Student Feature: Resident Assistant Sam Harrison

(ABILENE, Texas)–Through her activities on and off campus, Sam Harrison shows students that Hardin-Simmons can be a place to make memories, friendships, as well as create academic success. Harrison will begin her junior year as an assistant resident director for the sophomore residence hall. 

“I knew after my first semester of college that I wanted to become an RA in a first-year hall,” said Harrison. “ResLife gives you some amazing ways to make lifelong friends. While I lived in the residence halls in my first year of college, it was so nice to have a hall full of women going through the same walk of life as I was.” 

Resident assistants pose with their succulents after a successful garden party on Anderson lawn.

Harrison was a resident assistant for the first-year residence hall during her sophomore year at HSU. During this time, she planned several events for the girls to have fun, get to know each other, and take a moment to relax from the constant rush of college. “Taking a break from the craziness of life is a good way to give your mind and body a rest so that you are able to fully give your best when needed,” she explained.

Harrison is very active in many clubs and organizations. She is the executive administrator for the Student Government Association, one of two Vice Presidents of the Delta Women’s Social Club, and is a member of SPARK and Gamma Beta Phi. When off campus, she volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Although Harrison is so actively involved on campus, she keeps up with her studies by designating two to three hours a day to go to a quiet place and focus on homework.

Showing love with laughter and hugs, the resident assistants pose for a group picture.

Working with some “fierce women,” Harrison has created strong relationships with her fellow resident assistants. “The staff that I worked with continually pushed me to be a better leader and mentor. We constantly poured out positivity and kindness to each other and always lifted each other’s spirits when someone was down,” she explains. “Having a friendship with the people I work with is something I never got to experience, so having this in a ResLife community is something very unique. ResLife is for more than just roommate conflicts and maintenance issues; it’s about community, leadership, and friendship. ResLife is honestly like my second family.”