Emily kicked off March strong, and took all of her residents skiing at Brighton, a local ski resort. Several of her residents are avid outdoorsmen and somewhat experienced skiers, and the others were eager to learn. Skiing is a more comprehensive program to plan as there is the cost of the ski pass, specific equipment needed, and transportation to and from the resort. Such obstacles are more than sufficient to deter an RA from pursuing the program, but not Emily. Emily researched exactly how much it would cost and what resources were available to her. She then wrote a proposal and presented it to Student Leader Council, even including the cost of six ski lessons for those residents that had never skied before. Skiing came together flawlessly and Emily’s residents were ecstatic to get to go skiing as a house.

As illustrated by the skiing program, Emily programs very intentionally for her residents. One unique aspect of her house in particular is the international population. Several of Emily’s residents are international which allows for a diverse dynamic in their interactions with one another. Programming for these residents could prove challenging but Emily actively seeks to engage them and broaden perspectives while bringing them together. When in March she discovered the Late Night Programmers were hosting an international night her whole house got excited. There was no question they would attend even though all of their programming requirements had been met. At the international potluck they had an incredible time trying foods from around the world and growing as a house community.

In March Officer’s Circle hosted an area wide game night. Many residents are feeling the stresses of upcoming finals and the end of the semester, so attendance was not as strong as previous programs. Some houses didn’t have any residents come, but not Emily’s house. Her residents not only came, but also started new games and invited new people to come and join them!

Emily also did an incredible job supporting staff with duty and in supporting other programming efforts in housing. Emily was scheduled for duty for the first half of spring break, but when the person for the second half had something come up, she quickly volunteered to keep holding the radio, even though she hadn’t been able to leave upper campus for the entire week! On top of being on duty Emily saved the day by dog sitting for her supervisor so she could go home and see her family – double duty! Emily understood that her residents were also feeling the stresses of the semester coming quickly to a close, but she still continued to personally support the Sustainability Board by attending the program “The Lorax” in theatres, as well as the Programming board with “Hunger Games”. As is expected of all RAs Emily gets her paperwork in on time, is prompt for duty, and fulfills required programming. But during March she really saved the day in the quality of programs for her residents, as well as taking extra holiday duty, helping her supervisor, and supporting multiple RHA board programs, truly qualifying her as Resident Advisor of the Month.

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