GSW Scholar Working Hard This Summer

As a rising sophomore at Rutgers University, I have become very involved on campus. For the summer of 2011, I decided to make use of my free time...by working. Don't be fooled if you're thinking I hold an ordinary job in an air conditioned boring office. My jobs entail something I love to do, which is working with people. I'm currently involved in two worthwhile organizations: Housing and Residence Life and The Office of Student Affairs.

On campus, I play a huge part in the Housing Department, working as a Resident Assistant in Rutgers-Newark University Square Apartments. As an RA, I have many different jobs, some enjoyable and some that are quite difficult. I'm in charge of planning programs that get residents to socialize and learn. I also help to inform new residents about the Rutgers-Newark campus. However, as an RA I also have to perform those hard tasks like enforcing rules that sometimes have repercussions for the residents living on campus. I honestly didn't know if I could handle the responsibility of being a Resident Assistant - especially since this is my first year - but my staff has really helped train me so I'm comfortable with the position. In time I'm confident I will become a well-rounded totally prepared veteran RA.

My second job, working as a Peer Advisor for Student Affairs, is a bit different from being an RA. A Peer Advisor at Rutgers University performs many different tasks. Our main focus is being involved with the incoming student testing and registration process. During testing, which is done in our computer lab, we are in charge of troubleshooting any problems new students have as well as proctoring the test. Once the students get their test results from Rutgers University, the students come back to Rutgers to pick their classes, a process that the Peer Advisors help with as well. What I love best about this job is that as a Peer Advisor, I'm a student's first interaction with Rutgers University. Essentially, the atmosphere I create for the student can determine whether they will decide to attend the school I have grown to love. The cake topper for me is being approached by a new student on campus that recognizes me as the Peer Advisor who helped them during testing and registration just a few months before.

Juggling these two jobs has definitely been challenging this summer, especially since they are both demanding jobs that require my full attention. However, I fully enjoy all aspects of my positions on campus. Besides, I'd rather be running across campus helping people all day than just sitting and watching my summer pass by.