My freshman year, I chose to live on campus. I was placed on the 8th floor Honors Community of University Tower. IUPUI was a school a lot of people I went to high school with would attend alongside me, yet I didn't know many living on campus besides my roommate.
This made me anxious about moving away from home. Little did I know before move-in day that living on campus would have a massive and positive influence on my IUPUI experience. My floor was social, active, and welcoming. I met so many wonderful people, made so many lifelong friends, and really came out of my shell. I never felt alone or bored when I was in the residence hall. There was always something to do, someone to talk to or an event to attend (a.k.a. all the free food!).
I decided to step out of my comfort zone a few weeks into school and run for a Hall Council position. I was elected as the Residence Hall Association (RHA) Representative for the University Tower Council (UTC). Becoming involved in RHA and UTC helped me grow as a leader. I learned how to work on a team with people from various backgrounds, how to plan events and how to accommodate to my fellow Tower residents' needs. I discovered a few new passions of mine: helping others, programming, and being involved in Housing and Residence Life.
Becoming an RA was a huge milestone in my collegiate journey. I met even more awesome individuals and found my place at IUPUI.
Emily Crowel, Class of 2020
My Hall Council adviser, as well as my Resident Assistant (RA), suggested I apply to become an RA for the following year. I was shocked. How could a reserved person like myself make a good RA? I set the nerves aside and applied anyway. After a lengthy application and a few interviews, I was offered a position on the 8th floor Honors Community of University Tower for the following year.
Becoming an RA was a huge milestone in my collegiate journey. I met even more awesome individuals and found my place at IUPUI. My residents were active, fun, and absolutely brilliant. My fellow staff members were supportive, loving, and compassionate. I grew so much from my freshman year to the end of my sophomore year, I couldn't believe it. I was talking to individuals I didn't know very well, leading programs and initiatives on my floor and in my building, and reflecting on who I was and what kind of person and leader I want to be.
Now, I am happy to be at the Riverwalk Apartments as the RA for the Honors and Warthin Houses. This "job" doesn't feel like one at all, and I strongly believe I would not enjoy my time here at IUPUI as much if I had not applied for the position two years ago. Housing and Residence Life hasn't only provided me with a community, a family, a voice, a job, a ton of free food, and a roof over my head for three years, but it has given me the ability and support to grow as a student, leader and individual.
Emily Crowel
Class of 2020
