Resident Assistant (RA) Appreciation Day

At UCF, our Resident Assistants (RAs) play an essential role in helping our residents feel connected from the moment they move in. RA Appreciation Day is celebrated nationwide on the third Wednesday of February each year, and, in honor of the occasion, we want to highlight a few RAs!

Kirsten W. is pursuing a BSBA in Finance at UCF and has been an RA for two years. When asked about the most meaningful part of the RA role, she says, “The most meaningful part of being an RA is serving as a leader within my community and mentoring newer RAs. I value setting a strong example through consistency, accountability, and care for residents. Being able to support and guide new staff members as they grow into their roles has been incredibly rewarding. Watching both residents and fellow RAs develop confidence and leadership skills makes this position truly meaningful to me.”

Sarah H. is pursuing a BSBA in Management with a Human Resources certificate and has been an RA for two years. Sarah’s favorite part of the RA role is working with staff at the Apollo Community. She says, “From laughing together in the office at random times to various team dinners, the Apollo staff never fails to bring more joy to this role. The team consistently shows genuine care and support whenever we face challenges, whether residential or personal, which makes me truly feel supported and seen, not only as an RA but as a person. The friendships formed with fellow RAs and the camaraderie among the staff remind me every day that the best part of this role is the people.”

Perri B. is pursuing a BS in Environment Engineering and is in her second semester as an RA. Her favorite part of the RA position is the community and the connections that form through this role. She highlights “moments like hearing my residents plan a Universal trip together after meeting at one of my events or having a coworker who’s a chemistry major sit with me to help me understand a tough topic on a upcoming exam,” and says, “It really reminds me how supportive and interconnected our community is, and I am beyond grateful for it.”

Ansley C. is pursuing a BS in Data Science, and is coming up on her first full year as an RA. She says, “Something that I think is meaningful about the role is that it holds a lot of significance in regard to community building and acceptance! One of the first people I met at UCF was my RA, and having a figure who directs you to success was monumental in my first year in college. I’m glad to be the one carrying that torch now! I also have a lot of continuing residents, and it’s exciting to be able to see them open up as the semester progresses. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a cycle, so helping people find something new, regardless of what it is, is very exciting!”

Thank you to our Resident Assistants for all that you do for Housing and Residence Life; your hard work does not go unnoticed!

To learn more about the RA position, click here.