Reaching beyond her degree: Residence Director Ali Norton

by Jessie Bristow

jessie bristow / KA LAMAKUA

The Canadian flag on the office wall lights up the room along with the Hawaiian calendar hanging above the desk. Miss Norton’s shirt screams bright red with fanatical support of Canada Hockey. Even with the sports memorabilia and spirit, after speaking with Student Housing Residence Director Ali Norton, it isn’t hard to find that she is full of life, dedication, and cheerfulness. By the way, she’s a huge hockey fan.

It is four thirty in the afternoon and after a long Monday of emails, conferences, phone calls, and running around student housing anyone would be tired, irritated, and in no mood to be interviewed. Fortunately, Miss Norton has all the energy in the world. Aside from the weather being horrible, her day has been exciting and productive.

“I don’t know if there is such a thing as a typical day,” says Norton. Her schedule involves multiple conquests. She has set tasks, but at the same time has no idea what to expect to pop up during her time at work.

Many students have seen her “hnorton@hawaii.edu” address ending campus-wide email updating them about a variety of student housing matters. Very few have been able to meet and find out about the Resident Director and what they do.

Heather (but no one calls her Heather) Alison Norton, 27, is originally from Guelph, Ontario, Canada. A Journalism and English major from Carleton University and a graduate from Western Illinois University with a master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Ali Norton never expected to be lucky enough to be working in the field she is in.

“All of the things that I did in undergrad, I didn’t think those would result in finding a career I was passionate about, I just did them because they seemed fun.”

After realizing a career in journalism was not for her and not wanting to use her English degree, Norton was attracted to out-of-class activities that she participated in such as Greek life, being a resident advisor, an executive for her residents’ association, undergraduate admissions, and working for the first year experience office.

She soon realized that she could make a career out of the things she enjoyed doing.

“The opportunity as a new professional, to basically be involved in a position that was being built from the ground up was pretty incredible.”

Being hired into a position that was created from scratch was something that attracted Norton to Hawaii. Working on Manoa Campus allowed Norton to be able to help and network with people all day. As Resident Director of Hale Wainani, Norton stays occupied all days of the week.

“I love when I get to interact with staff and students, and they leave my office feeling better than they felt before.”

Norton is not just a committed person, but she enjoys the simple things in life as well.

“I love to be outside in general, but I also like to chill, watch TV, just hang out at home.”

Fortunately, Hawaii promotes both of these. Norton takes advantage of going to the beach and when it is rainy like this past week, she enjoys relaxing with her boyfriend at home.

Ali Norton has been at her job for three years. Every day she looks forward to helping those who are in need of her assistance. She is excited for the future because she wants to make improvements to better campus life, and she never knows what to imagine on such a diverse campus. Being given the opportunity to find a career she enjoys, she is thankful for the extracurricular activities she participated in.

“I would definitely encourage students to get involved in their experience.”