What is your routine for the first few hours of your day?
I typically set my alarm for the time my kiddos get up (well, one kiddo, now that we have one in college). I have always been their alarm clock, gingerly waking one up before the other, because they shared a room and would get up at different times. I then turn my attention to our 1.5-year-old tuxedo cat, Cady, who is all up in my business until she’s satisfied she’s gotten her fill. Then, lunches, a cup of decaf (because I heard it’s better to wait for the caffeine until about 90 minutes after you wake up), and get ready for the day (shower, make-up, hair, etc.). Next, I might spin out a few of the New York Times (NYT) games if I have extra time before smooching my husband and walking up to my office, where I make my real cup of joe, with peppermint mocha creamer. Some of our staff share our NYT results on a Teams channel each day. It’s a fun low-key way to connect!
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that changed your perspective?
The book Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, and Roy Schwartz (courtesy of my husband). I am aware that there are definitely some ways I could tailor my communication, and this book hit the spot in helping to identify them. The book is written in what is called the smart brevity format, which essentially involves being clear and concise. It is so easy to get through. It takes some work to get used to the process, but I try to remember to look at most everything through a “brevity” lens and realize I could give my staff such a better experience by really focusing on the need to know and why it matters. It is very much still a work-in-progress, but I’ve seen some good changes already.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
"You can care deeply without carrying everything." This really speaks of the emotional labor that comes with residence life: living where you work, constantly supporting students, managing crises, and often putting others first. I wish I had better recognized the importance of setting boundaries, practicing sustainable empathy, and adequately preserving my own well-being without compromising my dedication to others. I often try to be everything to everybody, but somewhere along the way I realize I’m not doing anyone a service until I take a moment to step away and breathe deeply into my own oxygen mask.
What is your favorite campus dining hall meal?
It’s a toss-up between a breaded chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo or spaghetti and meatballs (if they have parmesan cheese, which I don’t actually generally like, but for some reason, BU gets it right). I also really enjoy Boston University’s Fenway Campus dining hall in general – and especially their herbed tofu at the salad bar. The Fenway dining hall is on the smaller side and conveys this cohesive, touch-of-home feel. Also, they regularly do these cute “pop-ups,” whether it be an ice cream, baked potato, or waffle bar with all kinds of fun fixings.
What is something that someone has done for you lately for which you were most grateful?
I have a few different groups of mom-friends, and the ways we show up for each other are so much more than just casual connections; they’re a huge part of my tapestry. We’re all walking parallel paths – raising similarly aged kids, juggling careers or other passions. And oh, did I mention the carpools? There's something incredibly healing in being surrounded by women who just get it, especially while navigating the complexities of the world right now. They fill up my heart in the deepest ways and give me the strength and grounding I need to keep showing up fully for my own family and my team at work. I am incredibly grateful for my tribe!
What tool does every campus housing pro need to know how to use, and when was the last time you used one?
One of the most essential tools for any res life professional is the ability to not take things personally. In a field full of compassionate, student-centered people, it’s easy to internalize the stress, disappointment, or frustration that comes your way from every direction sometimes, from students, families, or even your own team. Whether it's a parent upset about their student’s experience or a room change request you simply can’t accommodate, the weight of those moments can feel personal. But they’re not. As long as your goal is to serve students and you're advocating for them with integrity and care, you're doing the work, even when the outcome isn't a win-win. And that’s hard, especially in today’s landscape, where the cost of higher education raises the stakes for every conversation. Learning to hold space for others while also protecting your own well-being isn’t just a skill; it’s a form of resilience we must keep choosing every single day.
What was your favorite class when you were a student?
I once took an interior design course that completely lit me up. In another life, that might’ve been my career path. But, astonishingly, in res life that passion shows up more than you’d think. I love thinking about how physial spaces can influence wellness, connection, and comfort, whether it’s rearranging a lounge to make it more inviting for community building or helping resident assistants create welcoming, inclusive door decorations. There’s something really rewarding about helping turn everyday spaces into places that feel like home for our students.
What hobby would you pursue if time and money were no object?
I would open my own paint-your-own pottery studio. I’ve worked at a few different locations back in the day, and it was so inspiring to see people leave all their inhibitions at the door and create some really wonderful and beautiful pieces. We always had one rule: You can never say anything negative about a piece you’re working on.
What is your favorite tradition from any campus where you have worked?
I worked for a short time at Elon University with their Campus Compact AmeriCorps chapter, and every week they had a coffee gathering for the whole campus – students, staff, and faculty – for free, during a specific block where nothing else is scheduled. I loved the intention behind that free block and how it brought the whole community together for a few moments. I hope they have continued the tradition. I think it dates back to the ‘80s.
What song do you count on to hype you up to start the day or help you celebrate at the end of a long one?
My usual go-to song is “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves. It just reminds me to soak in the moments of joy throughout the day and to stay in the moment and carry that positivity throughout. Days aren’t perfect, and some are really hard, but there’s always a bit of sun along the way if you just keep your eyes (and your soul) open to seeing it.
Maggie Sawada is the assistant director of West Campus Residences at Boston University in Massachusetts.