If you’re looking for a person who’s involved on campus, look no further. Senior Alexsis Byrd balances being a student along with their involvement in being an ambassador, being in the Housing Staff Association, Beartegrity and being a member of the anthropology club.
“I am just an average member in my clubs, but sometimes being a member means working as hard as the executives at times,” Byrd said.
Byrd said she does many different things in each group for the public.
“We are doing things to help student staff for housing, putting on programs for the general community or showing off what UCA has to offer to prospective students,” Byrd said. “The most challenging aspect for HSA and Beartegrity is trying to express how fun an event is and getting students to come to them. However, the ones that show up have a great time.”
As an ambassador, Byrd works as a volunteer to show prospective students and others around UCA.
“An ideal day for an ambassador is to be able to give two rounds of tours. [During] office hours, we spend time prepping for event days such as Bear Facts Day and Distinguished Scholars Day or prepping for our normal tours.”
Byrd said their favorite part of being an ambassador is helping others.
“My favorite part is getting to show people what our campus has to offer from an inside source,” Byrd said. “I want to tell them about our amazing campus and all it has waiting for them.”
Byrd said that the other ambassadors make the job feel as if she is working with a family.
“We have team outings as well as fun refresher trainings,” Byrd said. “Last semester we had a full summer camp moment for training.”
Byrd described their involvement in Beartegrity and what kind of activities are happening.
“Housing staff get together and put on programs for the UCA community instead of just our residence buildings,” Byrd said. “Being a member is being open to new ideas, as well as raising awareness for events with larger themes. In April, we will be hosting an event called The Green Bandana Project that promotes suicidal awareness.”
Byrd said she is thankful for her experiences in the group.
“I’ve learned that I really enjoy working with a group of individuals that all strive for the same objective,” Byrd said. “April is a big month because of Beartegrity Week so we have events happening every day that we all plan and strive to make happen.”
Byrd also works in Housing and Residence Life, and currently works as an RA in New Hall.
“I have been loving every second of it,” Byrd said. “Being able to help the community in dorms makes me very happy. I love getting the opportunity to help a new year of residents or an older group of residents and I deeply love working with my staff.”
Byrd said she feels that the staff has also helped her stay in housing for the four years she has been in it.
“I got into housing because I had a really good RA my freshman year,” Byrd said. “She made me feel comfortable and happy to be in a new setting, even though I knew nothing about being a college student.”
Byrd said she feels she has learned many life skills that she can use in future jobs.
“You gain a lot of experience having to handle awkward conversations or roommate disagreements or even just paperwork,” Byrd said.
Byrd said their current plan after graduation is to further their education.
“I would love to work for a museum in any way,” Byrd said. “I took our museum anthropology course last semester and I have had a love for museum work from then on. I enjoy learning and sharing my knowledge with others.”
Byrd said that studying and learning about anthropology brings them the most joy in their classes.
“I changed to anthropology when I was a late sophomore and it has really become a true passion for me,” Byrd said. “I think that my major is the coolest thing ever. I fell in love after taking an introduction to anthropology course and I have been grateful for that ever since.”
