Savannah Sanford
None of the other Hall Directors on the Housing Staff takes their job as seriously as I do, and that comes from someone who, even when swamped with assignments or exhausted, still fulfills all of my responsibilities.
I manage five Resident Assistant’s at Hoover Apartments. My Hoover staff and I ensure an enjoyable housing experience for 150 residents. Since starting my Hall Director position in May of 2025, I’ve showcased dedication on my worst days that my co-workers don’t have on their best days.
I took the opportunity to stay on campus over the summer to help Housing prepare for the upcoming school year. I spent long days moving heavy furniture across dorms, answering incoming freshmen’s calls about their Housing Applications, and presenting at orientations alongside the Housing Director so students could feel ready for dorm life. Meanwhile, my fellow Hall Directors went home for the summer and took cruises around Mexico.
About a month ago, I was mentally drained and physically exhausted. My academic workload was increasing, and my staff was struggling to communicate with each other. Despite my struggles, I still approved every single one of my staff’s Community Development Program submissions, Flyer Requests, and Purchase Requests. My other Hall Directors had to be reminded to approve these forms by the professional staff.
I’ve sacrificed my summer and pushed myself mentally to make sure my resident assistants and other RAs on the team are set up for success, while my co-workers' actions show that they don’t take the job as seriously and don’t see a problem with slacking off.
Beyond dedication, my leadership doesn’t stop with my staff.
Last week, I had staff members in other halls come to me seeking advice on roommate conflicts their residents were experiencing while their head staff member was nowhere to be found. I listened, asked questions, and guided them to solutions in real time.
During our monthly All Staff Meeting, I watch other Hall Directors laughing and interrupting professional staff members while they present critical updates, whether it be fire drills, hall closings, or Housing application openings. My staff and I sit quietly, taking notes, making sure we don’t miss a single detail.
My ability to lead by example ensures my staff members are getting the information they need and prevents any chance of disrespect in these meetings.
Finally, my knowledge of Housing operations and policy lets residents get answers immediately—what items are banned, or any changes in Housing Applications—so they don’t wait for a follow-up email or get misguided information.
Last week, Housing changed the order of room selection after applications are received. I’ve been telling students in my classes about the change so they can plan ahead. None of them knew about it because their Hall Director hadn’t mentioned it.
In early August, I was meeting with fellow Hall Directors about on-call scheduling when an ambassador came with a roommate selection question. I answered on the spot and directed her to the Housing Office for follow-up. Afterward, my co-workers admitted they didn’t know the answer and were grateful she asked me instead.
My understanding and awareness have made me a trusted leader within the community, while my co-workers struggle with questions I consider basic.
My dedication, leadership, and knowledge of Housing operations have made me stand out among Hall Directors and shown professional staff that I take my position seriously. So much so, I’ve been offered the Housing Operations Specialist position for the next academic year.
Kelly Scott