For This RA, Her Job Is a Chance to Make Her Mark on the World
In our video, Danielle Vella (CAS’26) talks about the rewards of being a resident assistant.
For This RA, Her Job Is a Chance to Make Her Mark on the World
For This RA, Her Job Is a Chance to Make Her Mark on the World
For Danielle Vella, being a resident assistant is more than just a job—it’s a chance to create a sense of community and support for her students on Sleeper Hall’s fourth floor, most of them freshmen. She says being an RA is a chance to have a positive impact on the lives of her residents as they go through their college experience.
Vella (CAS’26) works hard to build relationships with each student. “With 53 residents,” she says, “I have 53 different opportunities to make someone feel seen, recognized, and valued.” She makes a point of telling students: “My door is always open.” Residents know they can come to her for a late-night snack, and she makes a point of delivering students’ favorite treats to them on their birthday. She also hosts lots of community-building events in Sleeper’s lobby, like Secret Santa and various crafts activities.
In the video above, Vella talks about the rewards of being an RA. “I love being that person that people can turn to. I love talking to my residents and getting little snippets of their lives and hearing what is going on. That is my favorite thing.”
Vella has found the job so fulfilling, in fact, that she has signed up to be an RA at Sleeper next year, as well.
Interested in becoming a resident assistant? Applications for next year are available; the deadline for applying is April 15. Find more information here.
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