Resident Advisor Selection Essay

Dear Resident Advisor Selection Committee,I have been interested in becoming an RA since I started at Cal Poly earlier this academic year. My interest further increased when I met my current RA, Victoria Duncan. She has always been friendly, enthusiastic, and helpful. She made me feel comfortable in the dorm room experience right from the beginning. I knew that I wanted to be that friendly, welcoming face to the future students of Cal Poly. My experience as a leader and role model combined with my authentic personality, ability to multitask, and ability to effectively work in groups will make me a fantastic Resident Advisor.The two summers that I spent at Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp (MHKC) taught me so much about myself, about working with others, …show more content…
During camp, learning to adapt to balancing all elements of camp life is essential to the success of the group. Working in groups is also an essential part of the job. On the last night of camp, one female camper who was completely deaf became emotional that she would have to return home the following morning. The graduate student counselor was at a total loss for what to do and how to calm her down. I sat with them both for about an hour, helping them communicate, both of us reassuring her, until she finally calmed down enough to fall to sleep. While the situations in the RA position may not be precisely of this nature, this example shows that I can think on my feet and collaborate with others to solve an issue that may arise and require immediate attention. I am confident that I can be sensitive to the needs of my residents, work alongside my fellow RA’s, and trouble-shoot any issues that arise, no matter the time or severity of the issue. Resident Advisors are the on the ground leaders and voices for the students of Cal Poly. They are the first people new students encounter, and they are the people the students continually go to for any questions and concerns they may