My name is Amanda Abrahamson, 

I am in my second year as a Hall Director at UWL. The reason I came to UWL was the exact reason that I did not want to leave: the people are unlike any you have every had the opportunity to work with. I was an undergraduate student at UWL, and spent three out of my four years working as an RA in the Office of Residence Life. For the last eight years (as a student, when I was away, and now that I have been back) I have felt incredible valued by Residence Life at UWL. Every time I walk into the office I am greeted enthusiastically, and it is nearly impossible to come in and out without stopping to chat about everything and nothing. The people that work in Residence Life at UWL truly care about you not just as a professional, but as a person as well. It would be very out of character for me to not talk about one of the many great things that the department has incorporated into practice: the pet policy. I have always wanted a dog, and find great balance by having a dog in my life, and Residence Life at UWL recognizes the benefits that pets can provide for life in professional staff. Jack joined the UWL Residence Life family on October 1^st of 2015, and has become a point of pride for a lot of the residents of White Hall. Jack loves people and people love Jack, and it is nearly impossible to get across campus without students wanting to interact with him. People in the main office recognize how much I love Jack, and ask me often how he is doing and if he is enjoying his walks – this is just another example about how much the professional staff care.

The students at UWL are also incredible. They are motivated, responsible, academically focused, and very involved in many places. When our students have ideas (which is often) we encourage and support and help make their dreams come true. Last academic year a couple of RAs on campus came up to me and pitched an idea they were very excited about: Flick and Float. They wanted to show a movie in the pool on campus, and this is not a program that has happened on campus in quite some time, so there was no experience to draw from. All I had to do was order the movie and show up because the students helping were so incredible excited and motivated to put forth the work for a successful program. Our students also just want to spend time with you and get to know you. There is never a long stretch of time that I am alone in my office, because students are always popping in for a couple minutes or a couple hours to hang out. These are just a few of the many reasons that I think the students at UWL are so special.

UWL and the Office of Residence Life has been my home for the last six of eight years. I love this place and I love the people here. If you are looking for a place that will give you the support you need as a professional, the freedom to find your professional identity, and the students to make your experience unforgettable, consider UWL!