Sharese Hall

By Suyaishar Sebastian

Many often spot Sharese Hall wearing a wide and charming smile that no one can resist returning while strutting around the Campus Information Center (CIC) of Waldorf University, where her office is located. Just her presence is enough to light up a dim space and her jovial personality can shift a person’s day from bad to good in a split second. While she would describe herself as a candid individual, her friends would describe her as direct, fun and caring.

Hailing from Palem, New York, the charismatic 30-year-old, recently received a promotion in her job. From kicking off her career at Waldorf University in January 2014 as an Area Coordinator, she is now the Director of Residence Life, an Area Coordinator as well as the Director of Orientation.

As a child, Hall wanted to become a pediatrician because she loved kids and thought there could be nothing better than being the person to take care of them, make them happy and making sure they’re well. However, that quickly changed when she realized she was not gifted at math or science. She was also really into news, namely the Washington News, and anything that has to do with entertainment.

“I loved entertainment,” Hall said. “I would love to be the person on the television delivering the news.”

During high school, Hall got an opportunity to do broadcast journalism for her school and had a chance to interview her superintendent.

“I was so nervous. I think I looked like I was going to pass out because my teacher had asked me if I was okay,” she said and laughed.

After graduating with a Bachelors’ Degree in Communications from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, in Riverdale, Bronx, New York, Hall realized that without a proper internship experience—or experience in general—she was not going to land a job right away. Thus, after eight months of working for a start-up social media company without pay, she decided to pursue a Masters’ Degree in High Education.

“That experience literally changed my life,” Hall said. “That’s the reason why I moved, that’s the reason why I do what I do today and that’s the reason why I am where I am today.”

While thinking of something she was really good at—leadership and her love for kids—she thought about the position above a resident assistant (which she was during college), and that was to become a hall director. 

“So I searched for jobs and that’s how I landed what I have now,” Hall said.

In her opinion, Hall’s biggest accomplishment is her career and how far she has gotten in such a short amount of time. She could have never imagined that by the age of 30, she would be the Director of Residence Life while having earned a Bachelors’ and a Masters’ Degree.

“I think it’s pretty cool, being a black woman in today’s society in a predominantly white neighborhood. I think that is a huge accomplishment,” Hall said.

Anuja KC, a junior at Waldorf University, said that Hall is a dedicated and passionate person. Everyone on campus knows Hall because she is an easygoing and a friendly person.

“She takes her job seriously and she’s really good at it,” KC said. “Personally, she motivates me to do better in life and I want to become a leader like her.”

Hall’s favorite part of her job is seeing students grow, because she is the first to see them fresh out of high school. Thus, she gets to see their development from the beginning of their college journey to their graduation.

“Seeing them go through things and then grow from that and become better humans is my favorite part of my job,” Hall said.

Lauren Dohlman, a sophomore at Waldorf University, says that Hall is one of her favorite people on the earth.

“She’s such an inspiration,” Dohlman said. “Sharese always has my back and is one of the best people I’ve ever met. She is so kind, loving, caring, intelligent, talented and just so amazing. Sharese deserves only the best in life!”

Hall’s long-term goal is to open up her own non-profit shelter for women and children. She would also love to someday win the Nobel Peace Prize for something.

“I want to be remembered as a queen who cares for others and who’s no nonsense, but also knows how to have a great time,” Hall said.