Area Coordinator for ResLife Finds Inspiration in Superheroes

Get to know Will Frazier, an area coordinator for the University of New Haven’s Office of Residential Life, a former varsity baseball player whose career ambitions have included becoming a lawyer or marriage counselor.

The lifeblood of the University of New Haven are the faculty and staff members who dedicate their lives to helping our students reach their goals. Periodically, we’ll introduce you to a member of the staff so you can learn more about him or her – beyond their day-to-day work.

Next up is Will Frazier, Westside Hall area coordinator in the University’s Office of Residential Life.

Renee Chmiel: If you could be any superhero, who would you be?
Will Frazier: Ororo Munroe, better known as Storm from the X-Men. Growing up, I always coveted her power to control the elemental powers that impact weather. She was the first black superhero I remember seeing on television, so it was very easy for me to relate to her. I found her sheer presence captivating: the contrast of her white hair against the melanin in her skin, her original battle gear that featured the winged cape, and her commanding voice as she bent the elements to her will. To this day, she’s one of my favorite superheroes.

RC: What were you like in college?
WF: In college, I pretty much stayed to myself, particularly during my first year. I spent a lot of time in the residence hall with my roommate/suitemates and some other friends I made on my floor. I knew one person that I went to high school with, and we would also hang out a lot. I joined one club during my first year, and that was the height of my involvement as a first-year student. I was adjusting to the college experience gradually while looking to find my niche.

In my sophomore year, I applied to become a resident assistant. The RA position really allowed me to develop into a more confident version of my younger self while also extending my impact on campus. By my junior year, I was an RA, a research assistant, a club president, a front desk assistant, and I served on multiple university-wide committees.

RC: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
WF: As a kid, I wanted to be many things, which is probably why I’m still trying to answer that question. I vividly remember wanting to be a lawyer, and everyone thought I would pursue that path because I loved to argue. At one point, I remember wanting to be a teacher, which I attribute to my mom who is a teacher. I also wanted to be a marriage counselor at some point, though I couldn’t tell you why.

RC: What’s something that scares you?
WF: Heights! I’ve always been afraid of them. Growing up, when my family would go to amusement parks, I would always be afraid to get on the roller coasters. I get increased anxiety from just going over bridges, standing on rooftops, or being on the top floors of buildings. I’m the kind of person who will hike a trail and not check out the view. I wish I knew where the fear originated. Ironically, I have no issue with flying.

RC: What is your favorite sport?
WF: My favorite sports to play are baseball and volleyball. Volleyball was my favorite sport to play during gym class, and I played three years of varsity baseball in high school. I used to love watching basketball with my family, back when Michael Jordan still played with the Chicago Bulls. At this point in my life, I don’t follow any professional teams. I watch sports socially when I spend time with friends and family members who follow it more closely.

RC: On your days off, what do you like to do?
WF: I use my time off to relax and treat myself. I’m a natural homebody, and while I do enjoy going out and being around people, I also value my alone time. I use this time to cook, read a book, take a bath, enjoy a cup of tea, and listen to music. I’m also a big proponent of owning your natural beauty, so I thoroughly enjoy making my own face masks, blending oils and other ingredients for hair treatments, and similar projects I find by doing research and reading blogs on Pinterest.

RC: What are people often surprised to learn about you?
WF: Most people are really surprised when they learn about my obsession with professional wrestling. I watch it on television weekly, follow the independent scene, and also subscribe to YouTube channels and podcasts. When I have time, I attend wrestling shows and live events and watch pay-per-views. I buy video games yearly, and when I was younger, I owned a collection of action figures. It's funny because when I tell people I’m a wrestling fan, they will always talk about how they watched wrestling growing up and tell me who their favorite wrestlers were. For me, it’s a great outlet that allows me to unwind. I respect so many of the wrestlers who are currently in the industry – not only for their incredible athleticism, but for their ability to use their storyline characters to entertain and connect with people around the world.