Meet the Pro Staff: Sean Wilkinson

Meet Sean Wilkinson.

Name: Sean Wilkinson
Undergraduate Degree: Environmental Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University ’11
Graduate Degree: Higher Education Leadership, Valdosta State University ’14
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida
Job: Coordinator, Outdoor Recreation
Working at FSU since: April 2018

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What was your first job?
I was a volunteer at the Palm Beach Zoo and wrestled down shopping carts in the asphalt jungle of Winn-Dixie. Fun fact: The big cats love horse meat and the ant eaters munch on a dog food smoothies.

 

How did you get your start in Campus Recreation?
I participated in a trip one of our outdoor trips to Cayo Costa. We got to paddle for 3 days and sleep on beaches that looked like a tropical paradise. After that I became a trip leader and waterfront lifeguard.

 

What do you do for fun? 
I really like to get outside; I know, shocking right. Weather it is paddling my beautiful kayak, her name is Maggie May, or doing an urban hike through the city of Tallahassee I am pretty happy.

 

Who do you admire and why?
Yvon Chouiard. He is a pioneer in the climbing world, an incredible environmental activist, and founder of the Patagonia brand. He is also the super humble type you would like to hang out with while he randomly drops knowledge bombs like “The word adventure has gotten overused. For me, when everything goes wrong – that’s when adventure starts.”

 

What’s your favorite place to grab a meal in Tallahassee?
I think one of my favorite finds so far is Chi Chi’s Cafe. I am a sucker for a good Cuban coffee. 

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What do you do?
I am one of the Outdoor Recreation coordinators and oversee the Challenge Program out at the Rez. Our program is made up challenge course facilitators and climbing wall instructors that operate everything from our escape room and climbing wall, to our high course and ZipJumps.  

 

What does an average day look like?
It honestly depends on the day. Coffee, preferably black and iced, is a must in the morning and maybe a workout. After that it could, involve getting a harness on, climbing up a telephone pole, and plugging some woodpecker holes. Other days, it starts will going through emails and setting up challenge course programs for groups.

 

What’s your favorite part of your job?
We have a great team here from our student employees to our administrative team. It is so much fun to watch their development from semester to semester. I also like how different it is day-to-day. It keeps me on my toes and prevents things from getting stagnant. The work hard, play hard mentality is definitely embraced around here!

 

What advice would you give yourself in college?
Don’t worry so much and get involved. Go to class and get that degree, but enjoy your time as well. You will remember starting the Try New Things Club, leading some your first trips, and hanging out after work with your campus rec crew more that Bio 2 midterm!