Being an RA is more than just a job. It's an impactful chapter in one’s leadership journey where students have the opportunity to support residents, create community and make campus feel like home.
For Peer Support Advocate Lakyah Berry and Resident Assistant El Williams, connecting with residents has been a defining part of their college story.
Q: How has being a PSA shaped your time at IU Indy?
A: It has made me more aware of the different experiences residents face when starting college. Working with first-year students at University Tower has made me very empathetic to the hurdles many freshmen endure. It's ignited a passion within me to be an advocate for student-centered needs and has made me strongly consider a career in higher education.
Q: What qualities make someone a great PSA?
A: Patience, empathy and curiosity. A great PSA has patience with both residents, but also with themselves, as we are all on our own journey to becoming more knowledgeable and understanding of the world around us.
Empathy is helpful when you are in the process of learning new things about different people and backgrounds; it's good practice to learn how to put yourself in others' shoes to better understand their experiences. Curiosity because as a PSA, you sign yourself up to being a lifelong learner.
Q: Describe your floor in three words.
A: Fun, resilient and blooming.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of the job?
A: Building connections with residents. There have been times residents have confided in me about things they didn't feel comfortable telling others simply because they know we are a safe space.
There's also a lot of professional development opportunities afforded to PSAs as student employees, like being sponsored to attend higher ed leadership conferences.
Q: What’s one memorable moment that made you feel proud to be an RA?
A: At our first event after Move-in weekend, a group of girls was sitting in the lobby about 10 feet away from another group of girls. Another RA and I approached the first group and learned that they wanted to meet new friends in Tower.
We brought together the other group of girls, and they began to chat for the rest of the event time. During a community hang a few weeks later, the first group of girls told me that they have all been best friends ever since. That was my favorite moment so far, it made me so proud to be an RA!
Q: How have you seen residents grow or change throughout the semester?
A: There were some very shy students at the start of the year; as the semester went on and we had more community events, they started to come out of their shell. Now when I see those students, they immediately start telling me about the most recent exam they took or their favorite class. It is very rewarding to see that the community space we’re building is paying off and allowing students to become comfortable!
Q: What does a typical week look like for you as an RA?
A: It consists of planning and/or preparing for semester events (whether it’s for our floor, LLC, or tower-wide) and attending weekly staff meeting to talk about work updates and ensure our residents feel supported in the community.
Q: What’s one big takeaway from your experience as an RA?
A: I've learned that leadership is about supporting, understanding and communicating with others, whether it's with the residents or my fellow RAs.
It's taught me how impactful these skills really are. This experience has helped me grow confidence in my own leadership capabilities!
Inspired by Lakyah and El to join Housing and Residence Life’s student team? Applications are now open for Resident Assistant, Peer Support Advocate, and Facility Assistant roles.
