Norberto Ceballos is the Housing Director at Fisher College. He was born and raised in Loiza, Puerto Rico. Norberto's journey at Fisher began when he enrolled as an undergraduate majoring in Management. Coming from a small town in Puerto Rico, Norberto found it easy to adjust to college life at Fisher, saying that "Fisher felt like the small schools back at home. It was a different perspective being here, but you didn’t feel like you didn’t belong."
During his four years as an undergraduate, Norberto played for Fisher’s baseball team. As a Red Sox fan, Norberto was initially drawn to Fisher because of its proximity to the legendary Fenway Stadium, as it is only about a 30-minute walk, and he loved the idea of being able to play baseball near his favorite baseball team. While on the team, he looked for a song that could unite everyone, regardless of language, and ultimately found the perfect choice: "Feeling Hot Hot Hot" by The Merrymen, which is still played by Fisher’s baseball team today. “I was able to find myself as one of the team and I knew I could count on the players,” says Norberto.
After completing his undergraduate degree in 2021, Norberto applied for the Master's in Business Administration program at Fisher. He enjoyed his business courses, stating, "All the case studies brought me a new perspective. Not only the lectures, but real-life cases and problem-solving were very interesting to me." The skills he developed while earning his master's degree were essential as he entered the professional world.
After earning his master’s degree in 2022, Norberto remained at Fisher, working in the Office of Housing, and this year, he has stepped up as the Housing Director. As Housing Director, Norberto oversees all residential life, from easing the move-in process for new and returning students to making sure residents are safe and adjusting well to living in the dorms. “This is their home for basically the whole year, so we need to make them aware that residential life has policies we need to abide by, but they should be able to have fun while on campus.”
The Housing Office is essential to Fisher’s community. Staff, faculty, and students know each other well, partly due to the underground connections between buildings 102 and 118 on Beacon Street. The Resident Assistants (RAs) are recognized as valuable resources. Students feel comfortable approaching them with concerns, and their events further strengthen our close-knit community.
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we spoke with Norberto Ceballos about his cherished Puerto Rican traditions and customs. He fondly remembers attending the "Fiestas Patronales" in Loiza, his hometown, sharing, “This tradition is something I loved as a kid because I was able to learn about the culture of my hometown.”
He also looks forward to Puerto Rican Christmas, which he notes lasts about three months. When it comes to food, Norberto enjoys classic dishes like rice and beans, chicken or bistec with fried plantains, and mofongo, stating, “I have learned to cook all those things, especially now.” Additionally, he finds inspiration in figures like Roberto Clemente, whom he admires for his significant contributions beyond baseball, recognizing how Clemente’s charisma and community service made him a true hero for Puerto Ricans.
Looking back on his journey, Norberto highlights the importance of staying focused while also embracing the experiences that come along the way. His advice to his undergraduate self is, "You're on the right track; just stay alert and enjoy the journey," he reminds all students to value their unique paths. As he continues to grow within the Fisher community, he is committed to supporting others and building connections that enhance the college experience for everyone.