Ariel Telesford

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University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2019-2020)

Pronouns: He, Him, His; They, Them, Their

Hometown: Trinidad and Tobago

Why did you apply to be an RA?  The main reason I applied to be an RA was because of the awesome RA I had in my freshman year of college. She made me feel very involved, connected, and always made time for us. We had a great relationship and that's what I am trying to achieve with my residents.

How do you accomplish your "why"? I focus on my academics because that is the best way I could inspire success in others; first I need to achieve success in my own life to serve as role model to my residents. Also, I perform well in the Summit Hall team and I believe that teamwork makes the dream work. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? My relationship with my residents is the most rewarding thing for me. To know that I am having a positive impact on my residents who will hopefully look back at their college days one day and remember the chill RA they had. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? I would say that this job is both rewarding and demanding. Don't think it is a "walk in the park" but also know that the experience you gain from it is priceless. 

What would you like your residents to know about you? I am a PADI certified scuba diver and a certified island boy. I swam within 10 feet of a shark and I have been able to swim with two turtles who were almost 150 years old. I have played cricket and soccer at a semi-professional level my entire life and Chelsea FC is my home #CFCF. 

What are your goals after graduation? I plan to do my Masters at Imperial College London and then go on to work in the Oil and Gas Industry, either in Saudi Arabia or Australia. 

Ariel's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: Rec Center
2. Favorite place in Tampa: Any bowling alley or skating rink
3. Biggest accomplishment: Maintain a 4.0 GPA
4. Favorite Movie: Sherlock Holmes/ Star Wars
5. Favorite Book: Rangers Apprentice
6. Every USF student should... go to a USF soccer game.
7. Favorite Band/Artist: Roy Woods, Davido, Drake, Popcaan
8. Favorite Color: Blue
9. Favorite USF professor: Entire Geology Department
10. Favorite Snack: Fudge chocolate cookies

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2019-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Cooper City, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA?  I applied to be an RA because I saw how interactive my RA was and how he made the hall a "home" rather than a "dorm" for many residents. It gave me the motive to want to do the same for others, as well as aid residents through the semester.  

How do you accomplish your "why"?  I accomplished this by getting involved in hall council and asking current RA's about their experiences. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA?  The most rewarding thing about being an RA is having people look up to you and confide in you. It is very motivating to know you're a role model for many individuals. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? Advice I would give students is to think about your motive for wanting to be an RA and why it is important to you. I would also say to try to know as much as you can about what the job entails before applying. 

What would you like your residents to know about you?  I went to Oktoberfest in Germany when I was 14! 

What are your goals after graduation? My goals after graduation is to hopefully go to dental school..maybe take a gap year and live in Europe before that. 

Bianca's Top 9

1. Favorite place at USF: The Marshal Student Center (MSC)
2. Favorite place in Tampa: Clearwater Beach
3. Favorite Movie: Twilight
4. Favorite Book: Then she was gone.
5. Every USF student should... get an iced matcha and green tea latte with coconut milk from Starbucks.
6. Favorite Band/Artist: Alicia Keys and Rihanna
7. Favorite Color: Blue, purple, and yellow
8. Favorite USF professor: Dr. Cruz - he teaches Chemistry.
9. Favorite Snack: Strawberry ice cream

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2019-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Lutz. FL

Why did you apply to be an RA? By the end of my second year at USF, I missed talking to people outside of my major and wanted to connect with a more diverse array of people. I knew the RA position would be perfect for this, so I took the leap and applied. 3 months later and I feel more supported than ever from my residents and my team! 

How do you accomplish your "why"? The nature of the job itself allowed me to accomplish my "why"; everyone I talk to lives such a unique life, and I am inspired by their stories everyday. It really helps me to see from other people's perspectives and I am really thankful to have so many people that motivate me to live my best life. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? The best thing about being an RA is working on a team with such cool, talented people! 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? This job is really rewarding, and teaches you a lot about your own leadership style. Read the RA contract and see if you would enjoy everything in the job description. Make sure you are in it for the right reasons! 

What would you like your residents to know about you?

• I got second place at Florida's Class 3A State Tennis Championship.
• I was an orientation leader for family & guests at USF in 2018.
• I know how to solve a rubix cube and can also say the alphabet backwards.
• I play tennis and ping pong.
• I used to play the cello for 4 years and the piano for 6 years.
• I love drawing and painting.
  

What are your goals after graduation? I plan on going to the Dominican Republic for a 10 day medical service trip in May and to have a really relaxing summer before starting dental school in the fall. Then, I hope to have my own practice as a dentist. I would love to adopt a puppy in the near future! 

Geetha's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: Castor Beach
2. Favorite place in Tampa: GenX in Downtown
3. Biggest Accomplishment: Being Bright House Sports Network's Athlete of the Year
4. Favorite Movie: The Incredibles
5. Favorite Book: Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything.
6. Every USF student should... watch Busch Garden's fireworks show from the top floor of the JP parking garage.
7. Favorite Band/Artist: Mac Miler
8. Favorite Color: Teal 
9. Favorite USF professor: Dr. Ulluminair Salim
10. Favorite Snack: Sour gummy worms

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (Spring 2019-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA? During my freshman year at USF, I had a really great experience living on campus, which I attribute largely to my RA. She was kind and supportive, and someone who I could go to for advice on anything. I also began developing connections with other RAs in the building, and I was encouraged by the relationships that they had with their residents and with each other. I joined Hall Council, and was able to interact even more with others in the community as well as the RAs and my Residence Life Coordinator. I really enjoyed my time in Hall Council, and it made me realize that I had a passion for interacting with people and building community. 

How do you accomplish your "why"? I have really implemented my desire to build a community with my residents this year. I try to connect with each of them on a personal level, and organize opportunities for them to connect with each other. I often invite residents to lunch or dinner, or to events on campus that I'm going to. I also have weekly movie nights that are a great chance for residents to engage with each other. I focus on being a supportive friend to my residents, rather than being an "authority," which encourages them to come to me when they need advice, or just someone to talk to.

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? The best part of being an RA is the interactions I get to have with my residents. I have really gotten to know them and have been able to build a tight-knit community on my hall. It is so rewarding when a resident feels comfortable coming to me or one of their peers for support and advice.

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? Make sure you know that this is something that you will love! This job can be a lot of work, but if you enjoy it, it won't feel like work. If you really have a passion for interacting with people and building community, you will love this job, and it will be rewarding!

What would you like your residents to know about you? I was a competitive dancer my entire life, and have been dancing since I could walk. I was actually really shy growing up, and dancing was something that really brought me out of my shell. Dancing is a huge source of happiness for me, and performing has always made me feel so confident and proud.

What are your goals after graduation? After graduation, I hope to obtain MD-PhD degree, and pursue a career as a research physician. Alzheimer's runs in my family, so I really want to conduct research and work on preventative measures for this disease. 

Grace's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: The Fit Pool
2. Favorite place in Tampa: Sparkman Wharf
3. Biggest accomplishment: Maintaining a 4.0 GPA
4. Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music
5. Favorite Book: Anything by Margaret Atwood
6. Every USF student should... study abroad.
7. Favorite Band/Artist: Khalid
8. Favorite Color: Green
9. Favorite USF professor: Dr. Cruz, Chemistry
10. Favorite Snack: Purple Doritos

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (Spring 2018-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Fort Pierce, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA? I applied to be an RA because I was told by older RAs that I had the potential to really impact student's lives through this position. Because I place a high value on making others feel welcome and comfortable in the same spaces that I occupy with them, I also really enjoy the opportunity to impact others in this way.

How do you accomplish your "why"? I work each day to build connections with my residents to make them feel that I am invested in their success and their happiness in the residence hall. I have also worked to recognize the ways in which I can make those of different identities than my own more comfortable in the spaces I share with them through a recognition of the impact my identities may have on them.

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? I think having the opportunity to really learn about the unique things that make each of my residents them and being able to build a relationship as we both grow throughout the semester has been the most rewarding part of my job.

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? This job has taught me so much about myself while also developing me into a much more emotionally intelligent and socially conscious person than I would have been without this role. This position is unlike any other and will truly test you to your limits, but will also challenge you to be better than you thought you could be.

What would you like your residents to know about you? I love hearing about people's stories, I am passionate about social justice, I love doing creative things and active things, I can throw a spiral on a football, I can throw goldfish in the air and catch them in my mouth, I love trying new food places (so if you have one or want to try one let me know), I am published as an author on a research paper, I climbed a couple mountains, I ran a triathlon, I love dogs like so much you have no clue, I like trying new things in general, if you have more questions come ask me!

What are your goals after graduation? I am figuring out my future path each day, but as of right now I hope to go to medical school and become a physician to have the opportunity to provide healthcare to underserved communities.

Hunter's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: The benches beside the lake near Juniper-Poplar
2. Favorite place in Tampa: All of my favorite places to go eat
3. Biggest accomplishment: Facing my fear of heights
4. Favorite Movie: It is very hard to pick a favorite movie, but I could watch Forrest Gump 20 times in a row
5. Favorite Book: The Red Tent or To Kill a Mockingbird or A Thousand Splendid Suns
6. Every USF student should... do one thing that scares them (within reason), because the edge of your comfort zone is your growth zone
7. Favorite Band/Artist: Bryson Tiller or Ella Mai or Kehlani (that’s who I’m listening to a lot right now I love a lot of music).
8. Favorite Color: Mint Green
9. Favorite USF professor: Dr. Ulluminair Salim
10. Favorite Snack: Popcorn

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (Spring 2019-2020)

Pronouns: He, Him, His

Hometown: Jacksonville, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA? I applied to be an RA to learn what it means to be a leader who not only knows how to lead others but also knows how to diligently lead themselves. I wanted to take advantage of an opportunity where my job consists of building meaningful relationships and being there for students who I can teach things to that I had to learn the hard way. I also wanted to advance my skills in being a part of a team to achieve common goals as well as assist my family financially. 

How do you accomplish your "why"? I accomplished my why when I applied to be an RA and by doing my best to manage my schedule in a way that takes care of myself first and foremost, but also leaves time to spend intentionally with residents, accomplish administrative responsibilities, and continue to foster solid relationships with my team. I love getting dinner with my residents around campus, hanging out with them in their rooms, planning events for them to come to, and being there for them with any questions that they have about school or life in general. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? The most rewarding thing about being an RA is continuously learning how valuable time is. There are a lot of moving components to the job that can tempt you to constantly be thinking about the next thing you have to do, but once you get the hang of it and start living in the moment it is amazing how much you start to get out of the job. Once I began doing this, whenever I would be in residents rooms catching up with them about their lives and laughing about the little things, I started to truly get everything out of the job that I have been putting into it. If you stay on top of everything that isn't necessarily fun about being an RA, you give yourself so much more time that you start to value so much more, which you can spend doing the things that you love and truly engaging with the people that you care about including your residents. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? I would say the best thing to remember, when thinking about whether or not the RA position is right for you, is what your greatest motivation is. If your motivation is to save a lot of money and do the least you can to produce a satisfactory outcome in the job, then I would say this might not be the best option for you because you will only get out of this however much you put into it. Finances is most definitely a valid motivation, but it shouldn't be the reason. Instead, if your motivation is to pass down knowledge that you know now and will continue to learn from fellow students who are going through the same stage of life as you in order to help push them to be the best that they can be then this is a great job for you. You will learn so much about leadership, teamwork, and time management along with the job that you can also simultaneously be teaching your residents. At the end of the day, none of this matters unless you are doing this job to grow. If you are, you will not be disappointed.  

What would you like your residents to know about you? I'm not a big party guy, however, I love getting groups of good friends together and going to the movies, beach, bowling, downtown, restaurants, or even just places around campus. I enjoy quality time with people where things become deeper than surface level. During my leisure time, I love singing, playing guitar, playing video games like Madden, going outside, and most importantly being with the people that I care about and can truly invest in no matter what we do. I have traveled to places like the Bahamas and Cancun, Mexico and dream to one day travel to every continent. 

What are your goals after graduation? My goals after graduation are to work as a marketing coordinator for a major sports organization or work for a college ministry where I can invest myself spiritually in my career and also practice my love for music within the facet of worship. I want to travel a lot at first, but eventually settle down with a wife and have children while not being too far from my family in Jacksonville, FL. My main goal is that whatever I might be doing, that I would be doing it for the experience and for the relationships with other people instead of the money or the job security.

Jaxon's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: The Village Courtyard
2. Favorite place in Tampa: The Riverwalk
3. Biggest accomplishment: Winning the Chick-fil-A Scholarship at my Chick-fil-A back home
4. Favorite Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Both Parts)
5. Favorite Book: The Gospel-Centered Life by Matt Chandler
6. Every USF student should... go canoeing down the river at Riverfront Park.
7. Favorite Band/Artist: Housefires
8. Favorite Color: Sky Blue
9. Favorite USF professor: Professor Dummeldinger
10. Favorite Snack: Sour Patch Kids

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (Spring 2019-2020)

Pronouns: He, Him, His

Hometown: Spring Hill, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA? I applied to become an RA because I wanted to help students grow and live the Bulls Life the right way. In my life, I have gone through several obstacles such as Coming Out and my support system was not the best at the time; however, I want to be that individual that can provide a space so others do not have to go through what I went through. In my opinion, being an RA is being a leader, role-model, mentor, and ally for all students that comes to our direction no matter their demographics or psychographics. Being given that opportunity to be a role-model in someone's eyes or help them through a tough situation is very magical to me and that is what makes this job so special.

How do you accomplish your "why"? I accomplish my "why" by telling myself "things happen for a reason." This saying has always helped me throughout my entire life because whatever situation is thrown at me, either positive or negative, I know deep down that everything I am working for is going to be rewarding in the long run.

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? Connecting with students and seeing the growth from Day 1, especially from first-years, is very magical. Throughout the year, I have seen students blossom from a very shy individual, who feels uncomfortable because this is their first time away from home, to a person at ease. Also, seeing the trust from the students to myself rise with every interaction we have is very rewarding to me because they become more and more comfortable opening up to me so I can help them whenever they need it. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? Students, who are thinking about applying for the RA position, should have a reason why they want to become one besides the benefits. The benefits are nice incentives to the position but this position changes lives and can even save one. Therefore, the students who become RAs, need to be doing this for the right reasons because the impact we make is monumental on the lives of the students.

What would you like your residents to know about you?

• I would like my residents to know that I do care about them and they should never be afraid to open up to me about anything. I always stress that to them but I will never be judgmental or turn them away over any matter they want to share.
• In my life, one of the coolest things I have done was to send a tweet out tagging Miley Cyrus and her manager retweeted me back.
• I have traveled to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
• Also, I have sang at Disney's Epcot for four years in a row when I was in high school. 

What are your goals after graduation? After graduation, I want to go into the fashion or entertainment industry because those industries are where my heart lies. Due to my major being Integrated Public Relations and Advertising, my horizons of what I can do are limitless so the specific career path I plan on embarking in is still unknown.

Joshua's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: MLK Plaza
2. avorite place in Tampa: International Mall
3. Biggest accomplishment: I received the Cammie Lyn Krusoe Scholarship from The Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications
4. Favorite Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
5. Favorite Book: Percy Jackson series
6. Every USF student should... go to Busch Gardens at least once.
7. Favorite Band: Aerosmith; Favorite Artist: Ariana Grande
8. Favorite Color: Blue
9. Favorite USF professor: Janelle Applequist
10. Favorite Snack: Cheez It; Favorite Candy: Peppermint Bark

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Maple Hall (2017-2019) and Summit Hall (2019-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Ocala, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA?  The reason I applied to be was because of two RAs in my life. My very first RA, Mercy, when I first entered USF in Summer 2016. She was a wonderful influence on me. She taught me how to communicate with others more effectively, share my thoughts and emotions, and supported my interest in cultural learning. 

The second RA I experienced was during my first school year at USF. He was the exact opposite of Mercy. Though he lived one door in front of me I went the entire Fall semester not knowing who my RA was or where my RA lived. I had financial struggles and worked two part-time jobs while attending school full time with 14 credit hours. I almost quit school because I could not afford to pay for school to register for the next Spring semester. When I went to this RA for resources/ information on how I could delay my financial dues or other resources that would allow me to be in school he was too busy to meet with me. When we finally connected I told him the academic issues that were occurring in my life at the time and he responded to me "that sucks, I hope you figure something out." 

Due to these very distinct interactions I decided to become an RA. I wanted to be the RA Mercy in future first year college students lives and lessen the number of non-caring RAs encountered on USF campus. 

How do you accomplish your "why"?  I believe I accomplished my goal as an RA because I am very supportive of my residents. When my resident was running for an officer position of a club, I helped her with her speech and went to event meetings with her. She ended up being elected for the position. I have also connected my residents to resources when needed, encouraged my residents to make new friends or go to a club they are interested in on campus, given them love advise, and make myself available so when they need me I am there as well as if they just want to say hello and talk to someone they trust. I am available and ready to provide a listening ear. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA?  For me the most rewarding part of being an RA is the residents. Starting off the school year with these new faces, getting to know them, and being able to be a part of their world for a brief time. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? My advice to people thinking about applying for the RA position would be to not be afraid and to get ready to change. This position will allow you to grow as a person and challenge your communication skills. Do not be afraid of the growth, and remember that there is growth in failure. After a year in this position you will shock yourself in how much you have learned about you and how different your mentality has changed. 

My advice to future RAs is to never stop trying. There will be residents who are hard to talk to, ones who you think hate you, and ones who love you. Treat all of your residents the same because one day you might be walking around campus and a resident who never talked to you or a resident who you thought hated you will come up to you and talk about the days you were their RA with a smile on their face. Whether you know it or not your residents are always watching you and sometimes the ones who you think you affected the least, you actually affected the most. 

What would you like your residents to know about you?  In my free time I like to invent games. I have invented four games in my life time. The games are simple math games that help with learning, I generally use them when I math tutor during the summer months. 

I draw... it takes me a very long time to draw but I can draw very well. I have a picture of an alligator I drew in my room; it is my greatest masterpiece. I also love Asian food. 

What are your goals after graduation? My goal after graduation is to attend the University of Southern California School of Medicine for Physician Assistant. After completing this 3-year journey, I plan to become a certified Physician Assistant and work in a marginalized identity area. Specifically a Black and LatinX based area so I can,

1. Provided representation and inspiration into the the future generations who come from disadvantaged backgrounds;
2. Enable a personal connection through communication that is being lost in the medical field; whether that is not being able to speak the language (e.g Spanish and/or Ebonics) or not being able to see the person for a human being who is trying to better themselves;
3. Giving back to those who have put in time and effort into helping me accomplish my aspirations by being the mentor, role model, advisor etc. for me by being a similar guiding source to the future generations. 

Makala's Top 7

1. Favorite place at USF: Near the water molecule pond (mickey mouse ears) while the sun is setting the sun.
2. What is your biggest accomplishment? When I graduate from college in May.
3. Favorite Book: LOTR (Lord of the Rings)
4. Every USF student should... not be afraid to try something different from the norm.
5. Favorite Color: Sky Blue
6. Favorite USF professor: Dr. Chris Osovitz
7. Favorite Snack: Salted caramel cookie dough

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2018-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Netanya, Israel

Why did you apply to be an RA? When I was a freshman at USF, my RA was never there for me. I was struggling with a lot and was close to dropping out of school. I became an RA to be the support for others that I needed in those moments. 

How do you accomplish your "why"? I accomplish being a support system for people by ensuring that my residents know that, no matter what, I will always be there for them. I make myself always available by phone, especially. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? The most rewarding thing about being an RA is being able to make an impact on people's lives. I've had residents tell me that I make their day better and it makes the job more than worth the work.

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? The advice I would give to students thinking about applying for the position is to have confidence in the kind of person that they are and not try and change themselves to fit the 'ideal standard' for the position. There are all types of RAs and everyone is a perfect match for the position in their own way.

What would you like your residents to know about you? I would like my residents to know that just because I'm an RA doesn't mean that I'm not a college student too. We can all hang out together! Something cool that I have done is ride a camel!

What are your goals after graduation? After graduation, I hope to be a veterinarian with my own practice.

Michal's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: I really like sitting in front of the MLK fountain
2. Favorite place in Tampa: I love Boba Cup
3. Biggest accomplishment: I have my second degree black belt
4. Favorite Movie: My favorite movie is Matilda
5. Favorite Book: Girl Online by Zoe Sugg
6. Every USF student should... attend at least one football game.
7. Favorite Band/Artist: Crown the Empire
8. Favorite Color: Royal Purple
9. Favorite USF professor: Dr. Amber Brace
10. Favorite Snack: Cheez-It and Buncha Crunch

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2018-2020)

Pronouns: He, Him, His

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA?  I applied to be an RA to challenge and inspire students to become the best versions of themselves. Living on-campus at USF helped me develop valuable connections and interpersonal skills. It also allowed me to explore many of the amazing resources that USF has to offer.

How do you accomplish your "why"?  I attempt to develop strong connections with each of my residents. I think it's nice for them to know that there is someone who has experience with the things are going through, from struggling with classes to searching for internships and research opportunities. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA?  One of the most rewarding things about being an RA is that I am one of the first people that residents ever meet who tells them that it is okay to fail and make mistakes. These are the moments where we rise up, dust ourselves off, and become stronger. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position?  This job is not for everyone. You will have sleepless duty nights, exams around the same time RA-related tasks are due, and events after a long day at school. However, if you are willing to take a leap of faith this may be one of the most rewarding experiences that you will have in your college career. My biggest piece of advice is to be your most authentic self. Learning this skill in life will open doors for you beyond your wildest imagination whether or not you get the RA position. Also never doubt yourself! While many RA candidates were receiving their offers for the position, I was offered a spot on the alternate list. At first I took this as a sign that this position was not for me and I was about to inform the selection committee that I wanted to withdraw myself from consideration for the position. It was at this point that I recognized that the Housing department wasn't telling me 'no we think you'll make a terrible RA' so we threw you on some list. I was the wild card that could fit into any community on a moment's notice. A few months later near the end of the spring semester I received an offer for the position. The Alternate List is not a bad thing! 

What would you like your residents to know about you?  While I am a Computer Science major at USF, i am interested in how we can build sustainable and efficient transportation networks for our cities. I want to the bridge the gap between the humanities and the STEM field. A sociology professor probably thinks about the world in a very different way than a civil engineer. The perspectives that each of these individuals have about the same topic, like designing bus stops, is incredibly important. I did a Research Experience for Undergrads on determining the amount of racial bias in the NYPD's Stop, Question, and Frisk datasets 2003-2018. This unconventional approach to problem-solving has driven me to think about our world differently. 

What are your goals after graduation?  I would like to pursue a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. I hope to combine my interests in data analytics design, sustainability transportation, an into a profession where I can help plan and implement the future of mobility within our cities. Eventually I would love to teach about these topics as a professor at a university as well. 

Mihail's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: The Education Building
2. Favorite place in Tampa: Armature Works
3. Biggest accomplishment: Complete a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program
4. Favorite Movie: The Disaster Artist
5. Favorite Book: The Great Gatsby
6. Every USF student should... get connected with individuals and resources on campus!
7. Favorite Band/Artist: The Wombats
8. Favorite Color: Ocean blue and Emerald green
9. Favorite USF professor: William Oropallo - taught Data Structures and Advanced JavaScript
10. Favorite Snack: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Maple Hall (2018-2019) and Summit Hall (2019-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Sarasota, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA?  My freshman year of college, my RA was never present and I struggled a lot to the point that I almost dropped out. During my second year, I ended up with an RA who was super supportive and very engaged with the community, which changed my whole perspective on my college experiences. He encouraged me to join Hall Council, which led him as well as my RLC to encourage me to continue growing my passion for leadership and community building by applying to be an RA! 

How do you accomplish your "why"? Community building is one of my top priorities as an RA. I accomplish this by being intentional with the relationships that I build with my residents, being present in the hall, and creating an environment where everyone is welcome. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? One of the most rewarding things about being an RA is getting to support students in their college journey and seeing them accomplish their goals. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? Being a Resident Assistant has been one of the most challenging jobs I've ever had and I love it! Don’t get discouraged in the challenging moments, because you will have those, and learn to grow in those moments instead. Be open minded and don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. Always be yourself — something my RA always said to me was that in everything I do, make sure it comes from the heart :)

What would you like your residents to know about you?

• I grew up on a farm and have cows (they’re my pride and joy).
• I have a black belt in martial arts.
• I completed my TESOL certification and teach English online to kids in China — no, I don’t speak Chinese.
• My undergraduate degrees are in English & Psychology, with a minor in Foreign Language Education and I graduated May 2019 from USF.
• During my undergrad, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Thessalonki, Greece — also, ya girl hiked to the top of Mt. Olympus.
• Now, I’m a graduate student, still at USF, pursuing my Master’s in Global Sustainability. 

What are your goals after graduation? Well, since I already graduated from my undergrad, I’m currently living out part of my post-graduation goals by working towards my Master’s degree. My dream since high school has been to work with National Geographic. I’m not sure exactly where I will be once I graduate from grad school, but I’m planning on applying my undergraduate background in technical communications with my graduate background in global sustainability by pursuing a career in digital storytelling. I’ve also considered doing research, earning my PHD, and becoming a professor one day.

Sara's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: The trees behind Cypress for hammocking
2. avorite place in Tampa: Downtown & Riverfront Park
3. Biggest accomplishment: Conquering Mt. Olympus
4. Favorite Movie: Can't pick just one... I like Star Wars, MCU, Disney, the Lorax, the Proposal, Hallmark movies...
5. Favorite Book: The Phantom Tollbooth
6. Every USF student should... study abroad or some kind of global experience.
7. Favorite Band/Artist: Bethel, Hillsong, Brett Young, and Ed Sheeran
8. Favorite Color: Teal
9. Favorite USF professor: Dr. Hasen & Dr. Culhane
10. Favorite Snack: Mini M&Ms

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2018-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Why did you apply to be an RA? I was actually a ghost resident my first year at USF. I lived in Summit but didn't know anyone on my floor except my roommate. I was always in my room or at Cypress with a friend and I just wasn't a part of the community. I could kind of tell I was missing out on something so I thought being an RA would help me become more involved on campus and in my residence hall. I also felt like I fit the job pretty well! I like meeting new people and I feel like I have a positive attitude and comforting demeanor, and apparently Residential Education thought so too because I got the job!

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? I think one of the things that I enjoy the most about being an RA is being a point of comfort and support my residents. I like being able to help my first year students through their transition to college and be a resource for them. I love getting to know my residents and just making them feel welcome and safe while at USF. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? The RA position can be very stressful. It's difficult to work where you live because you can feel like you're constantly working. Something I learned from my first year of being an RA is that it is important to set boundaries between yourself and the RA job. A lot of RAs love what they do and go the extra mile to make connections with their residents and be present in the community and that's a great thing! However, this can cause RAs to feel overworked and wear them down if they don't set time aside for themselves. I would encourage anyone who is an RA to find something that is just for them that is designated "me time." For me, it was the USF Herd of Thunder (HOT) band. Three times a week, I went to HOT band practice and that was my time away from my community, RA responsibilities, and even my residents. Having that time away honestly kept me sane. Even though you'll be encouraged to be present in the building, that doesn't mean you can never leave or have time for yourself. As RAs we advocate for self-care to our residents, so it's important that we take time to care for ourselves as well.   

What would you like your residents to know about you? I'm a huge band/music person and I've been a part of marching band for 6 years! I've played the trombone for 9 years, starting in 6th grade and I marched trombone for 5 of those years. Last year was sadly my last year of marching band and I switched to the tuba for my final year as a fun challenge. I still play the tuba in the Basketball Pep band on campus.  

I'm currently in Nursing school at USF and it's been a whole new experience! I've started going to clinicals and interacting with real live patients! It's a lot of work (and that's why I had to stop marching) but I'm loving it so far and I can tell this is what I'm supposed to be doing. 

What are your goals after graduation? I'm hoping the hospital (where I'm currently attending clinicals) will offer me a job and I'll start as an RN almost immediately after graduating! I plan on getting my masters degree while working as an RN and I'm considering going back to school to become a nurse practitioner or even getting a PhD. I definitely plan on working as an RN for a few years before pursing any further education because I want to have a good amount of clinical experience to create a foundation of knowledge before attempting to building upon it with more degrees. 

Steph's Top 8

1. Favorite place at USF: The Bulls Fountain 
2. Favorite place in Tampa: The International Boba House!
3. Biggest accomplishment: Getting into nursing school!
4. Favorite Movie: Silence of the Lambs
5. Favorite Book: The Unwind Series by Neal Shusterman
6. Favorite Band/Artist: Young the Giant
7. Favorite Color: Turquoise 
8. Favorite Snack: Cuties oranges

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2019-2020)

Pronouns: He, Him, His

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Why did you apply to be an RA? I applied to be an RA because I want to create positive change. Creating positive change may sound like something vague, but truthfully speaking, any form of kindness is creating positive change. I applied for this position because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. To be there for someone as part of their support system because I can understand first-hand how important it is to know that there is someone in the world who cares about and supports you. Additionally, being an RA is one of the most profound leadership experiences any college student can have. 

How do you accomplish your "why"? I accomplish my "why" by striving to make my residence hall home away from home for my residents. I have an extremely diverse hall and my residents are from all over the world, whether it is England or Bolivia. The community I strive to create is where everyone is bonded by one common experience: home. My hall is simply a home where we not only all learn from each other but we get to experience a globally and academically focused mindset and ensure that each resident respects one another and ensures that it is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? The coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA is the one-on-one conversations. You will always have those residents that when you start talking to them, it will go on for hours and hours. These conversations allow you to not only learn about your residents and who they are but also strengthen your own interpersonal communication skills, something that is very important for me. 

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? Be yourself! This is probably the most common advice you will get but I truly mean. Do not try to be someone that you are not. I was completely genuine about myself and my experiences while applying for this job. Be confident about who you are and someone will notice it! Also make sure you choose to do the job for the right reasons and not the benefits. The role is time-consuming and if you are not doing it for the right reasons, it will impact both you and the community you manage. 

What would you like your residents to know about you? I really like dancing. It is not something I get to do often because of so many commitments but I LOVE dancing. I am originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh (it is a small but new country that not many people know of). Some cool things I have done are being a founding father for a fraternity, dancing for 12 hours as a Morale Captain for Dance Marathon (Always for the kids!), and moving to America when I was 14 all by myself! I have lived with my older brother, a current senior at the University of South Florida, in student housing apartment for all of high school. That was incredibly challenging but there is a saying that I will carry with me all my life- "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have."

What are your goals after graduation? I hope to attend medical school and someday become a psychiatrist or some kind of surgeon. 

Syed's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: The Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement Office! 
2. Favorite place in Tampa: University of South Florida campus.. Go Bulls!
3. Biggest accomplishment: Living in America without my parents for almost six years now
4. Favorite Movie: High School Musical
5. Favorite Book: Matilda
6. Every USF student should... get involved in some way! USF is an incredible school with limitless opportunities to not be involved. 
7. Favorite Band/Artist: Post Malone and The Chainsmokers
8. Favorite Color: Red
9. Favorite USF professor: Christian Tang- she teaches General Chemistry
10. Favorite Snack: Hershey's and Toblerone

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (Spring 2019-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Kissimmee, FL

Why did you apply to be an RA? I applied to be an RA because I wanted to  be around people who were different from me, with hopes that I would become more open-minded. Another reason is because I enjoy being in supportive/mentorship positions. 

How do you accomplish your "why"? I try to get to know each of my residents by being as accessible as possible. My residents know where to find me if they have questions or just want to hang out. 

What is the coolest/most rewarding thing about being an RA? Having residents tell me how happy they are that I'm their RA.

What advice would you give to students thinking about applying for the RA position? Be yourself through the ENTIRE application. 

What would you like your residents to know about you?

• I'm really passionate about Social Justice;
• I love to help people reach their full potential;
• I have attended a USF lecture with Tarana Burke and Raymond Santana;
• I've been hiking in Ecuador. 

What are your goals after graduation? I plan to go to UCF to get my Masters in Criminal Justice while working at an alternative school in the area. I want to start non-profit organizations that focus on mentoring Black children and fighting homelessness in my hometown.

Tatiannia's Top 7

1. Favorite place at USF: The table in the corner on the second floor of Argos. 
2. Biggest accomplishment: Being a first generation college student
3. Favorite Movie: The Pursuit of Happiness
4. Every USF student should... study abroad, it's a lot easier than you would think.
5. Favorite Band/Artist: Drake
6. Favorite Color: Gray
7. Favorite Snack: Ice cream

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2019-2020)

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

Hometown: Macon, Georgia

Role: Faculty-in-Residence

How long have you been at the University of South Florida? I've been at USF since 2011. 

What classes do you teach? Intro to Women's and Gender Studies, Literature by Women of Color, Black Feminisms, and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Disabilities Studies.

What is one you are looking forward as a Faculty-in-Residence in Summit? I'm looking forward to connecting with students and helping them discover and utilize all of the resources USF has to offer.

What is the coolest moment you have as a faculty? One of the coolest moments I've had this semester was having a colleague reach out to me to tell me one their students quoted me in an assignment. The quote came from the Cultural Appropriation talk I gave at the Sippin' with Serls event in October. 

What is the most rewarding thing about being a faculty member? Seeing students work towards and reach their educational and career goals is, without a doubt, the most rewarding thing about being a faculty member.

What advice to do you have for students when trying to connect with faculty? This semester I had a student who resides in another residence hall reach out to me for a meeting. At our meeting she said, "I didn't think you'd be willing to meet with me, but I decided to shoot my shot." I think her statement sums it up perfectly, "Shoot your shot!" or to borrow Nike's phrase, "Just Do It!"

What is one thing you suggest students do while in college? It's hard for me to choose just one thing, so I'll give a few: Study abroad. Complete an internship. Join a student organization. And of course, enjoy the experience; college really is the best time of your life.

What is your favorite college experience? I have two. My favorite college experiences were serving as a member of the Miss Fort Valley State Royal Court during my senior year and being named Valedictorian of my undergraduate class.

What is one thing you are looking forward to as a Faculty-in-Residence in Summit? I'm looking forward to connecting with students and helping them discover and utilize all of the resources USF has to offer. I'm also looking forward to helping students refine the knowledge they're learning in their academic classes.

Dr. Serls's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: The Department of Women's and Gender Studies (CMC 202) because it's so cozy.  
2. Favorite place in Tampa: Downtown Tampa  
3. Biggest accomplishment: Earning the PhD 
4. Favorite Book: My favorite novel is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston  
5. Favorite Quote: "Bloom Where You Are Planted."  
6. Every USF student should... take a Women's and Gender Studies course. 
7. Favorite Artist: Beyoncé
8. Favorite Song: "At Your Best (You Are Love)" 
9. Travel Destination: Ochos Rios, Jamaica  
10. Favorite Snack & Candy: Kettle Corn and Now & Later Fruit Chews

Pronouns: He, Him, His

Hometown: Red Lion, PA

University: University of South Florida 

Community: Summit Hall (2019-2021)

How long have you been at the University of South Florida? One semester

Current Roles: I’m currently the Assistant Residence Life Coordinator for Summit Hall and a graduate student in the College Student Affairs (CSA) Curriculum and Instruction M.Ed. program at the University of South Florida.

Undergraduate College/University: Messiah College

Undergraduate Major: Music – Voice and Piano

Were you a Resident Assistant in college? Yes

What did you learn as a resident assistant? I learned that my main passion is human connection and finding intentional ways to develop others so that they can be their best selves.

What motivated you while in the job? The small conversations I would have with residents over coffee or even while they were brushing their teeth in the bathroom.

What skills do you currently use in your life that you gained from being a resident assistant? My abilities to manage crisis situations and build connections with a diverse group of people. My active listening skills have been significantly improved and help me in my current role as an Assistant Residence Life Coordinator.

What is your favorite memory from being an RA? I had an event where we did a photo scavenger hunt with my floor that ended in a chalking competition to see which one of my residents could produce the best portrait of me. These portraits were drawn by our campus’s only dining hall, and I received many emails the next day about whether or not I was being bullied on a mass scale.

What would you like residents to know about you? I’m always available to have a chat about literally anything. My specialties include career/vocation coaching and memes on twitter.

What is the coolest moment you have had as a member of the Residential Education team at USF? I would have to say our RA staff performing in the lip-sync competition as well as our Sippin’ with Serls event hosted by our Faculty-in-Residence.

What is the most rewarding thing about being an Assistant Residence Life Coordinator? I get to have the full experience of working at a Flagship Research Institution and caring for our very talented residents. There’s so much good energy in our building, and the potential for global change is present just down the hall.

Michal's Top 10

1. Favorite place at USF: Pinnacle Starbucks
2. Favorite place in Tampa: The Riverwalk
3. Biggest accomplishment: Getting into Graduate School and Performing my Senior Recital
4. Favorite Movie: Bridesmaids
5. Favorite Quote: “Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.”
6. Every USF student should... engage with their faculty and ask good questions in class.
7. Favorite Artist: Diane Birch
8. Favorite Song: omg so many to choose from – probably “I’m So Into You” by Ariana Grande
9. Favorite book: Amy Poehler’s Autobiography
10. Favorite Snack & Candy: I love honey-wheat pretzels and dark chocolate.