Meet Mike Selep!

Name – Mike Selep
Employer – Fox Valley Special Recreation Association
Position – Assistant Director
Educational Background – Masters in Public Service, DePaul University; B.A. Political Science & Speech Communications, Gustavus Adolphus College
How long a member of IPRA? – 21 years (my membership is allowed to drink legally now)
Why is IPRA membership important to you? – True growth as a professional in the field of parks and recreation requires the ability to continuously develop new skills and relationships – IPRA provides engaging and meaningful opportunities to connect and discover paths for growth.
Best thing about working in the field of parks & recreation? – Knowing that the work performed creates memories and changes lives for individuals of all ages and abilities.
In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing parks & recreation? – Remaining relevant and in the forefront of this current and future generations. It is vitally important for the health of a community for everybody to afford the time to enjoy spaces to play and natural places to give strength to the body and soul.
What advice would you give a recent college graduate? – Know that what you have to contribute is the future of the field and vitally important. Do not doubt yourself because experienced professionals in the field demonstrate resistance to change. Respect and learn from current professionals, but challenge and push to move things forward. You will undoubtedly fail at times. It is challenging to keep going, but resiliency is the key to success.
Tell us a little known fact about you! – I served for six years as a member of the United States Naval Reserve. I still cannot explain why I enlisted; however, I learned a lot about myself, teamwork, and leadership through the experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and appreciate all of the sacrifices made on a daily basis for the 1% of Americans that chose to serve today.
What was your path to a career in Parks & Recreation? I started working in long term care as an Activity Director and connected with my local Special Recreation Association. WSSRA sparked a passion within me to discover as much as possible about the field. It has led me to work for SRAs, park districts and our professional association.
What is your favorite Parks & Recreation program you’ve been a part of? A current program that we do at Fox Valley Special Recreation called Lose the Training Wheels. I love it because of the ability to see the tangible outcomes in just one week. After five days, children who have tried and failed to learn in the past ride a bike home gaining freedom to exercise, recreate with their family and friends and learn the best skill of all from riding a bike, how to fall down and get back up and ride again. Our participants lose their training wheels – our volunteers lose a pound or two running around with them for five days. Volunteers welcome – August 10-14 at the Vaughan Athletic Center in Aurora. Contact Brain Houzenga with your availability (brianh@fvsra.org). We will put you to work changing lives.
Who do you admire, and why? – I admire people who are not afraid to let their guard down and think of service to others before self. People who open themselves up to grow closer to others by trusting, listening, learning, laughing and loving. If I had to list all of the individuals I admire, it would include the members of my family, my teachers and friends, all of the people that I have worked with at WSSRA, Schaumburg Park District, IPRA and FVSRA. The list would be way too long... Know that if I have talked with you for what seems to be no particular reason or asked you to join me for some cause or celebration, it is because I admire you.