Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Meagan called Tri Delta home at Mississippi State and had the opportunity to live in the Tri Delta house as a collegian for two years. She graduated in 2014 with a degree in education and returned to Memphis to teach elementary school. During COVID, she worked with a non-profit supporting kids and formed connections with college students, which sparked her interest in working with that age group. Meagan has a master’s degree through the Memphis Teachers Residency program at Union University.
Why did you become a house director and why Tri Delta?
“I love college students and loved my time living in the house! I visited the Tri Delta website which had a few openings. I applied and found a good fit at the Boulder chapter. I felt comfortable in Colorado because I’d visit family who lived there while I was growing up. I began in August 2021 and spent two years there. I was looking to get closer to home and family in Texas and Tennessee so that is how I landed as the house director at Texas A&M.”
How do you find work-life balance?
“It’s not hard to find work-life balance. I have a part-time job on campus (9 hours a week), working with athletes as an athletic academic mentor. I started this role last fall, and it allows me to stay connected with campus life. I am involved in a weekly book club at my church and always prioritize my physical health. I know that I need to do these things for myself so I can be the best house director. The women know I am never too far from the house if I am out!”
What do you love about being a house director?
“The best part is living the day-to-day with the collegiate women. I enjoy being the person who is always there and the one to notice when someone is having a bad day and help talk it out or a good day and help celebrate them. Only sophomores live in the house this year. It is fun watching them become fully active in Tri Delta and consider what leadership role they want to fill. It’s fun to watch them ‘grow up’ as women and students. They are all so much fun and funny and I love my conversations with them!”
What does a typical week look like for you?
“The routine varies from day to day. I kick the day off by touching base with all the staff. I usually do a walk-through of the facility, do some computer work, run errands and enjoy lunch in the house. I pick key moments to be around, especially during meal times. I make it a point to stroll through the house, grab the mail and check in with everyone. I also make it a habit to connect with officers during their designated hours in the afternoon. In the afternoon, I also will run personal errands, go work out or grab coffee with a friend. Dinner is another opportunity to check in on the day. I love receiving mail and packages and so I like to make it exciting for the women in the house. Wrapping up the day usually involves hanging out in the TV room.”
How has being a house director contributed to your growth and development personally and professionally?
“This job opened my eyes to the power of repeated small interactions. We often overlook the positive effects these brief moments can have. Now, I’ve integrated this approach into my everyday life. Whether it’s at the grocery store or anywhere else, I make a conscious effort to engage in positive interactions with everyone. This role has provided me with the opportunity to connect with diverse groups of women, realizing that we can always find common ground. I’ve learned to appreciate and learn from the unique perspectives each person brings.”
Do you have any advice?
“It’s a fantastic job for those who cherish connections and relationships. Learning names is crucial, especially in a chapter of 300! When you prioritize relationships, knowing someone’s name means truly seeing them. I’ve found that sitting with the composite helps. Learning names is both the hardest and easiest thing to do to make people feel special!”
If you are interested in learning more about our house director careers, we encourage you to visit the Tri Delta Housing Career Page, Tri Delta Housing Job Board or email hr@trideltaeo.org for more information.