Meet Raymond Cordova
University: University of South Florida (2018-2020)
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Hometown/Place You Call Home: Land O’ Lakes FL
How long have you been an RA? I have been an RA since Fall of 2018 (I’m in my second year).
In which building(s)? I was an RA in Maple during my first year and I am proud to be in Maple this year as well.
Favorite thing about Maple Hall: The ROTC Living Learning Community. It is located in Maple A and that has to be my favorite part of Maple since we all have shared experiences.
Why did you apply to the resident assistant position? I wanted to be the RA for the ROTC LLC and help develop future officers in the military. I wanted to see them grow through the different experiences they have in the program and be there as a resource when they had questions.
What have you learned as an RA? I have learned so much as an RA. Being an RA is more than a job; it is a lifestyle. You rarely flip off the RA switch, which is why it is such a unique position. Being an RA taught me to have confidence in myself and that I was more capable than I originally thought.
What motivates you while in the job? I am motivated by my residents. It really is as simple as that. They keep me honest and working hard because I know if I drop the ball, it impacts them. I know that everything I help coordinate for my floor has a very real impact on my residents.
What skills do you currently use in your life that you gained from being a resident assistant? Can you expand on that? I got to practice time management skills and crisis management skills. Being an RA, there are certain timelines you have to meet with implementing the residential curriculum and it can be a lot when coupled with your typical school work and extracurricular. However, if you manage time effectively, it should never be too overwhelming. Crisis management also comes with the nature of the job since you never know what problems could arise in the residence halls. That is why we are trained to handle so many different situations. These skills are very transferable to life.
What is your favorite memory from being an RA? That would be one of the first staff bonding’s we had when we did a scavenger hunt race throughout Ybor city (Fall 2018). We were all sprinting to find everything on the list for the grand prize of a free Popsicle. Easily the most fun I have had.
What is one thing you have changed from your 1st year as an RA? I try to be more accessible to my residents by hanging out with them in the common spaces.
What advice would you give for current and/or future resident assistants? Be yourself. Be present in your community. Don’t procrastinate. Become an RA for the people you can help, rather than the benefits.
What are your goals after graduation? I would love to commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
If current students or resident assistants want to connect with you, how can they find you? They can email me at raymondcordo@mail.usf.edu.
TOP 5
- Favorite place at USF: The swings behind the library or the top of Beard garage to see the buildings at night.
- Favorite place in Tampa: The Tampa Riverwalk since it is an amazing view during sunsets.
- Biggest accomplishment: That would easily be taking control over my fears by going skydiving.
- Favorite Movie: Yesterday - since it shows the power of music.
- Favorite Book: The Giving Tree
