Written by: Liz Henry ’08, Assoc. Director of Recreation, Engagement

When I first found out Terri was thinking about retiring, I could almost hear my heart break. Just the idea of not coming to work and being greeted by such a lively, positive ball of energy made me sad. I know I am far from the only life that has been impacted by the work and light that Terri shows every day. Terri has been an integral part of the success of Recreation’s health and well being offerings and the Fitlife Team. She has been a tremendous mentor, strength and conditioning coach, supervisor, innovator, massage therapist, Student Personal Wellness founder/leader, fitness instructor, and the list goes on and on. Terri’s ability to build relationships with students, staff, and faculty also speak to her character and the joy it was to see her interactions with others on campus each day. While we are all happy for this next chapter in Terri’s life, I know I am not alone in stating that she will be missed and there are some big shoes to fill. Well teeny tiny ones actually, but you know what I mean ?.

Terri shared the following upon her last day at work, “26 years at UC San Diego what a ride it has been! Thank you everyone for a lifetime of amazing memories. I have been blessed by the opportunity to have served so many UCSD students through the years. I am the one who learned so much from all of them. My colleagues, many of which will become lifetime friends, I thank you. To all the UCSD faculty and staff, it has been an honor to work with and for you. My greatest takeaway is that there is no greater JOY than finding your God given purpose and sharing that daily.” Isn’t that the truth?!?

I also love the quote that she shares, “We are so often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way. Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, don’t overlook it” – unknown source. Even upon retirement, Terri took the time to call as many friends and colleagues as she could to tell them about the impact they made on her life. Anyone who has met or developed a friendship with Terri, knows that while she may be small in stature, her heart and presence is bigger than life. Her laughter makes you want to laugh, and you just know that if your day started off rough and tough, you weren’t leaving her presence feeling that way. While I could always lift her on my shoulder or do “Terri presses” in the Wellness Studio, she always lifted me and those around her up through her faith, joy, and authenticity. You never doubted that Terri cared about you, the students, her team, and the people she worked with at UCSD.

Terri continues on to state, “Recreation team you made me proud every day working relentlessly to create the best possible recreational experience for our entire UCSD community. I am also so thankful to UCSD Athletics working as a Strength and Conditioning coach for 8 years. Seeing our campus rise from Division III to Division I is priceless. I will forever be an #activetriton. Thank you for helping me grow and become who I am today. Love and blessings to all!” Terri is more than a former co-worker and Recreation employee, she is a friend, mentor, prayer warrior, inspiration, and sister from another mister. I hope you will join me in wishing her all the best and thanking her for countless years of dedication to health and wellbeing, student and staff development, school spirit, and all that it means to be an Active Triton for life.