Becoming A Resident Assistant

Dorm residents possess various backgrounds and experiences that are unique to them and their culture therefore, it is important that Resident Assistants are competent and able to adapt to the many different situations that they might encounter. Being a resident assistant is not just a job instead it is a privilege. Resident assistants greatly impact a residents’ experience at Tuskegee University therefore, they need to be flexible, have a positive attitude and possess the ability to adapt to change. Because of my experiences, open-mindedness and willingness to learn and grow, as a resident assistant I am unique and will be an asset to the team.

Being raised in a single parent household, with an autistic sister, has helped shape me into the person that I am today. Due to my family’s circumstances, I was expected to assume responsibilities at home at an early age. Not only do I have a great sense of responsibility, I also know how to handle disappointments. As an adult, I have learned to appreciate the sacrifices and efforts that my mother has made for our family but, as a child my mindset was different and I resented growing up faster than my peers. As I continue to develop into an adult, I realize that growing up in a single
parent household has been more beneficial than harmful to me. From my circumstances I have learned to be self-dependent, accept responsibility, have an undying love for my family and to separate objectivity from emotion.

My open-mindedness is another trait that makes me unique. Growing up with an autistic sister has taught me that there is no such thing as normal. People come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes and everyone has their own story as to why they are who they are. Allowing myself to remain nonjudgmental has opened many doors for me and has allowed me to form relationships with people that I would not have normally encountered. Remaining open minded allows you to be vulnerable in front of others, benefit and learn from your mistakes as well as gain confidence. There are countless people who are judgmental and confined by their own beliefs as well as the beliefs of others therefore, I consider my open mindedness an unique and undeniable trait to have.

Finally, by being a math major at Tuskegee University, I am exceptionally familiar with solving problems.
Resident assistants are faced with various problems and have to know how to respond to them quickly. Being a student of math, I have learned that there is more than one way to solve problems in order to reach a sufficient solution. Math also teaches you how to critically think through tough situations especially when the solution is not as simple as black and white. Not only does resident assistants have to have good ethical standards but they also have to know how to respond to the grey areas in a timely manner. My responses to these situations can either turn students away or draw them closer and allow them to see me as a
confidante.