Anthony is a resident assistant for Lynton South Tower on Livingston Campus. A senior from Fort Lee, N.J., he is majoring in psychology and human resource management.
On transferring….
Over the summer I served as an orientation leader and I participated in a transfer student panel. Something that I spoke heavily about was advice that really helped me during my own transition. Often times when you transfer to a new school, you are often told about transfer shock. When coming to a new school it can be scary and we tend to lower our expectations. In terms of acclimating, it’s important to not be afraid to get more involved. I found that everything I got involved in, everybody was really welcoming. There are so many different opportunities for transfer students to get involved with. For example, in the leadership department they are really open to transfer students, and really want transfer students to come in and offer their perspective. It’s important to not be afraid when making that first step.
On becoming a resident assistant (RA)…
I got involved with Rutgers Residence Hall Association (RHA) my first year here. Living on campus was something I really saved up for during community college. I joined RHA because if I‘m living on campus I might as well be involved and make the most out of my experience. Being in RHA was incredible because I was able to create programs and meet other people in the community. It was my apartment assistant (AA) at the time that told me to apply for this position because he thought I would be really good at it. It was something I never really thought of especially coming from community college.
Approach on being a RA…
I wanted to help create a community where you feel welcomed and are comfortable being who you are. I really try to maintain a friendship with my residents, while also setting up that boundary as a RA. I think it’s important to remind your residents that you’re also a student and have gone through the same things they’re going through. I want to be always there for my residents.
On the Mark Conference…
A year before I even came to Rutgers, I went to the MARK conference with my student government at community college. That was my first impression of Rutgers, and I knew if I came here, I would want to be involved with the conference. I decided to join the team last year. It was a really incredible experience. It made me realize how much behind-the-scenes work goes into such a large conference. It was really a fun experience being able to meet other people. Being part of the SWAT team really made me realize that this is something that I would want a higher leadership position in. Currently I work as the Resources Captain. In addition to working as a captain, I am also an intern with the department. In my role, I recruit for the volunteer team, and conduct trainings and meetings. Another part of my role is reaching out for sponsorships to raise money for the conference to help keep it innovative and fun.
Life after Rutgers...
Being an orientation leader and having time to reflect on all my experiences here at Rutgers, it really made me realize how much of an impact college and the setting had on my life. After thinking more about what I’m passionate about, I decided to pursue a career in student affairs and higher education and am in the process of applying & interviewing for different graduate school programs.
