For my first experimental learning, I applied for leadership and my project title is the Resident

Advisor. My position as a Resident Advisor has allowed me to make a positive difference at

school. Besides providing support to the intellectual and social development of the students, as a
Resident Advisor, I represent students who feel that they do not have a voice in the community
and provide them with the opportunity to voice their opinions on certain issues that interest them.
As a resident advisor, I continue to foster multicultural understanding and growth among
residents and create an environment in which all residents from diverse backgrounds develop a
sense of belonging and feel safe in the community. I was able to gain multiple skills.

Working as a resident advisor has allowed me to have proficient communication and

interpersonal skills. I was able to establish meaningful relationships with my residents by
initiating conversations through 1:1 meetings where I could learn more about the residents and
help assist in residents’ personal development and academic growth. One key strategy to have
effective communication with my residents is to be actively listening. I always take the time to
listen to my residents which shows how I do care about them so they would be comfortable
sharing with me. Actively listening has also helped me when I am collaborating with my
co-workers. When addressing some of our residents’ issues, I was able to have effective
communication with the team through actively listening and taking part in the discussion. As a
returner, these communication and interpersonal skills would allow me to continue to build good
relationships with new residents and new co-workers.

Another skill I have gained as a resident advisor is problem-solving. I have to respond promptly
to new situations such as conflict management, addressing a bias incident, medical emergencies,
etc. I take charge of analyzing the cause and pinpointing what needs to be addressed for a
resolution. For example, my fellow co-RAs have requested assistance as residents have reported
emergencies or serious illnesses. I examine how I and the co-RA can work together to assist in
the management of crises and if we would need additional support. I can solve my residents’
problems by being open-minded and objective; I would assess the solution’s effectiveness or
could there have been a better alternative solution. I believe my problem-solving skills will allow
me to adapt to new environments where new challenges and changes are presented.

The final skill I have gained as a resident advisor is time management. As a resident advisor, I
have to deal with not only my student leader task, but also have to focus on my studies and other
commitments. I can balance everything that is on my plate by prioritizing my tasks and setting
‘A week earlier deadlines’ so that I can complete the tasks early and provide support to other
people such as my co-RAs, residents, club members, etc. This skill will allow me to work
efficiently and effectively as a returning student leader while being able to balance all my
academics and outside schoolwork.