about me

Last summer, I was undergoing annual resident assistant (RA) training. Being a third year RA, I was used to this process, but then something unexpected occurred. Suddenly, our department decided to split up the RAs in order to staff the move-in process. This meant that some first year RAs would have to conduct their first building meeting alone without help, which created a panic.

At first, I reacted emotionally because I thought this was unfair. But then, I quickly realized that my reaction was only making my building partner – a rather shy first year RA – more nervous. It was then that the gravity of my role on the team first hit me. I had influence, and that meant I had a job to do.

Immediately, my mind shifted gears. It was no longer about the fairness of the situation or about what went wrong. In that moment, the only thing I cared about was what I had to work with and how I could make it happen. I calmed myself, empathized with my peer, and encouraged them that they had what it takes to do the job. I told them that I’d help them prepare and that they had my support. This change of attitude and a sliver of motivation went a long way, and my partner told me they were grateful for me.

In life, difficult times are guaranteed, but we must use what strength we have to overcome the obstacles we face. You have to give it your all, and as a leader, you have to go further beyond that to ensure your handprint is left in places you never even touched yourself.