This summer, Vassar welcomed a new Assistant Director of Residential Life and House Advisor for Cushing and the Apartments, Lizzie Jáuregui. The Miscellany News recently caught up with Jáuregui over email to get to know her.
The Miscellany News: Can you briefly introduce yourself?
Lizzie Jáuregui: My name is Lizzie, and I am the new House Advisor and Assistant Director for Reslife! I have been at Vassar for a whole two months and have been loving it so far. Reslife and Cushing’s House Team has been wonderful, and I am so glad I am a part of the Vassar community.
The Misc: Where are you from?
LJ: I am from Union City, New Jersey—right outside New York City.
The Misc: How does the Hudson Valley compare to places you’ve lived before?
LJ: I love it so far! I was in graduate school at Ohio University, which is an hour and a half south of Columbus. I had to drive 45 minutes to the nearest Target though, so I really love that I am not far from shopping malls and my family here in the Hudson Valley.
The Misc: What do you like to do outside of work?
LJ: Outside of work, I am really into makeup—I am working on setting up my spare room into an entire beauty room set-up. I love to read, watch reality TV and dance salsa. I’m Cuban-American, so salsa really is in my blood.
The Misc: What kinds of things are you passionate about?
LJ: I am incredibly passionate about social justice education. A lot of my research and work in graduate school focused on body image—specifically Fat Activism and the Body Positive movement. I love talking about the way we talk about bodies and what we could do to make the world a more just place.
The Misc: What did you do before coming to Vassar?
LJ: I was a Graduate Resident Director for a traditional, first-year residence hall. I also graduated with my masters of education in College Student Personnel in late April.
The Misc: What have your first few weeks at Vassar been like?
LJ: It has been a whirlwind! I have met so many incredible students and my colleagues in Reslife have been great. I love the atmosphere when all of the students are back. It was super creepy to be in Cushing all by myself before everyone got here.
The Misc: What lessons from your own college experience do you bring to Vassar?
LJ: I went to Wesleyan, which has the same feel as Vassar. It really taught me about the importance and value of a liberal arts education. One lesson I didn’t realize I learned was about my college transition. I really want students to recognize, especially in their first year here, that everyone is going through a difficult transition. Going to college is hard! I remember my first year and how incredibly lonely and overwhelming it was. There is so much to learn in college, but eventually I found my place. I had to remember I was not alone, and that a lot of other students were feeling the same way I was.
The Misc: How did you perceive Vassar before coming here? How has that perception changed?
LJ: I perceived Vassar to be an incredibly intellectual place, and that perception has not changed. Students here are smart, passionate, and really care about each other. I can see it in my student leaders on Cushing House Team, who go above and beyond their expectations to serve and support their peers. I am lucky I get to be a part of that.
The Misc: What changes would you like to see Vassar strive for during your time here?
LJ: Honestly, I don’t know about changes just yet. I have only been here for a little over two months, which I do not think is enough time to make any suggestions!
The Misc: What’s your favorite part about Vassar?
LJ: The students. Definitely the students.
The Misc: What’s your favorite part about Cushing?
LJ: The spirit of Cushing is like no other. So much energy and passion! Plus, who doesn’t love a purple dinosaur? (#cushcrew4ever)