A Florida A&M University physical education student, Lance Williams, is scheduled to attend a national convention for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance, a leading organization for health and fitness.
AAHPERD is a non-profit, educational organization whose mission is to promote and support creative and healthy lifestyles through high quality programs in health, physical education, recreation, dance and sport, and to provide members with professional development opportunities that increase knowledge, improve skills, and encourage sound professional practices.
Janet Sermon, the Department Chairperson of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation said she hopes that Williams will ignite a spark of interest for other students to pursue opportunities on a national level.
“I’m excited that Lance chose to seek this opportunity. What he is doing is attending a national conference so that he may see the profession on a national level and take advantage of all the mentorships, networking, information, research, and various other thing that will enhance his professional growth,” said Sermon.
The 21-year-old Pensacola, Fla. native said athletics has always been a part of his life.
“Growing up, I have always been involved in sports whether it was football, basketball, wrestling, swimming or track and field. But as I came into my adulthood, I realized I wanted to be on the other side of fitness,” said Williams.
While still a student, Williams also works at R. Frank Nims Middle School serving in multiple positions including teacher’s assistant, after-school supervisor, and most recently assistant coach for the track and field team. He said he constantly encourages the idea of remaining active to the youth in his classroom.
“It is so important that children learn from a young age the significance of maintaining an active standard of living. That way they can pass in on to the next generation and so on,” said Williams.
Williams will be the only student from FAMU celebrating the 125th anniversary of AAHPERD at national convention and exposition on March 13-17.
“By attending this convention, my aim is to bring new and innovative ideas back to motivate people of all ages to become physically fit and take the next step towards living a healthier lifestyle,” said Williams.
Williams is also known for aiding organizations around campus with physical training regimes.
“In my experience with Lance as a trainer, he really helped me grow a love for fitness and health awareness by not only guiding me through intense (workout) sessions, but by helping me improve my diet,” said Courtney Hutchinson, a third-year broadcast journalism student.
Williams is pursuing two certifications-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Upon graduation from FAMU, Williams said he would like to pursue his master’s degree in kinesiology that will set him up toward achieving his overall goal in life.
“My ultimate goal is to one day open my own sports training and fitness facility to train athletes as well as the general public looking to improve their way of life,” said Williams. “In addition to that, I would like to provide nutritional plans and health education classes to teach people how to make it a part of their everyday lives.”
At the convention, there will be several workshops throughout the five-day span geared towards health and physical recreation. Williams hopes to learn more about physical fitness and education that he can bring back to the Hill for his fellow rattlers.