Stephanie is a resident assistant for Jameson Hall on Douglass Campus. A junior from Irvington, N.J., she is majoring in philosophy and Africana studies.
Approach to being a Resident Assistant (RA)…
As a RA, I try to be as optimistic as possible. I’m honored that my residents come to me for advice. Stuff like that really makes the work worth doing. I’ve become great friends with other students on the staff. Being there for each other and going through training together, they made it really easier. My residents are the best, they’re awesome.
On being part of a Living-Learning Community…
I’m involved with the Douglass Residential College. I am on executive board and a co-event coordinator with the Douglass student recruitment network. Last year I lived in the Global Village in the Africana House living-learning community (LLC). We had a lot in common and had similar interest and goals. In the LLC we talked about important things that we really couldn’t talk about in other spaces. I think it’s really cool to live with the people you go to class with. Our conversations started in the lounge, continued in class, and moved back to the lounge. This helped create more authentic relationships. I think the greatest part about the living-learning communities are the bonds they create.
On law school…
I want to go to law school to become an immigration attorney. I’ve been able to intern at Catholic Charities, in their immigration services department. My parents are both immigrants and after seeing their first hand experiences, doing this is very important to me. I’ve been able to hear many people’s stories and how they decided to move here to better their lives. It’s a great feeling to help them out.
On working with the New Brunswick middle school…
I work with the New Brunswick middle school in their civic league. It is an after school programs that tries to help students with school work and gives them a fun, safe space. Funny enough, one of my old teachers in my middle school after school program now teaches in this one. It is so crazy, she remembered me and she didn’t age at all. At first I thought these kids would drive me crazy, but I see myself in them. It’s weird how it comes full circle. They have real problems and being able to help them while hearing their stories is a great experience.
On other involvement on campus…
I’m in a gospel choir. It is a really great space. I volunteer for A.LIFE when I have time. I’m in a honor society for Educational Opportunity Fund and been able to do a lot of community service with them. I am also in a career development fellowship. I really like passing on the information I learn in the fellowship to my residents. When I have time I like to play tennis and watch movies especially the Marvel franchise. I’m really family orientated. I love to travel and went to Haiti to visit family for Spring Break.
