This last weekend, I had an amazing opportunity presented to me. As an employee of Oakland University Housing, I was given a chance to attend the National Association of College and University Residence Hall (NACURH) conference in Delaware as the National and Domestic Communications Coordinator (NCC) proxy for OU.

During this conference, I had the responsibility of sitting in closed boardroom meetings to help pass legislation that would affect colleges and universities all over the nation. I was a representative for Oakland University as well as the Great Lakes Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (GLACURH).

All throughout this crazy weekend, the idea is that student leaders from all over the United States and Canada work together to build a better community for their colleges while working on themselves as well.

The road trip there took roughly 12 hours. There were 15 of us from Oakland University split into three cars. On the road trip alone, we learned a lot about the people in our cars. Some liked it quiet, some wanted to sleep, and some wanted to scream “those are my cows” every time we drove past a farm.

When we first arrived to the conference I went into total shock. I get really nervous around big groups of people, and lots of noises. But, I quickly began to love this atmosphere seeing as we were all passionate about the same things; being student leaders, and having a good time while doing so.

Along with having to attend boardroom, I had the chance to attend some other programs that were being presented by student leaders. The programs that take place at NACURH are meant to help student leaders grow, find new techniques to take back to their universities and discuss how these events are meant to help students who live on college or university campuses.

I can honestly say that I grew a lot closer to some Oakland University housing employees during the long weekend in Delaware. I got to see OU students and staff learning, growing and doing what they love. Every single person took something away from NACURH and that is something amazing to witness.

I got to witness staff growth as well as my own personal growth. Before arriving at the conference I had very little idea of what to expect when it came to boardroom. I noticed that a lot of people talked down on it, saying that they would do anything to avoid attending these closed room meetings. At first I was hesitant, but by the end of the weekend, I was in love with it. I learned a lot from these meeting that will really help me next year in my Vice President position on the Oakland University Residence Halls Association (RHA).

I feel so incredibly lucky to have been given this opportunity through Oakland University. I plan to take all that I learned and put it back into the Residence Halls on campus. For a lot of people, living in the Residence Halls becomes a home away from home. I would have to agree. My housing staff has become my second family, and knowing that we all get to work together to change the lives of many is something that I will forever be thankful for.

After this weekend I came away with some Grizzly Pride and a little Peace, Love, Polar bears!