What is your routine for the first few hours of your day?
I like to sleep until the last possible minute! Then I get ready in a flash, and I head out the door. On my way into the office, I usually stop at Tim Hortons (a Canadian staple) for a tea, then I chat on the phone with my parents about their plans for the day. It's just a nice way to ease into the morning and connect with my family. Once I’m in the office, I take the first 20 minutes to say good morning and chat with team members before digging into emails.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that changed your perspective?
We recently had Dr. Keith Edwards on our campus to facilitate a two-day workshop on the curricular approach. One thing Keith said that stood out to me was that “We only have 80 summers.” While I’ve heard this before, it was such a good reminder to encourage us to really think critically about the work we are doing, and how we are spending our valuable time, energy, and resources to make the most positive impact on the student experience.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
Your career is a jungle gym, not a ladder. You’re allowed to pivot, evolve, and outgrow positions, because success isn’t linear. Staying in a role where you’re constantly learning or changing your career direction to try something new doesn’t mean failure – it often means growth.
What is your favorite campus dining hall meal?
I love the toasted western sandwich in the Gzowski College dining hall.
What is something that someone has done for you lately for which you were most grateful?
My colleagues hosted a surprise dinner for me upon the completion of my Ph.D. defense. I’m so thankful to have wonderful colleagues who want to celebrate successes together.
What tool does every campus housing pro need to know how to use, and when was the last time you used one?
This is not really a tool, but learning how to prioritize your own self-care is crucial in our profession. As an early-career professional, I struggled with this a lot and experienced significant burnout. After figuring out what kind of self-care was effective for me, I now try to encourage team members to prioritize their wellness. The Trent Student Housing team recently celebrated International Self-Care Day, which serves as a reminder for all of us to invest in our own self-care in ways that build resilience and meet our own needs. Caring for ourselves helps us effectively care for others.
What was your favorite class when you were a student?
I wasn’t the most attentive or engaged of undergraduate students, but in my master’s program, I loved Dr. Kris Renn’s College Student Cultures course. Fascinating insights and topics, wise colleagues, and a brilliant professor made for an incredible learning experience.
What hobby would you pursue if time and money were no object?
I love to travel, learn new things, and eat great food. If I had all the money and time in the world, I’d do a culinary world tour and train under chefs across the continents to master global cuisines.
What is your favorite tradition from any campus where you have worked?
One of my favorite campus traditions is the annual Izzone Campout at Michigan State University. Thousands of students pitch tents and camp out overnight on Munn Field to earn coveted Izzone points, which determine seating priority for basketball season. It's such an energetic atmosphere! The campout ends when basketball coach Tom Izzo says it's time to go home (usually around 7 a.m.).
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 love music, so it’s hard to pick just one. There are so many great Canadian bands and singers – Rush, The Tragically Hip, Arcade Fire, Joel Plaskett Emergency, Jann Arden, and more. If I absolutely had to pick one, the song that always makes me smile and boosts my energy is “Ordinary Day” by Canadian band Great Big Sea.
Jennifer Coulter is the senior director of student housing at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. 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.