By Communications Committee
The Communications Committee reached out and asked two members of the region to share their journey and thoughts on their Mid-Level Journey. Read on below to hear what they had to say!
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Before last year, I had built a career out of being a Residence Life Coordinator. With seven years of RLC experience at three institutions, I accepted a new role as Assistant Director of Residence Life at the University of Oklahoma last summer.
Despite knowing that many RLCs move to AD roles after only a few years, once I accepted the role, I was grappling with doubts about whether I was capable enough, smart enough, and if I wanted to take on the challenges of moving to a new type of job.
As a first-generation student and professional, no one in my family had ever held a role like the one I was stepping into. There were no examples, no insider information on how to succeed. Like it or not, my only professional “strategy” was to wing it, lean on my colleagues for help, and hope for the best.
After officially moving into my role last June, the summer was hectic.
Prior to accepting the AD job, I had been making drastic changes to our RA training experience by developing online learning modules to be used in a hybrid learning model for Fall 2024. I wasn’t ready to let that project go before seeing the fruits of my committee’s labor. Unfortunately, that choice meant from May to August, I was essentially working as both an AD and an RLC at the same time. Summer was a whirlwind of planning RA training, writing modules, interviewing RHA/NRHH exec board members, and planning large-scale Fall programs and curriculum workshops.
My saving grace was attending the National Housing Training Institute in Seattle, WA, in summer 2024. Thanks to a generous scholarship from SWACUHO and support from OU, I spent a week with talented mid- and upper-level professionals, dissecting our roles from every angle, and answering thought-provoking questions. That experience helped me realize I was more ready for this position than I had initially thought.
Stepping into your role won’t always be seamless and can come with some serious turbulence. But like many things, it will settle with time as you grow stronger in your own abilities. Give it a chance and don’t be your own worst enemy when it comes to imposing self-limitations. Once you stop fighting yourself on what you’re capable of, the possibilities that emerge from an open mind and heart are truly limitless.
Samantha Brooks, Assistant Director of Residence Life
The University of Oklahoma
I spent multiple years as a hall director and coordinator and enjoyed every minute of supervising student staff directly. When the opportunity presented itself for me to take the next step in my professional career, I must admit that imposter syndrome kicked into high gear. Although I knew deep down that I had the experience and knowledge to move forward, the voice in the back of my head was telling me I wasn’t worthy. It was a tough battle to fight and one that continues, at least in some ways, to this day.
As I entered the mid-level role and fought the intrusive thoughts, I was eager to supervise in-hall coordinators and share my knowledge with them. I can honestly say that the experience has exceeded my expectations. Calling it rewarding might be a bit of an understatement. I have enjoyed pouring into others to help them become better supervisors and professionals. I thrive on building personal relationships to get to know each person for who they are and to meet them where they’re at. Being in a mid-level role has allowed me to continue to grow my supervision skills while also feeling rewarded by knowing that I am making at least a small difference in the professional lives of others.
Ricky Harris, Associate Director of Residence Life
University of Central Arkansas
