Testimonials from former GHDs

Katie Treadwell, 600s / SX Program

It is such a privilege and joy to lead such a talented, driven, and intelligent group of young women! As the Graduate Hall Director for the 600s buildings and Senior Experience program, I get to work with RAs who exemplify the spirit of Barnard on a daily basis. These women lead their residential and campus communities with a sense of responsibility to create a better living experience for everyone involved. They apply their own academic interests and passions to their work in a way that challenges me to do the same. Serving as a GHD at Barnard College allows me to apply my work in student affairs administration in a practical and meaningful way. It is so exciting to witness the RAs' growth and be a part of their journey!

Ivy Mushamiri, Cathedral Gardens

The GHD position at Barnard gives me a great opportunity to be in touch with the culture of young, bright and ambitious women in a liberal arts setting in one of the most dynamic cosmopolitan centers of the world. It has been a privilege to help shape the development of these women in a residential setting, while equally being challenged to reconstruct my world-views by the exchange of ideas and the exposure to diverse persons from all over the world present in this community. For anyone seeking an active intellectual and social environment outside of their own academic setting, balanced by professional development through supervision of resident assistants, working with a supportive graduate team and supervision by Associate Directors to hold them accountable for their responsibilities, consider applying to be a Graduate Hall Director at Barnard College.

Omar Miranda, Hewitt / Sulz Tower

I work with motivated, confident, and intelligent young women who possess a strong desire to lead, achieve high academic success, and make their community better; they are also kind and compassionate. Supervising these students is a pleasure and an honor. In addition, I also have a strong and supportive team of GHD peers from various disciplines who remind me of the greater academic world outside of my English Lit purview. I feel quite lucky to have this part-time job! I would recommend it to anyone with a dynamic and flexible attitude, a background in student life work, and a passion for working with students outside the classroom.

Claire Wilson, Plimpton Hall

As a GHD I supervise a staff of 5 fantastic RAs. I find myself constantly learning from them and my fellow GHDs. Working in an upperclassmen building and with a upperclassmen staff has allowed me to make a huge impact on the lives of Barnard women who will be entering the "real world" in just a few months. I have found myself grow so much as a leader and supervisor as I am constantly challenged in my role as a GHD. Though the GHD position is at times quite demanding and tiring, I would not trade this experience for anything.

Marcelle Mentor, 600s

I really do love working within Barnard’s Residence Halls! The 600s building offer housing to upper-class women ranging from sophomores to seniors. My RAs are a diverse, talented, creative and hardworking group of young women who strive to build a strong sense of community within the halls we serve. There is an ever growing understanding that we support young women who are on the cusp of their adulthood and independence; and thus our programming is deliberate and thoughtful so that we serve the needs of the women who live within these halls – striving continually to make it a true home. As Graduate Hall Director to this community, I am constantly growing, challenged by my RAs, AD, fellow GHDs and myself to do better and bigger things. I love the opportunity and am very grateful to be here in this space and time.

Lauren Linakis, Elliott Hall / Transfer Time Program

My favorite part of being a Graduate Hall Director (GHD) is working with a group of intelligent, outgoing, and ambitious Barnard RAs who care about their community and creating a welcoming environment for their residents. While I enjoy advising them professionally and personally, I learn much from them as well. I find myself inspired by them every day. My second favorite part of being a GHD is the relationships I have made with my GHD staff. Not only are they supportive, they also have made me feel part of a greater community. My experience as a GHD has been incredibly rewarding and enriching.

Camille Wilson, First Year Focus

I am currently one of two Graduate Hall Directors in First-Year Focus. My fellow GHD and I are responsible for the supervision, evaluation, and development of 19 Resident Assistants. Although challenging at times, I can honestly say I love my job. Interestingly enough, I never get bored because no two days are alike. Becoming a Graduate Hall Director at Barnard has been an exceptionally rewarding experience. I enjoy interacting and working with such a diverse group of young women leaders. Not only am I growing both personally and professionally in the position, but I also have the unique opportunity to foster that same growth in these Barnard women. Lastly, it has been quite refreshing forming a bond with my eight fellow GHDs, who are tremendously supportive and inspiring.

Laura Kohler, First Year Focus

Working as a GHD in First Year Focus, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help my Resident Assitants create cohesive and inclusive communities for our freshmen students. I am honored to work with such a dedicated and compassionate group of RAs, and I am constantly learning from them. I also have the pleasure of working with eight other GHDs who have truly become my family here in the city. I could not feel more supported in my position, and my Associate Director provides me invaluable opportunities for my own professional growth. Most importantly, I never feel as if I am going to work because we always incorporate play into everything we do!