By Faith Earl

When I first stepped onto campus at ASU-Beebe in small Beebe, Arkansas, I was focused on the same things many new students are—finding my classes, meeting people, & figuring out how to live away from home. At the time, I didn’t realize that some of my most meaningful experiences would come not just from the classroom but also from the residence halls I called home and the communities built within them. 

Living on campus quickly became more than just a convenience—it was my entry point into connection, leadership, and personal growth. The energy in the halls is unlike anything else on campus. Everyone is new, everyone is searching, and everyone is, in some way, becoming. Being surrounded by that kind of transformation every day is powerful––and it’s what drew me deep into housing and student involvement. 

From the start, I was already engaged as a Student Leader Scholar and involved in SGA. Through that involvement, I connected with individuals in the Residence Hall Association (RHA), and what began as simply attending meetings and small events soon grew into something much more impactful. RHA gave me a vision for advocacy—creating spaces where residents felt heard, developing programs that brought people together, and recognizing the efforts of those who often go unseen.

Through those connections, I found both inspiration and direction. A current Resident Assistant (RA) encouraged me to apply for the role as she prepared to graduate. Taking her advice, I applied—and was selected to serve as an RA for the spring semester of my freshman year. That moment marked a turning point in my journey.

During my time as an RA, I began to see higher education as more than just my own academic path—it became a potential career. I grew increasingly aware of the many layers of Student Affairs and found fulfillment in supporting residents through everyday moments: conversations in the hallway, late-night lockouts, intentional programming, and the relationships that formed along the way. It was work that felt meaningful in both small and significant ways.

One of the most pivotal experiences during this time was attending the 2019 SWACUHO RA Conference (now known as the Student Staff Leadership Conference). This was my first introduction to SWACUHO—but certainly not my last. It expanded my perspective, connected me to a broader network of student leaders, and deepened my interest in the field.

As I approached the final stretch of my undergraduate experience, another unexpected opportunity emerged. In November of my senior year, my supervisor, Zack Tucker, shared that a Hall Director position would be opening over winter break. The role required graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the semester of starting the position. After thoughtful consideration, I decided to apply—and was selected.

Balancing my final semester as an undergraduate while preparing to step into a professional role pushed me to think seriously about my future in higher education. Through many conversations with faculty and staff, I began mapping out my next steps. That process ultimately led me to apply to the Arkansas Tech University Student Affairs Administration online graduate program. In a moment that felt both exciting and affirming, I received my acceptance less than 24 hours after submitting my application.

Graduate school, combined with my role as a Hall Manager, further solidified my passion for the field. During this time, I reconnected with SWACUHO and attended my first Annual Conference in 2023. That experience was transformative—I built meaningful professional connections, gained valuable knowledge, and created memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. It was also at this conference that I became involved with the Communications Committee, where I now serve in my second year as co-chair.

Returning to campus after that conference, I felt re-energized. I was encouraged not only to continue my graduate studies, but also to pour back into my staff and residents while continuing to explore the many opportunities within higher education.

That momentum carried me into the next chapter of my journey. In Fall 2023, I graduated with my Master’s in Student Affairs Administration. Shortly after, in May 2024, I accepted a full-time Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) position at the University of Central Arkansas. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to supervise a residence hall while advising both RHA and NRHH—bringing my journey full circle in many ways.

Of course, this journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing responsibilities, managing expectations, and supporting students through difficult moments all require patience and resilience. Yet, those challenges have also been some of my greatest teachers. They’ve shaped me into a stronger leader, a better listener, and a more thoughtful advocate.

Looking back, I can confidently say that my involvement in housing has defined my college experience—and my career path—in ways I never expected. It’s where I found purpose, built lasting relationships, and developed skills that extend far beyond campus.

For anyone beginning their journey in higher education, my advice is simple: get involved, stay curious, and don’t underestimate the impact of community. You never know where a residence hall hallway might lead you—but it just might change everything.

Faith Earl
Residence Life Coordinator at University of Central Arkansas