Kelly's Story

Kelly Hayden, B.S. in Social Work (2021)
Wellness Connection Student Supervisor and Kids Camp Counselor (2018-2021)

Kelly Hayden, a social work major originally from Bowling Green, OH, found her place in Recreation and Wellness. She has always had a passion for helping people, the Wellness Connection allowed her to support her fellow students while learning about programming, leadership, and all aspects of wellness.

Kelly began her college career in 2018 as a social work pre-major. This same semester she first started as an attendant in the Wellness Connection. There, she had a great support system that helped her through starting college as well as furthering her interesting in helping others. The following semester, in January 2019, she was formally accepted into the social work program. She was also asked to be a BGSU Recreation and Wellness Summer Kids Camp Counselor. “This was the perfect opportunity to spend my summer working with kids and building up my leadership experience in a fun wayThis was the perfect opportunity to spend my summer working with kids and building up my leadership experience in a fun way.,” said Hayden. In August of 2019, Kelly joined the executive board of the Student Organization of Social Workers on campus which helped to develop many professional and personal skills. In August of 2020, she stepped out of her comfort zone by becoming the Wellness Connection Student Supervisor. This started a new network of people through the professional staff as well as the other student supervisors. This position as also helped her to develop her goal of macro-practice social work.

Her favorite memories include helping organize the 2019 SAAM 5K and Dog Walk and the many fun adventures that Kids Camp provided.

Throughout her time in Recreation and Wellness, Kelly has grown both professionally and personally. She has developed connections that she will carry past her time at BGSU from her experience within the Wellness Connection and Kids Camp.