One year ago, I was in a rough spot. I’d been laid off just a week before my wedding, and despite sending out hundreds of résumés, I wasn’t hearing back from anyone. I knew I wanted to return to school to finish my degree, but I also needed a steady paycheck.
That’s when, in November, I applied for a custodian position with the Department of Residence at Iowa State University. It paid better than most other options, and at first, I saw it as just a temporary stopgap. What I didn’t realize was how much good would come from it, and how much I’d learn.
My previous job had been all about research, heavy on numbers, reports and legislation. Working in Friley Hall was a complete shift: suddenly, I was doing hands-on work every day.
It was challenging at first, but also rewarding in ways I hadn’t expected. I got to know co-workers and students, share conversations that brightened my days and even build friendships that I’ll carry with me long after leaving campus.
What stood out most, though, was the culture of openness within the Department of Residence. From day one, I felt encouraged to ask questions, explore opportunities and connect with people well above my position.
It felt very fair: higher-ups treated me respectfully, listening to concerns I had and addressing them. That accessibility and sense that what you said and did mattered is what made the job worthwhile to me.
I realized there’s a lot of dignity in work that isn’t glamorous. Cleaning and maintaining a building like Friley isn’t just a job; it’s a labor of love.
I think a big part of why I’m able to feel so grateful is the fact that I oriented my mindset towards positivity. I like to say that things could always be worse, and though some say that’s a negative mindset, I feel as though it’s a focus on being grateful for what you have.
I struggled so deeply when I was getting rejection after rejection for jobs, and being able to work in the Department of Residence acted as a sort of life buoy for me.
My work had knock-on effects, allowing students to focus on schoolwork in a good environment. The manual element in the job also allowed me to think more about classes and listen to audio of my textbooks as I worked, and so I was able to excel as a student myself.
As I move on to a new chapter, I leave deeply grateful for the opportunity to work at Iowa State. My coworkers, supervisors and everyone else put in so much effort, and I can’t thank them enough.
Self-written bio: Ryan Hurley is an Iowa State senior majoring in Business Administration with a minor in political science. He enjoys discussion and is currently working on a cookbook.
