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More than just RAs: USC's resident advisors are academic role models With an overall average GPA of335, USC* RAs are on top of their academic game while also helping tocreate friendships on their fkxxs arc! keep their residents upTodate with campus events. They may have helped you move in, posted fliers about GeedWsek activities or invited you to visit an interesting campus organization. When most orxampus students return to their rooms after a long day of dassesy they can forget about the outside world fora white. Not the case for the University of South Carolina* Resident Advisors (RAs). David Pittmar\ Assistant Directorfor University Housing* Residence Education, said, "V\fe are excited and pleased that some of the best student leaders on campus; not only work with u* but also serve as outstanding academic role models for all i students living on canpus. Resident Advisors play a huge role in helping students succeed academically. They usea wide range of techniques to assist stxxlents such as: creating study^roups,' referring studentsto tutoring late; and encouraging students to connect with faculty." Meet some of our academically excellent RAs here. MATTHEW WILKINSON RA in Maxcy Baccalaureas Artium et Scientiae major in the Honors College from Aiken, SC Time management is simply a balancing act for Matt that involves planning ahead and keeping an eye on his procrastination level. He also watches out for his residents. "The adjustment period is difficult for most people, whether they admit it or not and anything that I can do to help is what I am here for," Matt said."I offer to help them study, form study groups, work on homework, or just ask about their tests. Its not anything that is particularly difficult it just requires taking an active interest in their welfare," he said. TYLER ABERNATHY RA in Douglas Junior History major from Gaffney, SC Tyler knows that he’s "in' with his residents because "they want to include me into their activities instead of just ignoring me because I'm the RA." Understanding what needs to be done when and having a close group of friends and family ensures Tyler's academic success. "I make sure I set time during the day to only do school work or my RA duties such as being on call on some nights. I also make sure to spend time reading my Bible and having a network of family and friends to encourage me and pray for me when both RA duties and school gets busy," he said. His advice to residents: "Go to the ACE labs for help; make sure to set aside time to do work; and make sure to do something besides studying such as weight lifting or intramurals in order to work off the stress you may have because of school." SEAN CELIA RA in East Quad Senior Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management major from Hyde Park, VT Sean calls his system of being an RA ‘somewhat off because he does not have a computer, cell phone or a planner in this age of high-tech campus life. His residence hall duties and class work do not suffer, however. In his opinion, ‘the more you have to do, the easier It is to get everything done.* In addition to being an RA, Sean waits rabies at Za's 2-3 nights a week. and always finds time to hang put with friends. He stresses the importance of time management and going to class. ‘I never miss class, even though I know I can, but it is the easiest way to keep your grades up,* he said. He also encourages his residents to use the Out to Lunch program. ’This program is the best way to meet them on that personal level. I took an English professor out once during my freshman year. He used to be a minister and teach religious studies. Come to find out even though he has his PhD. he still bartends on the side for that social interaction. We now play golf together as often as possible, * Sean said. i MARIA BRAVO * RA in Patterson Hall Sophomore Business major from Allendale, SC; originally from Nayarit, Mexico. ‘Basically I never forget that I am an RA but I also never forget that I am a student. I know that my school work and my RA duties are a Must Do," Maria says. She keeps track of what she has to do using a calendar on the wall, her Mortar Board, and a datebook on her cell phone. She reminds her residents that 'college is not as hard if you just go to class, take good notes, manage your time, and use the resources available if you need help* such as ACE labs end their hallmates. Some of Maria's most rewarding moments as an RA are when she sees her residents excited about an activity that is being planned and they help plan it or when they stop by her room to say *hl.‘ Like other outstanding RAs, Maria says, *1 feel great because I have had the opportunity to interact with them and they wont look at me as their RA but just a normal friend.* ■ ■ - _ ■ ■ - M m _ - _ a M. va. aa a AARON LEDFORD RA in Harper-Elliot on the Horseshoe Junior Biology major from North Garden, VA For Aaron, being a RA is just like any other job only you get to set your own hours. "If you give yourself a deadline as to when things in your RA job should be accomplished, then you can essentially regulate yourself. Being on duty does not pose a problem either, as it forces you to have time to study or do homew&rk in your room. Other aspects of being anRA, like knowing your residents, can be treated as if you aren't in any special position, and be included in a regular healthy social life,' he said. Aaron came to USC with the top priority to do well In school. He's succeeding at that and adds, “It is ridiculous to pay the amount of money it takes to come here and then not try your hardest to live.up to your potential.* He celebrates with his residents when they do well, as well as pointing those who may be struggling academically towards available help.'l feel happy when I can direct somebody to the correct person, office, or telephone number in any instance.' he said. \ ARLENE FELIPE RA in McClintock . Sophomore Biology major from Charleston, SC Remembering what it was as like as a freshman motivated Arlene to become an RA. 'It sounded like an awesome opportunity to be 'right there' in helping first-year students transition from high school to college,' she said. That help often involves passing on tips about navigating through the first year, such as the locations of Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) tutoring labs in the residence halls and encouraging study groups on her floor. 'It can be difficult at times, tiying to do well in class and being an RA. I know that whenever exams come up I definitely have to set time aside to focus at the library in a different environment, arid I try really hard to turn off the major distractions in my room—the TV, phone, and computer. I leave my easier subjects to do in the room, just in case there’ll be any breaks," she said. Busy schedule aside, Arlene knows she's having an impact on her floor. 'Watching these girls who have never met before build friendships and hang out with each other, being reminded that they can always come to me (and even I to them), or any of the other girls on our floor if they ever need anything' is rewarding, she said. JOSETTE EDWARDS RA in Wade Hampton , Business major from Charleston, SC Josette tries to keep her residents' academic stress levels in check. "It’s good to want to achieve and do well, but definitely not at the cost of sanity,* she said. "I tell them they can always talk to me or a friend who might be able to help calm them. I also tell them about all the resources on campus if their having trouble,' she added. Above all else, Josette remembers that she is first a Student. "Although sometimes I may feel the pressure from others to meet certain RA requirements, I know that I must meet the standards I have for myself as a student first. If I can't do that, then I wont be around to be an RA,* she said. Josette enjoys answering residents' questions and making their lives easier, as well as being introduced to residents' friends and family members. That coupled with her drive to succeed academically makes her an outstanding RA. EMILY MEYER RA in Wade Hampton. Junior Accounting major from Moncks Corner, SC A love of helping others and learning fromner residents' different perspectives on life motivates Emily as an RA. How does she stay on top of everything? "Time management! On weekends I do the majority of my homework for the upcoming week. This allows me to have more time during the week to spend with my girls and time to not feel stressed. I also get my girls to plan all the floor gatherings. In my opinion this gets them more involved and it gives me a chance to sit back and enjoy myself,* she said. Beyond looking out for her own sanity, Emily regularly encourages her residents "to be successful at everything not only academics.. to go and talk to their professors about things if they are having problems...and to have fun and not to just study all the time. College is a time to find yourself and have fun and meet so many new peoplel * university reusing nm wiui a urn or o.o or ueiier Tyler Abernathy. Ashley Austin. Eric Bailey. Jennifer Baker. Adam Bedenbaugh. Nathan Bell. Heather Benson. Katherine Blankenship. Maria Bravo-Carrillo. Ashlyn Broderick Jordan Broggi. Nicole Brown. Michael Bryant. Alison Bush. Oscar Cabrices. Lacresha Carraway. Sean Celia. Enrico Chandler . Benjamin Cochran. Doug Cowser. Gretch Crowe. Terry Davis . Carolyn Davis. K ara Fennell. Robert Fogle. Joshua Fowler Carrie Frondo i . . ...I r1."M. 11 1 .. i Sponsored by University - Housing and Carolina Dining Services. sjJ0*vu ’ « caM777-4129. VO*’* <Trt\A. -Show appreciation to a professor? -Schedule a meeting over lunch? -Get to know your classmates and professors better? -Discuss a class topic or assignment with your professor? -Invite your professor to join your study group over lunch? ' '*■ Take a Professor to lunch On Us! <1 ryyV 1 ■ Invite your professor to lunch. t 2. Stop by any University Housing Office: Towers, rvvVv^*** Patterson Hall, Bates House, South Quad, 1* \\)'7' Columbia Hall, Pinckney/Legare, Psychology yV Dep. 208 Barnwell. Residence Education in Towers, Residence Life (Central Office). 3. Pick up your "Out to Lunch’ ticket. 4. Go enjoy lunch: Bates Diner, Patio Caf6, Grand Market Place, or Gibbes Court. You pay tor you meal (wth your meal plan, OMng Dollars, of cash), but the professor's meaf is paid tor with the "Out to lunch* tidwt. Carolina Dining Services and University Housing wilt pay for the (acuity's meal Interested in being a Resident Advisor? Talk with your Residence Hall Director, Residence Life Coordinator, or RA Interest meetings will be held beginning January 19-23. "University Housing creates living and learning communities that foster the academic success and personal development of students" | ' : l . f _