What is your routine for the first few hours of your day?
I’ve been in the trial-and-error phase of creating my perfect morning routine, and at last I was able to create one that works for me. The first thing I do when I wake up is hydrate myself (two cups of water), then make my bed, stretch, and prepare for my day. Once I get into my office, I enjoy playing some lo-fi hip-hop radio background music while I create a to-do list, check my calendar, and clear my inbox. This routine allows me to ground myself before the chaos of the day.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that changed your perspective?
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter – and How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay. People say our twenties are our lost years, but this book puts into perspective how to navigate those years and what factors have the biggest impact on people in their twenties. As I come to the end of my master’s program, I have been getting the dreaded question of “What’s next?” This book allows me to process my response and sit with the feeling that it’s okay to not have all the right answers right now, but, more so, the book talks about how to make the best out of the situation.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Pick and choose your battles; not every battle needs to be fought. Sometimes things and situations arise in the workplace that are out of your control, and it’s okay to have other people resolve the situation.
What is your favorite campus dining hall meal?
Birria tacos with consommé. These tacos were delicious. It was a Tuesday Special.
What is something that someone has done for you lately for which you were most grateful?
I currently live where I work, but also go to school where I work and live, so there isn’t a separation of these aspects in my life. However, my friends plan days when we can get off campus and out of the city once a month so we don’t come to resent the place where we live. I appreciate them taking the time to plan out these activities once a month.
What tool does every campus housing pro need to know how to use, and when was the last time you used one?
The Pomodoro Method. Being in campus housing, we are pulled in every direction, and sometimes there is not enough time to sit down to do any of the administrative work. The Pomodoro Method allows a set amount of time every hour to work and focus. It helps provide focus and attention for short periods.
What was your favorite class when you were a student?
During my undergrad, I was an exercise science major, and my favorite class was “Principles of Exercise Prescription.” This class was so fascinating, and I enjoyed being able to learn how to prescribe different exercises to patients with different conditions. The class was very hands-on, which allowed me to put theory into praxis.
What hobby would you pursue if time and money were no object?
Taking a page out of Anthony Bourdain’s book, traveling the world, exploring all the different cultures, and sharing a meal with the locals of the area. There's just something so cathartic about sharing a meal with strangers. You get to learn from them, see their point of view, and hear about the stories they’ve experienced.
What is your favorite tradition from any campus where you have worked?
City of Orgs was a tradition when all the student organizations, campus partners, and campus community would be out on the walkway engaging with each other. It was almost like a beginning-of-the-year festival for students. There were food trucks, live music, and community. It was such a tradition that students looked forward to.
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?
I have a playlist that has a variety of music titled “vibin,” so my music taste can cater to whatever I’m in the mood for. However, the song that can always hype me up is “Delilah (pull me out of this)” by Fred Again. This house song always puts me in a good mood and can be played at any time of the day.
Alyssa Soukhaseum is an assistant residence director at the University of San Francisco in California.Would you like to see yourself or a colleague included in the Snapshot column? Complete the questions on this form or share the link with someone you think we should get to know better.