From NYU Resident to Resident Assistant

NYU has 10 residence halls for first-year students. Each has passionate and driven staff committed to FYRE. Every resident is assigned an RA, who typically lives on their floor, to help guide them through this transition and provide support throughout the year. Every residence hall at NYU also has a hall council, similar to student government but for the residence hall. This enables residents to build community in their halls. My RA encouraged me to attend the informational meeting that took place the first week of the semester.

I arrived at Founders’ hall council hoping to meet some new people and try something different. Excited staff and bubbly residents welcomed me. The meeting began and I was so excited to feel this energy in the very building I lived in! I applied for the director of service position, campaigned for it, and was elected. In addition to the general assembly composed of floor representatives, each hall council has an executive board that oversees operations. I was able to put on a variety of different events and share memorable experiences with other residents.

In addition to building community, I had to manage financing my education. I used Handshake, NYU’s job database, to find a position at my building’s resource center as an office assistant. In this work-study position, I was able to work a flexible job alongside my academics to meet my needs. This allowed me to grow closer to building staff and become a more oriented and experienced employee! 

After having such positive experience with my RA, I knew I wanted to hold that role when the opportunity came. I continued working in residence life and other leadership positions to prepare myself. I felt the preparation I put in the two years prior to applying provided me with the experience I needed to excel as an RA!