Cheers to another year

As another Summer comes to an end, I begin to pack up my belongings and get ready to start my second year as a resident assistant. Last year was a learning opportunity for me. Being responsible for 50 college students was my first opportunity to truly feel like a leader. I was able to help walk some of my residents through some of the most challenging situations they have been placed in. Going to Rutgers' Newark campus has given me the opportunity to connect with many students who have not had a role model to push them and tell them they can do anything that they put their mind to. This truly helped me realize the underlying struggles that many people face and how privileged I am to be given the opportunities and the life I have. I was able to create many friendships amongst residents which may have never even said hello to each other by creating programs which helped the residents step out of their comfort zone and become vulnerable to their peers. I experienced many residents opening up to each other, laughing with each other, and crying with each other. I was placed in situations where I was able to save lives and other situations which caused residents to resent me for enforcing rules. I was forced to step outside of my comfort zone every single day of my job and I am so thankful that I decided to take that leap of faith because it has turned me into the person I am today. Being a resident assistant helped me realize my passion; changing peoples lives. I am so excited to move on to my second year as a resident assistant. I am excited to change 50 new resident's lives and help them develop, find career paths, and set them up for success in the future. I am thankful for everything that life has thrown my way and am excited to see what new opportunities arise this year for me. Cheers to another year.