I Spy: Senior Tyler McLoughlin loves helping out
Resident Assistant (RA) Tyler McLoughlin is one of the first people you see after arriving at campus. During Move-in Weekend in August, he can be found helping families unload their cars and giving students a hand moving into their rooms. He immediately tries to make new students feel comfortable as new residents Coastal Carolina University’s campus.
“Tyler is a great asset to Coastal and, specifically, to University Housing. He really stands out from the crowd with his volunteer spirit and the helping hand he is always willing to provide,” says Lindsay Hickman, an office assistant in University Housing who nominated McLoughlin for I Spy, a recognition program for outstanding employees, sponsored by CCU’s Training and Development office.
McLoughlin is a RA for University Housing, treasurer of the National Residence Hall Honorary Society and a Teal Trailblazer. In August 2011, he moved to CCU from Islip, N.Y., and has lived here for four years. Before coming to CCU, he worked in a tanning salon and planned to own a shop someday, “life has changed a lot since then,” he says.
Being at CCU is one thing that changed, and his favorite thing about is the “family aspect” on campus.
“Being part of a team, it’s one thing to work, but you get to be a family at work. I think it is so important,” says McLoughlin.
He has a busy schedule, leading 7 a.m. campus tours, answering phones for University Housing and being a busy RA in Ingle Hall.
“He organizes fun and interesting activities for his residents, everything from football tailgates, s’more campfire evenings and holiday card events, where students make cards for each other,” says Hickman. “He encourages students to get involved on campus. He is helpful and always has a bright smile and truly cares about the people he works with and the people around him. He is a great student and an even better person.”
McLoughlin is majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on student affairs. He plans to enter graduate school at Loyola University Chicago after he graduates in May. He was recently hired as a student living assistant at Loyola with the Office of International Programs. McLoughlin hopes to work with international students. “I like learning about others and their experiences and taking a little bit of them with me,” he says.
When he is not working or studying, McLoughlin enjoys reality shows like “Mob Wives” and “The Hills.” He also enjoys going on walks.
“I don’t do anything I don’t enjoy,” he says. “I don’t fill my schedule with things that aren’t satisfying, I fill my schedule with things I enjoy.”
Although he graduates in May and is excited about starting a new life chapter, he will miss CCU.
“I love Coastal,” he says. “It helped me so much and molded me into what I am today.”
“I Spy” is an employee recognition program of CCU’s Department of Training and Development. To nominate someone, go to the Training and Development page and click on the “I Spy” button.
