Polly, the house director at Purdue is unstoppable! She tells it like it is, always chiming in with a fun, motivating quote, and is both easygoing and organized. Polly grew up in Kentucky and Texas, moving due to her father’s dedication to his military career, and eventually settled in the small town of Seguin, Texas. There, she gained professional experience and developed management skills in the personnel department of a steel mill. Now a mother of grown children and a grandmother, Polly is enjoying life in her dream retirement job!
How did you become a house director?
“I was with an international architectural firm, traveling across the U.S. for years. I was the only female in upper management in the corporate world. My sister-in-law also a house director, introduced me to this role, and I initially filled in for vacant house director positions until I fully retired from the corporate world. I have been a house director for 17 years, and I found my perfect fit with Tri Delta at Purdue six years ago.”
How do you find work-life balance?
“I like to say, the world is like an apple, take a big bite and chew it till it’s gone! Now that I’m retired from the corporate world, I have plenty of time off during the year to travel. I truly enjoy spending time with these wonderful ladies, and the occasional glitches of the job don’t bother me. I also love doing word puzzles and reading. Without many other commitments, my weekends are quiet and peaceful, allowing me to enjoy a balanced and fulfilling life.”
What do you love about being a house director?
“I love being around these ladies—they are fabulous and incredibly smart. Every morning, I look forward to seeing them. What’s there not to like?”
What does a typical week look like for you?
“You never know what’s going to happen when you wake up! I stay organized with a calendar that guides me through the week. The cleaning crew knows their tasks, which are listed in both Spanish and English. We have a fabulous housekeeper, and I also keep things clean and organized. I’ve worked with the maintenance team for a long time, and we get along really well. I have everything down, so overall, everything runs smoothly.”
Polly shared a funny story from when she first arrived as a house director at Purdue—the kitchen drain kept getting clogged. She convinced the plumber to put in a camera to see what was happening. While she never found out what was causing the problem or how it got fixed, there was never an issue with the drain again!
How has being a house director contributed to your growth and development personally and professionally?
“As I like to say, there is nothing new under the sun—it’s just dressed differently. Being a house director has challenged me to understand the new generation, their thought processes, and their ways of doing things. I’ve learned to listen more and realize there is more than one way to do something. I’m pretty verbal and sometimes lack a filter, so I’ve learned to watch and think before I speak. Instead of giving lectures, I share funny stories from my life. I try to avoid disciplining and addressing issues through standards without getting involved. I am also a member of the Tri Delta personal and professional networking group because I want to keep an open mind and continue learning. I also attend Purdue Panhellenic events to stay updated on what’s happening.”
Do you have advice for anyone considering becoming a house director?
“Listen and learn from other house directors. Try not to impose your agenda on the ladies, just focus on supporting them. Our goal is to ensure the house is a sanctuary for them. If they look tired, offer a drink of water. If they seem like they need a hug, offer one. Our role isn’t to raise someone else’s child, but to look out for them. Secondly, don’t take things personally. Understand that as a house director, you’re in a vulnerable position with many influences around you. Stay true to yourself. Be flexible because each year brings a new group, and you need to adapt to new people. If you are kind, understanding, and nurturing, you’ll do just great. Bring your own life experiences and bloom where you’re planted.”