Bari Sherman, House Fellow
Hometown: Nashua, NH
Year: Junior
Major: Secondary Education – focus in mathematics
Why did you choose Madison?
Well, I didn’t want to go to school where anyone from my high school would go to (I was sick of them), so I knew I had to venture from the east coast. I then started looking at schools that were big in sports. After visiting Madison, I realized it was the best choice.
What activities are you involved in?
Just work and hanging with my friends, no organizations
Why did you decide to become a house fellow?
Its a great resume builder and has a lot of financial benefits. Also, it’s always interesting! Something new happens every day…kind of exciting.
How did you apply to become a house fellow? Is it a difficult process?
It’s an online application. Then I had an individual interview followed by a group interview. The actual process isn’t that complicated, but it’s very selective.
What type of requirements do you have to follow as a house fellow?
Well, I have to make a giant bulletin board every month. I have to do door decorations every semester, as well as two floor events and a triad event every month. All of these things have to incorporate the “themes” of housing – diversity, academics, community and involvement. I also have to have open door hours for at least 4 hours a week (but in reality it is usually a lot more). I have to have a relationship with all 72 residents (which is harder than it looks) and make sure I am available to advise and guide any resident. I also write weekly email updates to the floor.
I am on duty on average once a week. This requires me to sit at the desk for two hours then do rounds around the building until we determine that nothing is “going on.”
I also have to be a good role model – be in good academic standings, as well as show positive personal life. Oh, and I have a curfew of 2:30 every day. Also, I have meetings from 6-9 every Monday and an individual meeting with one of my bosses for half an hour every week. This way, I can keep them updated with what is happening on the floor.
That sounds like an enormous commitment. How do you balance school workout and staying social with being a house fellow?
That is the hardest part of the job. I am lucky because I have always been a planner. So, I try to plan all my events in the beginning of the semester, as well as write down when I have duty. I then just tell my friends when I can hang out and we usually do! It gets awkward sometimes because I prefer to go to their house instead of them coming to Witte (it gives me a chance to get out) but they are used to it by now. But you have to make time for your friends, or else you will go insane!
School wise, housing is really good at realizing that school is the number one priority. I have learned that I really need to plan ahead in doing my homework. Especially since I wake up at 6:00 to teach, there are no more all-nighters for me. I plan what days to do what homework based upon when I have events and duty. It’s too hard to do HW during those times.
Overall, a house fellow just needs to learn how to look ahead and plan wisely!
What is your favorite thing about being a house fellow? Least favorite?
My favorite thing is when I leave my door open and residents stop by just to talk. It makes me feel good that they come to me as a friend sometimes and not as an authority figure. It’s also really funny when a resident is intoxicated, I like that they feel comfortable coming to me in that state…especially since I am an authority. It makes me believe that if they were in some sort of trouble, they would feel comfortable talking to me – this sort of relationship is really hard to form!
My least favorite thing is dealing with the paperwork. Every time I do a program, there is paper work. Every time I have to do a write up, there is paper work. Some residents think House Fellows enjoy writing people up, but it takes an extra hour (at least) to fill out the paper work for each incident…and it’s a pain.
What is the craziest thing you’ve witnessed as house fellow in Witte?
Oy, that’s a good one. Every time I go on weekend rounds, I plan on seeing something interesting. I have now witnessed a water fountain getting ripped off the wall…twice. To me this is crazy – I don’t know who is even capable ripping an entire water fountain from the wall! It then causes a big mess though.
Fun Facts
Dream job: Teaching at an inner city middle school
Morning or night person: Definitely a night person
Favorite candy: Lovvveeee snickers
Favorite hobby: Lately, playing volleyball with friends. I’m not that good, but it’s fun!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Wisconsin chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.