Wake Forest University: Lydia Richard

Lydia Richard spent part of her summer studying sports marketing in Wake Forest’s Summer Immersion Program.

Why did you choose to participate in a summer program?

When I saw the information on this camp, I knew that it would broaden my knowledge about the things I love. The things I love include watching sports, playing sports, and meeting new people. I also wanted to be a part of something where I would meet new people and make new friendships. Friendships allow you to make memories and learn the experiences of others throughout everyone’s lives.

How did you decide which program was right for you?

I have always been involved and interested in learning about the “other side” of sports my whole life, so knowing that I had the opportunity to attend a sports marketing program like this and the amazing things that this program offered made me very impressed and not want to pass this opportunity up.

What was a typical day in your summer program?

1. Starting off, we would wake up around 6:30 a.m. get ready and head to the lobby by 7 a.m. and head to the cafeteria to eat breakfast.
2. After eating breakfast, we would go to class where we learned about sports marketing from our professor, Pat Stack. We also went to many places to meet marketing professionals and learn about what they do.
3. We would eat lunch around 12 then get back to work.
4. After our day was over (around 4 or 5 p.m.), we would go back to the dorms where we would play games, watch movies, have dinner, and then go to sleep around 10-11 p.m.

What was the most memorable moment of your summer?

The most memorable moment of my summer was getting the opportunity to go to this amazing program. I met so many different people throughout the U.S., and we keep in touch with each other to this day. Throughout my life I have met so many people. This summer the people I met will forever stay with me and the memories will last a life time. The moments spent in North Carolina this summer broaden my perspectives of life and brought a new light to my heart.

What advice do you have for teens looking at summer programs?

I would tell them to definitely apply and go! Applying can never hurt and if you want to strive for new opportunities, I would always push people to do what they want. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I got to learn so much about what I went to the camp for, and you get to meet professionals that you can keep in touch with. Overall, I am so thankful for this experience and the friends that I made for a lifetime.