Thursday, Feb. 12, 1998
RA on the fast track
Photos and text byDan Saelinger
Students know being involved isn't always easy. Still, many students choose to work a lot harder and make their personal mark on the University by becoming involved.
One of these activities, and perhaps one of the most important
to the University and its students, is being a resident assistant. These students choose to participate in a program dedicated to
helping residents in University dorms. Leynisha Rosario of Simmons
Hall is one of those RAs. This is Leynisha's fourth semester as an RA and she claims that it has been a very fulfilling program. She is in charge of 60
residents on the second floor of Simmons Hall.
"Seeing freshmen growing into adults, they are so young and
vulnerable when they get here, and watching them and being part
of their growth is the best part of being an RA", she said.
Leynisha's life doesn't end with being an RA. She involves herself
with many aspects of the University. Academically, she is a senior studying labor and industrial relations
with a French minor. She is also involved in women's track and is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Board. All this could make a student go crazy with stress, but Leynisha
keeps up with all of her activities by prioritizing.
"I have to decide what I need to do and start up and do it,"
she said.
One of Leynisha's daily tasks is to post bulletins to inform her residents of upcoming events. Here she posts one of many fliers on the second floor of Simmons Hall.
RAs are sometimes required to set up displays in showcases. Leynisha builds a showcase supporting the U.S. Olympic team. The showcase can be seen in the Simmons Hall lobby.
Being an RA has great advantages, such as being a role model, helping residents with their problems, or best of all, becoming a dear friend to a new student. Leynisha shares a smile with one of her students Jaci Donahue (freshman-liberal arts) while giving advice.
Leynisha takes her running very seriously. She does however find time to laugh with friends during track practice.
Studying is a priority for Leynisha. Although she said this has been one of her easier semesters, study time is always a must.
Walking with her friend Mandy Melella (junior-political science) outside Simmons Hall, Leynisha proves there is always time to socialize.
Leynisha jumps off the blocks in a race against one of her teammates during track practice at the Greenburg Indoor Sports Complex. She has been a member of the women's track team for four years.
