See what some current RAs have to say about
why they applied & what they love about the job!
Name: Moe Shaltout
Building: Austin / Stanford
Class Year: Junior
Major: Computer Science
What is your favorite part of being an RA?
"My favorite part of being an RA is establishing a close relationship with my residents and staff. I have been able to meet a wide collection of amazing undergraduate and graduate students that I wouldn't have met if I wasn't an RA."
How has being an RA helped you in other areas of your life?
"Being an RA has helped me build more effective communication and organizational skills."
What is the best lesson you have learned from being an RA?
"The best lesson that I have learned from being an RA is the importance of assuming responsibility. If I see something going on that shouldn't be, even if it's not taking place on my own floor, I feel obligated to address the issue."
Name: Dylan Toolajian
Building: Stanford
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
What is your favorite part of being an RA?
"My favorite part about being an RA is getting so close to my staff. Having a supportive circle of friends on campus who share some of my responsibilities has been really wonderful - we share and laugh a lot, even when we all get stressed out."
What do you think is the most challenging part of being an RA?
"The most challenging part of being an RA, for me, is assertiveness. The job sometimes requires you to initiate uncomfortable situations and scenarios, and then resolve them, such as when you are documenting a resident. Thankfully, you need this kind of assertiveness in the real world, and the RA job is the best way to practice."
What is the best lesson you have learned from being an RA?
"The best lesson I have learned from the job is that I am very capable outside of my comfort zone. I thought I would be strangled by my nervousness, but I've become a more confident and able person all around by confronting it."
Name: Marissa Bonanno
Building: Klekotka
Class Year: Junior
Major: Chemical Engineer
Why did you apply to be an RA?
"I had really great RAs freshman and sophomore year that inspired me to apply. They did an amazing job making me feel welcome and comfortable in my hall, so I wanted to do the same for others."
What is your favorite part of being an RA?
"My favorite part of being an RA is the reward of knowing that I have improved the lives of others."
What do you think is the most challenging part of being an RA?
"The most challenging part of being an RA is finding the appropriate balance between being a friend and being an authority figure. Since I am a junior living with other juniors that I know from my classes, it can sometimes be uncomfortable to enforce policy."
Name: Bridget Kiley
Building: Stanford
Class Year: Graduate Student
Program: Counseling, Concentration in Secondary Education
Why did you apply to be an RA?
"I went to Villanova for undergrad and I saw the impact an RA could make on residents. I wanted to be a part of building community, getting to know and providing support for students, as well as developing my leadership skills through the role. Being an RA never fit with the other extracurricular obligations I had as an undergrad. I was lucky to be coming back for graduate school and offered the opportunity to be a RA!"
What do you think is the most challenging part of being an RA?
"At first, I felt like I wanted to fix everyone's problems and respond immediately to every situation. I have learned that just providing a listening ear or a calm presence is the most important. Knowing that not everything can be fixed through my powers continues to be a challenge, but having the support of my staff and more experience has helped me grow and take on the challenge confidently."
Name: Teddy Powers
Building: Stanford
Class Year: Senior
Major: Marketing
What is your favorite part of being an RA?
"I like working with the residents 1-on-1 and seeing them develop into the best and most successful people they can be."
What do you think is the most challenging part of being an RA?
"Drawing the line between authority figure and peer. It's a tough call sometimes as to what you need to be to gain the respect of your residents."
How has being an RA helped you in other areas of your life?
"It's helped me be more balanced and disciplined."
Building: Moriarty
Class Year: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice
How has being an RA helped you in other areas of your life?
"Being an RA has given me confidence that I simply never had. After my first year of being an RA, I interviewed for an internship that, I honestly believe, I would have otherwise been too intimidated to even apply for. In that interview, all I talked about was being an RA and it worked! I even connected with an interviewer who had been an RA in college."
What is the best lesson you have learned from being an RA?
"That I can do anything I put my mind to; I no longer back down from something simply because it may be challenging."
Name: Kate Florio
Building: Delurey
Class Year: Senior
Major: Biology
Why did you apply to be an RA?
"I applied to be an RA because I was interested in making a bigger difference on campus. I wanted to be a leader, but also be a friend to residents and help them/answer their questions. It is tough to be a sophomore sometimes, and I wanted to be a resource for those that might be struggling."
How has being an RA helped you in other areas of your life?
"During job interviews, I never have to hesitate when someone asks me about a challenge I have faced in the past or a time when I worked well with a team. Being an RA is great preparation for job and graduate school interviews!"
Name: Shondaray Ducheine
Building: St. Mary's
Class Year: Junior
Major: Classical Studies, Education
What is your favorite part of being an RA?
"Connecting with my residents because I love having the opportunity to meet new people and discover amazing things in them."
How has being an RA helped you in other areas of your life?
"It has allowed me to be more of a leader on campus in other organizations. It also helps me in the classroom with presentations and group work."
What is the best lesson you have learned from being an RA?
"Be open to improvisation! Not everything goes according to plan. And, if chaos develops, do not panic! Create something wonderful with the chaos and grow from it."
Name: Victoria Carbone
Building: Sullivan
Class Year: Senior
Major: Communication, specialization in Public Relations
Why did you apply to be an RA?
"To be able to live on campus and to get to know more people at Villanova."
What do you think is the most challenging part of being an RA?
"Getting to know all of my residents' names because I have so many of them."
How has being an RA helped you in other areas of your life?
"It has helped me with my time management skills and has helped me simultaneously complete multiple tasks."
Learn even more about being an RA at the RA Info Session
on Tuesday January 21st at 7:30pm in Driscoll 132!
The application is available on Novasis and due January 27th!
