RA Interview Qs

Reflecting back on my high school and community college experience, the activity which I liked most was being the leader of the International Club because that's where I learned most. Being exposed to a variety of cultures and personalities I had the great opportunity to practice my mediation and conflict management skills that I can apply in the RA position.

My previous employers and advisors would describe me as assertive, energetic, hard-working, creative, open-minded, responsible, and fair.

There are a couple reasons for that: First, is the social aspect. I believe that my ability to encourage others will be beneficial and help me be the best RA I can be. Second is the professional aspect. It will give me the opportunity to grow as a leader and teach me skills that will help me advance in my political science career. It will be unfair not to mention the financial part, because the housing compensation of the position would certainly lessen my financial burden as a college student. Last but not least I love working in a college setting and I know I am good at this type of work.

Yes, I do. What are some of the more important objectives that you would like to see accomplished by an RA? Do you encourage participation in community projects? Is there anything I can do or study to get a head start on learning this job? Is there any additional information you would like to know about me?

I can offer acknowledgement, support, respect, and leadership. As human beings we all have the desire and the need for belonging. For the simple fact that we are validated as a person for being where we are and that we matter. By simply making sure I know the names of each of my residents I will give them the spark of acknowledgment that is important. Respect, we all want it and we should all give it. There will be residents whose personalities do not mesh well with my personality. There will be residents that decide that they do not like me by the mere role I play as an RA. It is important as leaders and staff members that we separate someone's actions that we may find disrespectful, from the person, who we should respect. Last but not least residents are looking for someone to look out for them, someone to be a resource for them, and someone who can just be there if needed. I know that I can be that person.

Friendship is essential for building not only good teams, but also great residential communities. Although I look forward to becoming friends with the residents, I feel responsible for understanding and abiding by the policies and procedures in the Student Code of Conduct as well as University Housing Policies. Finding a balance between a formal RA position and friendship is crucial for a healthy interaction in a residential community.

I am very organized, flexible, trusworthy, and responsible. In my previous job as a secretary in the WVC Student Senate, my advisor said that I had healthy perfectionist qualities, coped well under stress, and could easily adapt to the different demands of my job.

My biggest weakness in this case is that I have never been a full time RA at a big institution like BSU. However, I am a fast learner, very motivated and ready to face any challenges that would appear on my way.

I would be a great RA because of my past job experiences and my ability to understand the importance of helping and encouraging my peers. I think that my two year experience in the Student Senate have provided me with the necessary skills I am creative, motivated, and am passionate about serving students, and if offered the job, I will be a great addition to the Bronco family of student staff.

Yes, I was part of the ASWVC Senate for two years and the part that I found most enjoyable is practicing being a servant leader on our campus and making decisions that would positively reflect on the Student Body. Knowing that you are a part of something bigger than yourself is the most rewarding feeling ever. I grew not only as a student, but also as a friend, team member, and professional.

I plan to enroll into the Political Science program at BSU next Fall. Since the nature of this major is pretty broad, I am researching various carreer possibilities in foreign service, public policy planning, Intergovernmental organizations etc.

I'm not easily stressed. I know the importance of being flexible and ready to face the unexpected. Last summer I was the RA for a Korean ESL group of students. I was caught by surprise when my supervisor announced at the airport that they didn't speak any English. I was not familiar with their culture, nor did I speak Korean. I myself was a student in a foreign country. Nonetheless I did not see this as a problem. I saw this as an opportunity to grow and learn. I took the initiative and spent several hours with their Korean supervisor who spoke a little English trying to learn the best way that I can assist and help the students. I also dealt with cases in which some Korean students refused to eat the American food served at our cafeteria. It was my responsibility to make sure their health is not being jeopardized. After doing my reasearch on Korean food staples, I talked to our cafeteria to make small adjustments in the menu by serving them more rice and fish, along with the American items. By the end of the program, they would asked if they could pack in their suitcases some hot-dogs and s'mores to take back home.

I understand that RA are responsible for assisting the Resident Coordinator with tasks related to effective building management such as weekly reports, keys, check-in/out procedures, paperwork, safety inspections and other duties related to the position as delegated. Also, RAs must be available to residents on a daily basis, maintain daily contact with the Resident Hall Director, attend weekly staff meetings and submit weekly reports, assist with scheduled floor inspections, attend mandatory trainings/sessions etc. I must be able to advice and counsel students on academic, personal, and social matters, making referrals when appropriate or necessary. Other duties might include maintenance and other emergencies as well as planning events and activities for student residents.