Learn a little bit about the brand-new Resident Assistants from Horan Hall and Lee Hall by scrolling down. Check back next Friday for profiles on the new RA’s in Jasper, Chrysostom and Overlook.
Name: Chris Laucella
Residence Hall and Floor: Horan Hall, 11th floor
Why did you decide to become an RA? For me, it was the opportunity to help build a sense of community on a floor. If I could change one persons college experience just by being there for them as both an RA and a friend then that would be all the reason I need to want to become an RA.
What is the hardest part about being an RA? Trying to find ways to get people out of their rooms and into a social setting with everyone on the floor. However, my first floor program has not happened yet so that could all change.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA? Getting to make my own floor programs. I am going to try and do things that other RA’s have not done before.
Would you recommend being an RA? I would recommend it to those who really love this college and want to give back in the best way possible: by molding the other students on campus as an RA, even if that means simply being available.
Tips to the students who live on your floor: Come out to work in the common area. Who knows maybe you’ll meet someone awesome! I love getting feedback so please give me ideas on floor programs you’d like to have. Be smart.
Name: Cathryn Callahan
Residence Hall and Floor: East Hill, 2nd floor
Why did you decide to become an RA? I decided to become an RA so that I could become more involved on campus and meet a whole new group of people. I also wanted to be the person who students could come to if they needed help.
What is the hardest part about being an RA? Taking on the responsibility of being an RA was very daunting. Thus far, the hardest part has been keeping on top of my schedule and balancing it with my RA schedule. It has also been challenging to get to know all of my residents well since all of them, as well as myself, have a lot of classes and are extremely busy.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA? Meeting new people. Getting to know all the other RAs during training was great. Also, meeting people around the building and while on duty has been fun. It’s always nice to be able to say hi to more people when walking around campus.
Would you recommend being an RA? Yes, absolutely. If you think you want to be an RA definitely try it out. The first few weeks for me have been great and I’m sure that the rest of the year will be just as fun.
Name: Paola Lopez
Residence Hall and Floor: East Hill, Arches 5th floor
Why did you decide to become an RA? I decided to become an RA as a way to enhance my communication, networking and teamwork skills. I applied with the goal of meeting new people and helping residents through their college experience.
What is the hardest part about being an RA? The hardest part of being an RA is catching a problem on your floor before it happens. It’s hard to tell when a small situation can lead to a problem. It gets better with practice and good observation skills.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA? Favorite thing is getting to know my residents and hanging out with them. Also, I like planning floor programs and hanging out with the other RA’s.
Would you recommend being an RA? Yes, I would recommend it. It’s a great learning experience and it’s rewarding!
Tips to the students who live on your floor: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people. If you’re looking for a place to hang with your friends besides your dorm, use the lounge, its there for you to lounge in! Don’t be afraid to give heads up to you RA if something’s up on the floor.
Name: Carlos Perez
Residence Hall and Floor: East Hill, Arches 5th floor
Why did you decide to become an RA? I love planning events and helping others, so I figured the RA job would be a natural fit for me. Plus the free housing is a nice perk.
What is the hardest part about being an RA? Definitely remembering that you are in charge of a whole floor of people, and that you are the one who has to say something when things are out of whack.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA? Having a good portion of my residents look up to me and say “hi!” whenever I see them around. They even invite me to play games or have dinner with them!
Would you recommend being an RA? It is not as simple as you think it would be. If you are creative, motivated, energetic, a good listener and stern, I highly recommend you apply, because then this job will provide you with all of those outlets.
Tips to the students who live on your floor: You are always welcomed to my door to ask me a question or just to chat. Enjoy your freshman year but don’t be too rowdy.
Name: Syed Shabab
Residence Hall and Floor: Horan Hall, 6th floor
Why did you decide to become an RA? I became an RA to take responsibility and prepare myself for the upcoming real world. College flies by quick and although we’re all here to explore we’re also here to change and grow up. I’m pretty sure college students take away many life lessons and one of the most important ones they learn, eventually, is how to take care of themselves. As an RA I can experience the college experience, take responsibility and learn to prioritize.
What is the hardest part about being an RA? Although balancing a social and academic life is hard, I think the hardest part of being an RA is making programs. With specified criteria on how successful programs should be run I am always worried that my creative side isn’t appealing to everyone. To be honest, I am just as worried of running a program as my residents are of attending it.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA? Aside from the $14,000 I don’t have to pay, I value the mutual respect and the friendships I am making. Also, being an RA has helped me with my public speaking skills.
Would you recommend being an RA? The job of being an RA is pretty difficult. It depends on the type of person you are. Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. I would recommend it to organized individuals that can manage their time properly, multitask, stay calm and positive at times of distress, that can commit a lot of time and effort and has a creative side.
Tips to the students who live on your floor: I have the chillest batch of badass students on my floor. All of them are way too cool for school, yet they are extremely smart and extremely athletic. If anything, I’m the one taking their tips on how to be a cooler college student. But on a serious note, my tip to all residents in Horan Hall is: don’t be stupid, take responsibility and respect the rules. Have a good year!
*Photos by James O’Connor*