2015 SRA Interview Staff Leadership Triana Moore

Staff Leadership When I think of an exceptional RA, I think of someone who spends more time doing things beyond what's required. What do I mean by that? It's easy to turn things in on time, actually do the duty requirements and live on the hall with residents. However, stepping beyond that is what makes an exceptional RA. Showing the residents we care, building hall morale and actually knowing your residents. Being exceptional requires leadership; the act of stepping up without being told and helping those that lack in areas you succeed. It is the middle of the semester, things are getting tough. You are starting to realize what things need more attention and what things need less. Need I remind you, being an RA is a job, under academics it is literally one of the most important things we are committed to here at BC. So while trying to grasp what needs more attention and what needs less. Think of being that exceptional RA, miss some convos or some club meetings to get to know your residents, spend some of your duty rounds in common areas, challenge yourself with more difficult programs. Stepping up, is more than doing things to spice up weekly reports, but doing things to build relationships beyond the ones we document. All of us have what it takes to be exceptional RA's, it's up to us to use that potential. Good Luck finishing out the semester! October 2014 RA Newsletter Entry

Qualities I mentioned that apply to myself 1. Being EXCEPTIONAL: doing things beyond what is required. This job, like I've mentioned before to residents is my passion. The things I do for my residents exceed what I need to do as an RA. As a leader on my staff I have to demonstrate the advice I'm giving for it to be effective. Example: RA training notes 2. LEADERSHIP: with my staff specifically it involves role modeling for both first year and returning RAs. As a leader on my staff it is crucial to step up and constantly remind my staff why it is we do what we do, and how important it is to go ABCD. With this responsibility it is also important to make sure I am executing the same things I advocate for. Example: Staff bonding before break 3. JOB: So many tend to forget that we are a part of Residence Life staff as our job on campus. Second to academics, the RA position is the most important. I understand that some of my staff get caught up in other obligations, as we all do. But as a leader I am sure to advocate that certain things are not deemed excusable if they don't involve academics. Example: Fellow RA and convo dinners

Qualities I mentioned that apply to myself 4. SACRIFICE: As a leader on my staff, I've had to personally sacrifice some other obligations to tend to my responsibilities as an RA. More specifically, I noticed that dance team was interfering with my ability to build community and be present on the hall. I made the sacrifice to withdraw from the commitment to cater to something more important to me. As a leader this showed my staff that I to, need to make sacrifices to succeed in this position. 5. RELATIONSHIPS: Aside from weekly reports and duty logs, I personally strive to build so much hall morale that I no longer notice the many things I do, and neither do my residents. As a leader this is important, because as a whole hall, there should never be a resident who doesn't feel included in some way to the residence hall. 6. POTENTIAL: As a leader it is very important, not only to observe oneself but also to see the potential in others. In seeing this potential, I have to remind my staff and sometimes AC that they possess all the qualities I've mentioned in this presentation. As a leader I understand how crucial it is to have a strong team, and in that team people need to be reminded how essential they are to the bigger picture.

From RA to SRA, what can I bring to the table.. As an informal leader on my staff: lead when necessary support ideas to better hall and staff develop program ideas that demonstrate ABCD community building is my strength constantly remind staff of key points from training. my weakness at this point is my attitude, however, I am working to shift managing my attitude as a strength As a formal leader on my staff: lead when it is both necessary and optional (no off switch) develop ideas to better hall and staff (mentor for Hall Council) challenge staff for each program (stepping outside of inviting the same faculty) challenge staff to build community in an effective way (it's our job, don't be shy) host training aside from pre-employment, in- services and summer training to keep information fresh

Being an RA thus far How this position has helped me: increased my understanding of accountability developed my potential for leadership gave me the push I needed to see my potential influenced me to make better decisions (representing something bigger than myself) How I can use it to help others: be that Janell Joyner, for fellow RA's and residents (seeing something in them, they don't see in themselves) letting others lead to develop growth show fellow RA's and residents the push they need to see their potential (applying / during the position) role model for healthy relationships and decision we make when no staff is around

Final Reflection In this position, I have literally become a better person. I work harder and challenge myself to leave a footprint on this campus in more ways than one. I've been impacted by all of you sitting here and those that aren't and I can honestly say, this job to me is more than just a resume builder, it is a part of who I've become.