Thoughts from Chris Cook...
Rarely does a job come along that feels little like “a job.” Hardly ever does one find a position that is not only rewarding, fulfilling, and enlightening, but also paying. When I accepted a position in residence life at Lawrence University, I found just such a job. For so many reasons, I fell in love with the school, the people, and the work that I did there. In fact, I often needed to remind myself that what I was doing was really “work,” because it barely felt like it—pay days were just added bonuses to the work that I loved.
For starters, I quickly learned that I was not only a residence hall director, but also part of a team. I became a member of a supportive staff that truly cared about each other. It was this sense of teamwork that inspired me to try new things and be creative—both professionally and personally. I knew that I was not facing my duties alone, but rather standing beside six other strong, reliable, creative, and helpful individuals. Even more than being supportive, we challenged each other to see issues from a different angle, to view ourselves and our work in a new light. Coming from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, we gained a better understanding of the spectrum of services and practices within student affairs.
Speaking of student affairs, my days at Lawrence were filled with a broad range of experiences in all aspects of the campus scene. Because of Lawrence’s unique collateral program, in which hall directors also hold another part-time position on campus, I was able to explore another area of student life. I worked closely with the student programming board as the Campus Activities Programs Coordinator. In this capacity, I aided a group of very creative and ambitious students in planning activities such as coffeehouse musicians and comedians, outdoor “drive-in” movies, and a Mardi Gras celebration. Also, in my second year at Lawrence, I helped the group start a Battle of the Bands contest—reaching out to the Fox Valley community to find local bands to participate and sponsors to support the event. Plus, I had a lead role in the planning and implementation of a large-scale music concert on campus—Ben Folds.
Holding a collateral position offered me so much more than would just being a residence hall director. While I used many of the same skills in both positions, I also gained a new working knowledge of event planning and coordination, and was able to network with a whole different set of student services professionals—both at Lawrence and beyond. Even more, I learned that I really enjoy planning events and advising student programmers. I may not have discovered that passion had it not been for Lawrence.
Through my work at Lawrence, I became aware of the tremendous opportunity for self-enrichment and exploration. From the many student interest clubs to sporting and recreational opportunities to endless student musical and theatrical productions, students—as well as staff and faculty—have an amazing opportunity to get involved. I often found myself spending my “free time” just soaking up the energy of campus life and its events. At Lawrence, I found that there was a time and place to teach, and also to learn. I was able to do both; and feel I am stronger for it today.
The support offered by the residence life staff is amazing. There is no closer family than one that can share in the good times as well as the bad. This is the kind of “family” I found at Lawrence. To this day, I am thankful for the outstanding leadership of Amy Uecke, and the support of my peers. I was strengthened by the challenges I faced, enlightened by the opportunities I encountered, and encouraged by the support I received.
My time as an RHD at Lawrence will always be, to me, the job that felt less like “work” and more like a an unforgettable and enriching experience for which I will always be thankful. I may have received room, board, and a paycheck for my work at Lawrence, but the real sum of my “salary” was something that cannot be measured.
— Christopher Cook
Sage Hall Director, 2002-2004