March Wellness Ambassador of the Month | Trina Renee Wilson

Trina Renee with her grandchildren
Trina Renee Wilson, March Wellness Ambassador Spotlight

March Wellness Ambassador of the Month | Trina Renee Wilson

Wellness Ambassador of the Month
Trina Renee Wilson, Financial Aid and Scholarships


How long have you worked at UC Davis?

I’ve worked for the University for over 30 years; I started working in the Financial Aid Office as a student in 1988, left briefly to work in Transportation and Parking and returned to the Financial Aid Office in 1995.

Why did you become a wellness ambassador?

Walking Putah Creek and running the track at Hickey Gym became a lunchtime routine many years ago. I found the mid-day exercise break rejuvenating, well maybe the lunchtime shower was the rejuvenating aspect. After exercising, I often started the last half of the day energized, so I began encouraging others to join me. It started with small groups walking during lunch, a Biggest Loser Competition, healthy potlucks and then Fitbit step contest. So, once the Wellness Ambassador program was launched, it was a natural transition. The program provided structure, resources and tools to share with staff. It also establish a community and a sense of belonging that extended beyond our department, which was inspiring and motivating.

How long have you been a wellness ambassador?

Unsure, I think it’s been 3-4 years. It’s my assumption that I started once the program was launched, but it could have existed before I became aware of it.

What has been the most rewarding or positive about your experience thus far?

It is rewarding when staff form groups and work together to maintain and establish healthy habits. It’s even more rewarding when staff achieve their health goals.

What are some challenges you face as a wellness ambassador?

The role of a Wellness Ambassador is a selfless act, otherwise the joy of encouraging others to be their best self will lose its purpose and instead feel like a chore. My personal wellness journey, like others, has its challenges and is a work in progress. Early on I thought that I had to be in a great place on my wellness journey in order to model the behavior for others, but I learned that this was an unrealistic expectation. It’s more encouraging to be your true self and share your successes as well as your failures, which is the best motivator for others. In my opinion, personal success is helping others succeed.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with new wellness ambassadors?

Everyone is at a different stage in their wellness journey, so continue to provide the resources, remain positive and stay the course. The work of a Wellness Ambassador is important and appreciated by many.

Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being aims to build an environment that makes the healthier choice the easier one, while providing staff and faculty with the required support to make UC Davis the healthiest community. How do you feel you have contributed to our mission?

The Wellness Ambassador program has equipped me with resources to share with staff, helped me bring awareness to fitness programs and encourage participation in activities on campus and in the community. Frequent reminders are helpful and for some motivational.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

I enjoy interior decorating; transforming a space is a form of expression, therapeutic and emotionally fulfilling. I plan to invest more time pursuing this passion once I retire. I also love spending time with my grandchildren; watching them grow and develop their unique personality one of life’s greatest joys.

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