Oakland University junior Juquatta Brewer is on track to get the utmost enjoyment out of her college experience and build up her resume at the same time.
The psychology major has been accepted into the exclusive Association of College and University Housing Officers-International (ACUHO-I) STARS College this summer, a program and conference for undergraduate students interested in a career in university housing and residence life.
“I hope to take in valuable information about student affairs and residence life that will be beneficial to my future,” Brewer said. “At the same time, I hope to take away a few lasting friendships with people who are there for the same reasons I am, while having a fun and wonderful experience.”
Her acceptance came as no surprise to Dave Tindall, assistant director of residence life for University Housing. “Juquatta is a very outgoing, dedicated individual. She is an excellent representative of our student leadership,” he said.
The STARS College is held as a pre-conference workshop at the ACUHO-I Annual Conference and Exposition each summer and provides opportunities for participants to learn more about the field of housing and residence life. Participants alsonetwork and find mentors among experienced professionals in the field, according to the program’s Web site.
“I would love a career in housing or student affairs because this environment is welcoming, there is plenty of room to have fun and, at the same time, you can provide life experience and advice that will impact someone's future. This experience will prepare me for that type of career,” Brewer said.
Very involved on campus, Brewer works as a resident assistant for the housing department. She takes a leadership role in her honors college classes and is a Center for Multicultural Initiatives scholar as well.
“Oakland has been great to me,” Brewer said. “This campus has the sort of atmosphere that pulls you in and makes you never want to leave. I tell my friends that you know you are at OU when you can smile and say "hi" to a random person and get the same enthusiasm back. I can truly say, while wearing one of my hundreds of OU shirts, that I have school pride.”
Brewer first learned of the STARS College opportunity from her hall director. After completing an application, she became one of only 36 students accepted nationwide, and only the second student from Oakland.
“I hope Juquatta comes back with new ideas to add and share with her staff and residents,” said Tindall. “This is a great opportunity to get OU out there and showcase her skill set to other institutions.”
While she looks forward to the idea of working for a university, Brewer doesn’t want to limit her options. “The one thing set in stone in my mind is that I will be attending graduate school for psychology or counseling.”
This program should help her on her way. The STARS College takes place June 25-28 in Baltimore, followed by the annual conference and exposition.
Oakland University junior Juquatta Brewer has been accepted into the exclusive Association of College and University Housing Officers-International STARS College.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 Modified by David Groves (groves@oakland.edu) on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Article Start Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009
