BEN WATERMAN
Oversees: Hegel Hall, with Rob Widney
Age: 25
Hometown: Sharpsville, Ind., a town of about 600 people an hour north of Indianapolis.
GCU experiences: I just finished my master's degree in leadership this past May. Before being assigned to Hegel Hall I worked as an assistant resident director at the North Rim Apartments. While it was nice working part-time, I am looking forward to the new experiences with all the guys in Hegel.
Q: What do you value about going through your leadership graduate program at GCU? How do you put that degree to work in your role as a resident director?
A: The biggest takeaway will probably be the different theories and methods of leading others. The program dealt with how best to draw out people’s potential. This is something I am looking forward to implementing in Hegel.
Q: How will Hegel Hall’s shift to an all-male residence hall change the dynamic or impact the sense of community for residents?
A: Living in an all-male dorm will certainly be an adjustment for our students, but I am looking forward to the growth of a tight-knit community of guys. You could almost say we are basically turning the building into a giant ‘man cave.’ Hopefully it becomes a place where guys can feel at home, relax, and just be themselves without having to impress the girls on the other side of the hall.
Q: Why take a job as a residence director? What’s rewarding about your job?
A: Some may find coming back to live on a college campus crazy. And at times it can be. But as an RD I have the opportunity to speak into the lives of those just entering into college and preparing to enter into the world. College is that time when people start to discover who they are and they begin setting a firm foundation for their adult life. They are striking out on their own. As an RD, I can be there for them and help them during this time of development.
Q: What’s your all-time favorite video game? Which game are you currently hooked on?
A: I have several that I love, like Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Skyrim, and Batman: Arkham City. I could just keep going on and on. Currently, though, I’m working through the Dragon Age series.
Q: We heard you’re also into ultimate Frisbee. Is that your recreation activity of choice on campus? What sports or events to you take advantage of at GCU?
A: Oh, Ultimate is by far one of my favorite sports. I also like most of the intramural sports, but the only one I’m actually decent at is volleyball.
