While most of you have been on campus only a few days before the start of school, and some a week or two due to activities such as sports and band, our Resident Advisors have been in training since August 5th. Whether new or returning faces, these RAs have been enthusiastically preparing and praying for each of the students moving into their resident halls. Joining in with these RAs, we welcome Tommy Lindsly, the new Resident Director of Hills, and Carson Kinnaird, the current Graduate Resident and Assistant RD in Hills, who are also beyond excited to come alongside all students throughout this academic year.
One of these RAs includes Morgan Boatwright, who oversees the 3rd and 4th floor freshmen girls of Hills. She shares her reason for applying for RA, stating, “I was able to experience both having an RA that was very involved and intentional and one that was not so much. I wanted to be the RA that would make girls feel seen and cared for.” She speaks on her hopes for the year, explaining, “I am looking forward to getting to know my residents and being able to be their support system, while also learning more about what it means to be a good RA. I feel like the Resident Life Team this year is super strong, and I feel like I have already become closer to everyone.” With regard to training, Boatwright shares that her favorite part was “getting closer to the rest of the staff and making connections with people” whom she feels she can rely on.
Reese Rhodes, a senior pre-law major, is a third-year RA, now overseeing the 1st and 2nd floor girls in Chapman. Rhodes is excited to be in Chapman this year, explaining, “I’ll get to see the new vibe of this place as well as get to know the freshman since I’ll be sitting the desk in Bracken.” When asked about her reason for applying for RA, Rhodes shares, “I originally applied to be an RA because I thought it seemed really fun, and the perk of housing seemed pretty great. I have since reapplied because it has been such a fun and fulfilling job meeting new people and getting to walk through life with them.” Rhodes enjoyed the same parts of training as Boatwright, stating, “My favorite part was diving in deep and getting to know my staff very personally.”
Jacob Thornton, also a senior returner RA, will be looking over the 1st floor guys in Chapman. “I originally wanted to be an RA because I wanted to be in a position where I could make a positive impact on my fellow students the same way that the upperclassmen did for me when I was a freshman,” Thornton shares. “I reapplied for the role because I fell in love with the community that the Resident Life Team provided me with.” Thornton holds hopes similar to those of the other RAs about meeting and walking alongside new residents this year. His favorite part of training involved becoming “acquainted with the new RAs that I didn’t get to know before this semester.”
Alivia Campbell, a familiar presence for many girls, will be the RA for the 3rd floor of D-tower and the 2nd and 3rd floor of E-tower in Bracken. Campbell originally applied for RA during her freshman year due to the support she received from other RAs and her desire to fulfill a leadership role. “I really enjoyed being an RA my sophomore year; I met a lot of great people and made some really great connections. This carried over into why I reapplied to be an RA this year. I’m looking forward to being a friendly face on campus, not only for my residents but also for the freshmen.” When asked about her favorite part of training, Campbell agrees with the other RAs, saying, “My favorite part of RA training has been getting to connect with my staff and the RAs from other teams as well. We make up a small percentage of the population on campus, but we can still have a huge impact.”
Kendall Robertson, a business-finance major in G204A, will be overseeing the 2nd floor upperclassman guys in Hills. Robertson applied to be an RA after the encouragement he received from Austin Schoenfeldt, the RD in Snowbarger, about his ability to connect well with residents, which he looks most forward to being able to do this year as a first-time RA. Robertson hopes to “be someone that anyone can go to when they need something.” He has also enjoyed getting to know his team, saying, “I’ve had a lot of fun just getting to hang out with the guys and girls from my staff and grow with them.”
Of course, we can’t forget about the infamous all-boys dorm, Snowbarger, where Noah Kent will be the RA for the 4th floor even-numbered rooms, overseeing 21 freshmen guys. Kent applied to be an RA because “each RA has a unique influence on the lives of the residents on their floor. I believe I have a God-given gift to utilize that influence in a way that aligns with SNU’s mission and encourages the guys around me.” Kent goes on to share that his favorite part of training has been “having the opportunity to meet and grow in my relationship with all the wonderful people that work for Residence Life. It feels great to have a group of brothers that I can rely upon, have fun with, and go through the school year alongside.” Within his role, Kent is most looking forward to “meeting other people, growing together in Christian community, and empowering and encouraging others toward sanctification.”
As leaders on campus and returning students, all of these RAs have something unique and special to share with the residents they encounter. Each of the RAs I interviewed wanted to leave a piece of advice for anyone who may be new to campus or unaware of the purpose behind the RA position.
Boatwright: “RAs are on your side. They just want to build relationships with their students in a genuine way—it isn’t just a job to us.”
Rhodes: “This job is not simply making sure everybody’s following the rules. It’s a 24/7 job that involves walking with people in really difficult times and celebrating all their wins while also trying to create a fun, welcoming environment for everyone.”
Thornton: “College is what you make of it. Your enjoyment of these years largely comes down to the attitude you have towards it. If you see these crucial college years as an opportunity to branch out and meet new people and get involved, I promise you you won’t regret it, and you’ll walk away from this place with some of the best memories and most meaningful relationships of your life.”
Campbell: “We’re here to support and be there for you. Just because we’re your RA, doesn’t mean we can’t be your friend.”
Robertson: “Lean in and be as active as you can on campus. It’s so much more fulfilling to just go to the coffee shop and talk to someone rather than be alone in your room.”
Kent: “Just focus on doing the next right thing. I think my first year I made a lot of less-than-ideal choices, but I compounded those mistakes by dwelling on the results of my decisions, and distracting myself from what was presently in front of me.”
Each of these wonderful and dedicated RAs have been placed strategically in Bracken, Chapman, Snowbarger, or Hills. Every RA wants to be able to connect with you, so don’t be afraid to reach out! We’re here for you!
Photos by: SNU Creative