ACUHO-I News Blog

Austin, Texas is a wonderful city with what I believe is a unique brand of “Texas Spirit.” It was a great host city for our association’s Annual Conference and Exposition. This was perhaps one of my top “ACE” experiences in my fourteen year involvement with ACUHO-I. Why? This is the answer I give in terms of why I value and enjoy my connection to ACUHO-I. It is the people of this association that make the difference.

Our keynote speaker, Dr. Bertice Berry, started the conference on an amazing high note. She shared her experiences as a residence hall student and how some special people made a big difference in her time as a first-generation undergraduate. One of the reflections I had from her discussion is how some people have a purpose in our lives, a purpose we don’t often see the first moment we interact with them.

As housing professionals, we are called to be people with a purpose in our students’ lives and in the lives of each other. We are charged to impact in positive ways the lives of others: What a wonderful calling indeed! This thought remained with me over the days in Austin. I had time to reflect upon the impact that my fellow ACUHO-I members have on me, even during the short period of three days at the conference. We offered each other programs that helped expand our knowledge of our profession; we networked with fellow professionals and business partners, building stronger relationships; and we honored and thanked people in our field who have excelled.

I had my own high and lows at the conference this year as well, and some special people with a purpose in my life were there with me. My high was celebrating my 42nd birthday on Friday, June 25, by visiting and catching up with many colleagues as they arrived in Austin. My low was an unexpected conflict with someone that left me feeling a distracted. Once again, my fellow professionals were there for me. A few special people let me vent, offered me advice and direction, and purposeful moment of connection to set me in a positive direction. We don’t always know the purpose of the people in our lives but the people I interacted with that day had real purpose in my life. These fellow professionals know who they are.  I have to say to these people: Thank you.

Knowing we have purpose and our impact, while not always acknowledged, is real. This can keep us motivated and focused on what is really important. Our connections to others help motivate us to deepen our impact on the collegiate experiences of so many. Our connections are also ways to have a purpose in the lives of our fellow professionals as well.

Editor’s Note: This is Aaron Lucier’s first–but not last!–contribution to the ACUHO-I blog. Lucier is Director of Housing Operations Campus Living & Dining at East Carolina University.