite part of your job?
I am helping people to develop lifelong skills. Whether it’s teaching swim lessons, CPR, or how to manage your co-workers, I get to instill these permanent necessities in my team members and participants. 

 

What advice would you give yourself in college?
Do it all! 
Your classes will always be there but that weekend camping trip or that random competition on campus won’t.