What is your routine for the first few hours of your day?
Every morning, I wake up and walk for about an hour. Especially in warmer weather, I enjoy going for walks outside. After getting ready for the day, I head to my office and start my day by checking my emails.
What is the last thing you read, watched, or listened to that changed your perspective?
I recently saw this post online where the creator encouraged people viewing to imagine that their 80-year-old self gets to travel to the current day and relive it. The creator emphasized that you are your current age in your current body and asked how we would spend the day, knowing that everything worked out. It gave me the moment to practice some gratitude and recognize all that we currently have. It’s important not to worry about the little things and to make the most of our days while we have our health.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
One piece of advice that I recently received from my supervisor is to go for something even if you think you might not get it. Oftentimes we think that someone else might be better at something than us, so we rule ourselves out of doing something before even trying. It is important to remember that we all bring something unique to the table.
What is your favorite campus dining hall meal?
I don’t have a meal plan, so I don’t eat on campus often. But when I can go to the dining hall, I love getting an omelet freshly made from the omelet bar.
What is something that someone has done for you lately for which you were most grateful?
I was on call over a holiday recently and couldn’t go home to spend time with family. My partner, mom, and work bestie all sent me or gave me some treats to help me celebrate. It was really sweet!
What tool does every campus housing pro need to know how to use, and when was the last time you used one?
Every campus housing pro should know how to locate the shut-off valve on a toilet to turn off the water supply if needed. I have been shown how to do this many times but luckily have not needed to use this skill. Fingers crossed I don’t need to anytime soon.
What was your favorite class when you were a student?
I minored in sociology as an undergraduate student and genuinely enjoyed a lot of the classes that I had to take for that minor. These classes gave me the opportunity to engage in a variety of conversations for the first time, and I believe they really helped mold me. It’s fascinating to think that so many factors in someone’s life really contribute to who they are as an individual. I think every student should have to take some sort of sociology class before graduating and that it would help give everyone the capacity to think beyond themselves.
What hobby would you pursue if time and money were no object?
If time and money were no object, I would be a content creator, specifically reviewing restaurants. I love trying new foods and giving my opinion on them. I always love giving people recommendations, so it would be fun to share my thoughts on restaurants via social media.
What is your favorite tradition from any campus where you have worked?
I always love move-in and the first few weeks of the semester. At the University of Delaware, we have UD Welcome Days that allow students to connect with and explore their new home on campus. I always love welcoming new students and feeling the excited nervousness that first-year students bring during move-in. It’s such a fun tradition to always be a part of and have such a large role in!
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 favorite artist is SZA, and I listen to her music almost daily. I have really been enjoying her song with Kendrick Lamar called “Luther” since it came out.
Liliana Ferrara is a residence hall coordinator at the University of Delaware in Newark. 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.