10 for 15: Amber Fields

It was Amber Fields’s dream in high school to be a resident advisor at Loyola Marymount University, and it was in Student Housing where she says she found her family.

Amber, a senior liberal arts major from San Diego, has worked as a resident advisor for Leavey 5/6 as well as front desk assistant for the Student Housing Office at LMU. She joined student housing because she says she wanted to help students and their parents find a second home at LMU like she had. While at LMU, she was also a volunteer and participant in The Learning Community, was a member of Black Student Union and the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and served as a student caregiver at LMU Children’s Center. Her advice to future students: Get involved!

As part of the ‘10 for 15‘ series, freshman Nathalie Rubin asked 10 questions to 10 seniors from the Class of 2015 who were involved in Student Affairs. Here’s what Amber had to say about his experience as a resident advisor and working in the Student Housing Office at LMU.

Why did you choose to come to Loyola Marymount University? 

I chose LMU for two reasons: the small class sizes and the strong sense of community. I personally enjoy being able to engage with my professor one-on-one inside and outside of the classroom. Also, I was a participant of the Black Student Overnight my senior year of high school. It really helped me see how close-knit the student body is and how involved everyone is on top of being a full-time student.

How did you come to work in Student Housing?

I had dreamed of being a resident advisor since high school. I decided to apply during my sophomore year, which was the best decision I ever made. I also decided to pursue being a front desk worker because I felt as if the housing office was my family. I was eager to pursue another position that would allow me to help students, and their parents, see LMU more as a second home rather than just a place to sleep.

How has your involvement as a resident advisor affected your experience at LMU?

As an RA I have met so many great students and faculty who have helped to shape my time here at LMU in a positive way. Prior to being an RA, I secluded myself from truly enjoying every aspect of this amazing school. This position acted as a gateway for me to become more involved and just overall shape and strengthen my leadership skills.

What is your favorite memory from working in Student Housing?

It’s so hard to pick one favorite memory because I have so many. But I will say I really enjoyed during our Fall training session we attended a Ropes Course at UCLA. We were placed in groups and were faced with various challenges and obstacles that I didn’t think I would have been able to overcome. But with the constant support from my team I was able to push beyond the limits and I learned to not be afraid of any challenge that may come my way, rather embrace and make the most of it.

Who in Student Housing has inspired you and how have they done so? 

I can’t say that there is just one person who has inspired me. If I am being honest, I would have to say almost everyone who works in the office has contributed to my growth in some way shape or form. Whenever I find myself in a bad situation, there isn’t one person I couldn’t go to in order to gain advice. They all hold a special place in my heart.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from working in Student Housing that you’ll take with you?

The most important lesson I have learned is to not be afraid to speak up. If you see that something is not right, do not be afraid to give your input. Everyone in this office values feedback and opinions. There is always someone who is willing to listen, which I value the most.

What is something most people don’t know about working in Student Housing that you’d like them to know?

To work for Student Housing is probably the best position to have here on campus. Everyone has their own sense of humor which only makes it enjoyable to work here everyday.

What are your plans after you graduate and how do you think your experiences from Student Housing will benefit you moving forward?

I plan to attend graduate school to get my Master’s Degree in Education — hopefully here at LMU. I also will be pursuing to become an elementary school teacher. I think my experiences here will help me to stay a positive and optimistic person despite any obstacle that may come my way. I think it is also helpful knowing that no matter where I may go after I graduate, I know that I have a family here at LMU.

What advice do you have for current and future LMU students?

My main advice is to get involved! Don’t be afraid to do something because your friends are not there with you. You will learn the most when you experience challenges on your own and will only help to make you a much stronger and more confident person within yourself. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There is always someone, whether it be faculty, staff or peer.

What will you miss the most about Loyola Marymount University?

I am going to miss the faculty whom I have grown close with since my freshman year here at LMU. If it wasn’t for them, and my family and friends of course, I am not sure what kind of experience I would have had here at LMU. I am also going to miss the beautiful bluff, which is so easily accessible.