Name: Alyscia Raines
Title: Assistant Director
Department: Multicultural Student Affairs
Where are you from? I was born in Albany, New York, but have lived in Chicago since age 3, so I claim Chicago.
How many years have you worked in Student Affairs at Northwestern? 1 year
What’s your favorite spot on campus? I am in love with Deering Meadow and Library. It is so picturesque. I also happen to think it is one of the best selfie spots on campus.
What brought you to Student Affairs?
Like most people, I kind of fell into student affairs. When I was in college I worked a handful of campus jobs to help support myself and pay my bills. I didn’t even know student affairs was a thing. By the time I was a senior I had worked in Residence Life, Admissions, Alumni Relations, and the Career Office. I had been doing the work of student affairs all along! Really I just loved talking with other potential students and their families and then supporting my peers in any way I could. When I graduated my initial plans of becoming a lawyer were not panning out. I reached out to a mentor who encouraged me to apply for a Resident Director job, after all I had been working in housing for three years by that point. I got the job and have been in the field ever since!
What inspires you?
My mom and Jesus.
What can’t you live without?
Skinny pop. I am addicted!
How do you like to spend your free time?
Being a wife and mother to two toddlers makes free time hard to come by. But when I do have the time, I love cuddling up in a comfy spot with tea and a good book. I also enjoy journaling, and organizing the thousands of pictures in my photo collection. When the weather is nice I love to run outside and go to hang out on the lakefront with my family.
Each week a different staff member in the division of Student Affairs will be featured. Staff can opt in to be featured, by filling out the Staff Spotlight Submission form. Student Affairs Marketing staff reach out to staff from across the division asking for participation. The spotlights will be featured in the Student Affairs Snapshot e-newsletter.
I love this part: ” I didn’t even know student affairs was a thing. By the time I was a senior I had worked in Residence Life, Admissions, Alumni Relations, and the Career Office. I had been doing the work of student affairs all along!”
Also, JPK is a huge Skinny Pop fan. – Kelly