UWW Resident Assistant's Blog

Belle Eykmans is the 1st floor RA in Fox Meadows. She is a fourth semester RA with a Health Communication major.

Favorite Sport: Volleyball
Favorite Sports team: The Packers
Favorite Band: OneRepublic
Favorite Dining Hall: Graham Street
Dream job: Pop Sensation or Storm chaser
What I see myself doing in five years: I hope to be out of my parents house, just starting my second job within the health communication field, and have made the decision to go back to grad school or not.
Favorite Quote: Regret Nothing
Why did you become an RA?: I had such a positive experience with my RA’s as a freshman and sophomore. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of my residents the way my RA’s did for me.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: I love interacting with residents and breaking them out of their shell to be an active piece of the floor community.
What else are you involved in?: Choir and volleyball intramurals
Piece of advice for other RA’s: Utilize your staff members and don’t give up when things get tough. There is so much that is learned through this position and sometimes you have to deal with some challenging situations to learn those things. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Most importantly though, don’t forget to have fun with the job! It’s so easy to have fun!
Best story so far: At the end of the year last year, a resident of mine wrote me a letter telling me how big of an impact I had on her life in ways that I had no idea I had. This made me realize that even taking a little extra time to talk to some people truly means a lot to them in ways we may not realize.
Any extra Reslife Involvement?: I had the pleasure of working as Donna Lyons’ assistant during the summer of 2014 and getting to assist the pro staff with a few projects here and there on the job.
Anything else?: I just want to thank all of my fellow RA’s and all the pro staff for being part of my life changing experience as an RA. I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of the wonderful people I’ve met along the way!

Katelyn is the Fischer 1st floor RA. She is a third semester RA with a Public Relations major.

Favorite Sport: Volleyball and I enjoy watching snowboarding

Favorite sports team: Brewers and Packers

Favorite Band/Singer: Carrie Underwood

Favorite Dining Hall: Erberts and Gerberts

Dream Job: I have always wanted to run a ranch out west, and I think that no matter what happens there will always be apart of me that would want to do that.

What I see myself doing in five years: I would like to keep working at the university level.

Favorite Quote: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”- Mother Teresa

Why did you become an RA? I wanted to be an RA since I was in high school. Once I came to college and realized the influence that my RA’s had on me my freshman year, I definitely wanted to be an RA and have that positive influence of my residence as well.

What is your favorite thing about being an RA? I love getting to know new people!

What else are you involved in? I work at the Financial Aid office.

Piece of advice for other RA’s: Don’t be afraid of asking for help

Best Story so far: It was my birthday week and my residents surprised me one night giving me 12 cupcakes and a hand made card just saying that they are so happy I am their RA. They got the whole floor to sign the card. It was super touching.

Any extra Reslife Involvement: Conferences: GLACURH (2013, 2014), WURHA (2014), NACURH (2014), WHIL (2014), NRHH eboard member (communication coordinator), ARA representive for Tutt/ Fischer, Summer Assistant (2013), Senior Summer Assistant (2014)

Floor Theme: Game of Thrones

Thank you, Katelyn! You are an inspiration!

Forhad is a third semester RA in Wells East 7th floor. He is senior with a Fiance major.

Favorite Sport: Cricket
Favorite Sports team: Bangladesh National Cricket Team
Favorite Band: Metallica
Favorite Dining Hall: UNO’s
Dream job: Financial Analyst
What I see myself doing in five years: Analyzing financial performance of a company and being a Financial Manager
Favorite Quote: “Let’s go invent tomorrow rather than worrying about what happened yesterday.”
Why did you become an RA?: I am an RA for couple of reasons. Developing a positive community was first of all. Secondly, I wanted to help the residents, because I know how how difficult it is for someone to adjust in a new environment. I wanted to be a helping hand for the all the problems the residents face. And on top of everything, I wanted to be a role model for my residents.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: I love to meet new people. I love to see how people think differently in a specific situation.
What else are you involved in?: I am treasurer of International Student Association(ISA)
Piece of advice for other RA’s: Help your resident with a smiley face, smile does not cost anything.
Happy moment for me: Every day when I go to bed and think about what I did today. It makes me happy if I see that somebody solved any of their problem by the help of me.

Keep up the great work, Forhad!

Jordan is the 3rd floor Bigelow RA. He is currently in his third semester as an Ra. Jordan is a junior with a double major in Finance and Human Resource Management.

Favorite Sport: Badminton and racquetball

Favorite Sports team: HA!

Favorite Band: the all-American rejects
Favorite Dining Hall: Ike Commons for breakfast
Dream job: Stay at home dad or interior design

What I see myself doing in five years: Probably still school for a Master’s degree

Favorite Quote: “I’m off to seek a great perhaps”

Why did you become an RA?: This is a really funny question because you don’t know how this position can impact you until after you do it. In all honesty I applied to help pay for school. However, the benefits are worth more than that; I am more confident in myself, I feel more capable of running a meeting and talking about tough situations and working with different people, I’ve learned a lot about myself, I’ve even changed my major and career path because of this position. It helped me realize what I care about.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: The relationships I’ve made on my staff. I often wonder where I would be if I hadn’t gotten this position or who I would be if I were on a different staff. I love the people I work with and am constantly learning from them.
What else are you involved in?: I am the President of National Residence Hall Honorary, and I am a Diversity Advocate.
Piece of advice for other RA’s: Everyone gets discouraged and demotivated, and that’s okay! What’s really important is finding your motivation again

Thank you for all you do, Jordan!

Colleen is the 2nd floor Lee RA. She is 2nd semester RA and a senior with a General management major.

Favorite Sport: Tennis
Favorite Sports team: Warhawks
Favorite Artist: Demi Lovato
Favorite Dining Hall: Willie’s 360, it’s quick and there’s not a lot of choices so i can get in and out and be on time for work!
Dream job: Mom
What I see myself doing in five years: Five years is a lot of major life changes away, but I hope to be living someplace warm.
Favorite Quote: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but right now I really like, “If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”
Why did you become an RA?: I really like helping others in any way I can
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: Helping others in any way I can
What else are you involved in?: I am an administrative clerical on campus. I was a peer mentor last year and a desk worker. I am also in NRHH and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
Piece of advice for other RA’s: Don’t give up, remember why you worked so hard to get this job, and stay calm
Any extra Reslife Involvement?: I am an administrative clerical and I was a desk worker for two year. NRHH if that counts as reslife. I was also on Welcome Team my sophomore year and LIT my freshman year.

Becky is the Arey 3rd floor RA. She is a 4th semester RA with a Operations and Supply Chain Management major with a Project Management Emphasis.

Favorite Sport: Baseball

Favorite Sports team: Milwaukee Brewers

Favorite Band: Florida Georgia Line
Favorite Dining Hall: Drumlandia

Dream Job: Vice President of Operations or CEO

What I see myself doing in five years: Working for a larger company as a Materials Manager, CPIM certified.

Favorite Quote: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right!” –Henry Ford

Why did you become an RA?: I became an RA, because I really liked all of mine from freshman year (I had three by the way). They all had different ways about doing things, but they were all effective. I mean the big bed isn’t a bad perk either.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: My favorite thing is seeing the growth of my residents. I like seeing them realize their potential and helping them achieve more than they thought possible.
What else are you involved in?: APICS, ARA, and intramural sports.
Piece of advice for other RA’s: Don’t be afraid to say no! Being in this position we have a lot on our plates and sometimes that extra “can you do this?” breaks people. No is a hard word for people to say and hear, but is a powerful word you need to learn how to assert in appropriate ways.

Any extra Reslife Involvement?: I am also the clerical for Clem/Bigelow.
Anything else?: Fun fact: I have always lived on 3^rd floor with first year students!

Thanks, Becky!

Ashley is the 3rd floor Knilians Ra. She is a senior with a Human Resources Management major. Her fourth semester as an RA is with an all first year female floor!

Favorite Sport: Men’s College Basketball
Favorite Sports team: The Wisconsin Badgers
Favorite Band: The Killers and Ben Folds
Favorite Dining Hall: Erbs and Gerbs
Dream job: Working at Disney World, where dreams come true!
What I see myself doing in five years: I hope to be traveling the world and loving life
Favorite Quote: Life is too short, so live in the moment
Why did you become an RA?: I joined LIT my Sophomore year with Maria Glorioso, and from that point I fell in love with Residence Life
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: I love problem solving and mentoring my residents
What else are you involved in?: SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management)
Piece of advice for other RA’s: When you become an RA, you never stop learning. May it be your 1st, 2nd or even 3rd year as an RA, there is always something new for you to learn.
Any extra Reslife Involvement?: NRHH
Anything else?: I love CATS!

Thank you, Ashley!

Tasia is the Starin Hall 2nd floor RA. This is her 5th semester as an RA. She is a fifth year senior with a major in Social Work.

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Favorite Sport: Rugby

Favorite Sports team: Packers

Favorite Band: Favorite music would be pop from the 90’s and 00’s
Favorite Dining Hall: Graham Street
Dream job: A professor for women’s studies specifically focused on violence against women

What I see myself doing in five years: I hope to be working at a university in student affairs or as a full time social worker.

Favorite Quote: “I am almost never sure about what I want but I am always sure about what I don’t want.”

Why did you become an RA?: I became an RA because I wanted to meet a variety of people and share my knowledge and experiences with them.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: I honestly have several favorites of being an RA, but I’ll only share two. First, is the creativeness I get to bring to the position. That includes bulletin boards, programming ideas, and how I engage my residents. The second, is my staff. They make being an RA worth every minute of it. Without them, I would go even more crazy and I wouldn’t have the friends that I do.

What else are you involved in?: I am on the Dean’s Advisory Council and am currently working for the Association for the Prevention of Family Violence for my social work internship. Plus, I am the Student Development Intern.
Piece of advice for other RA’s: Use this position as a door to other things. Get involved with all and any opportunities that come your way,whether that be an internship, summer RA or SA, training committee, on-going training, etc. There are things you can do to help improve yourself and the department.
Best story so far: The best one is probably going to be from my first semester as an RA when my residents were in the halls being extremely loud! It was around 2am and I had only just fallen asleep when they were shouting and running back and forth in the hall. I jumped out of bed and swung open my door and at the end of the hall there is a resident in his underwear. He just looks at me like a dear in the headlights and I say (with a “mom voice” as they told me later) “Get back to your room now and stay there and be quiet because if I have to open this door again it’s not going to be pretty!”

Thank you, Tasia, for all your great work!

Melissa is the RA on Wells East 2^nd floor. As a junior Finance major, she hosts the Living the Language Learning Community! This is her fourth semester as an RA. She is also one of Residence Life’s interns.

Favorite Sport: I really enjoy watching football and baseball, but my favorite sport that I participated in was Cross Country.

Favorite Sports team: Brewers

Favorite Band: Florida Georgia Line or anything Country
Favorite Dining Hall: I would have to say Drumlin.
Dream job: Not really a dream job but a dream life; to be able to work and enjoy it but also have enough time and money to do all the things I want to do in life.

What I see myself doing in five years: I guess in five years I see myself married living in the suburbs and maybe have a kid, but definitely have a dog or two!

Favorite Quote: “All it takes is all you’ve got.”

Why did you become an RA?: I became an RA because my mom was an RA in college, I thought that was kind of different and cool. I really wanted to be able to make a lasting impression on people and I felt this was the best way that I could do that.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: I love getting to know my residents and just being able to talk to them and really find out what their passions in life are.
What else are you involved in?: I am the Director of Development for Jitters, so I get to make the drinks of the month. That’s my favorite part of my Jitters position. I am also apart of NRHH.
Piece of advice for other RA’s: I would say that you will definitely have rough days, but on those days let your residents help you. You are always there for you residents and I feel like not enough RAs let their residents be there for them. You don’t have to tell them what is bothering you, but allow them to have fun with you it will make you feel better to know that they care about you.
Best story so far: I would definitely say that my best story so far is one Saturday I was at UW-Whitewater and didn’t have any plans when I heard a knock at my door, and it was my residents from last year that came to visit me and just reminisce about our floor the previous year. It made me feel really good to know that they enjoyed having me as an RA and that they wanted to come back and visit me.

Thank you Melissa for being a Radical RA!

By Cassie Steiner. Clem Bigelow Complex

Since February 1, 2015, I have been living a kind of crazy lifestyle; I have tried to eliminate virtually all garbage from my life by living waste free.

What is “Waste Free” Living?

Waste free (also called “zero waste”) living focuses on eliminating as much garbage as possible from one’s life. This means that I avoid purchasing anything that comes in packaging, try to upcycle or reuse as much as possible, and generally try to live more sustainably.

So… what exactly does that look like?

The first month I was waste free, I was very intentional about it. I did not eat on campus at all; rather, I purchased my food in bulk from a co-op and stored it in glass jars I had been collecting. Most of my meals consisted of some form of rice, beans and vegetables with fruit or nuts on the side. My shampoo, conditioner and soap come in bars to decrease packaging. I avoided most restaurants. I always use reusable bags. I made my own toothpaste (click here for the how to video).

Now that I’m in my second month and that I’ve realized I can really live this way, I’ve loosened up a bit until I graduate. I need to use up the products I have (including my Dining Dollars) before I can stay waste free in the long term. However, the plan is to be completely waste free by the time I move into my apartment post-graduation.

How has being waste free related to the RA role?

First of all, being waste free has resulted in a lot of really great conversations with residents about realizing the difference between wants and needs, taking advantage of items we all own, and understanding socioeconomic privilege and the role it can have on everyday life.

It has also resulted in me being craftier in the way I advertise to the complex and to my floor. I have been collecting old postings and printing on the other side. I’m also working on creating some cool active and passive programming about sustainability for April (the month in which Earth Day falls).

What lessons have you learned from this and would you recommend it to others?

In short: lots and yes!

If I were to write out all of the lessons I’ve learned, this would be a book rather than a blog post, so if you want to hear more, please check out my personal blog!

Mack Woerishofer is a third floor RA in Starin. This is his fifth semester as an RA. He is a senior with a psychology major.

Favorite Sport: Baseball/Softball

Favorite Sports team: Milwaukee Brewers

Favorite Band: A Day To Remember

Favorite Dining Hall: Drumlin

Dream job: Sport Psychologist

What I see myself doing in five years: Counseling and Coaching at a high school

Favorite Quote: It’s who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me

Why did you become an RA?: To emulate what my freshman RA did

What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: Making new relationships every year

Piece of advice for other RA’s: Learn to manage your time properly

Best story so far: Meeting my best friend my first semester as an RA

Thank you, Mack, for being a Radical RA.

When starting on your journey of becoming an RA, the feelings of both excitement and a bit of trepidation may wash over you. Being excited is completely understandable; you are about to begin an experience like no other. Whether you have heard wonderful things about being an RA or the horrible stories, being an RA is an extremely unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Start your year out strong by doing some of these things:

1. Start on your wall/door decorations EARLY! During training, it feels like you have all the time in the world to work on your decorations, but don’t procrastinate! The time passes quicker than you think, so make sure not to put it off.

2. Spend lots of time with your staff outside of training. This is the key time to bond with your staff before the busy year begins. Be sure to take advantage of this “free” time by talking to your fellow RAs.

3. Take advantage of training, and PARTICIPATE. Though it is easy to breeze through training, make sure to take advantage of all of the learning opportunities they present you with. You never know when a piece of your training will come in handy!

4. Make connections with your residents at the very beginning of the school year. The beginning of the year is when you determine your floor atmosphere through connecting with your residents. First impressions matter! Start the year out strong by explaining and enforcing policies while engaging with your residents.

5. Plan out your programs ahead of time. It is easy to lose track of time before your programs come up, but you should it out before hand so that you can purchase materials and create advertisements. As Scar from the Lion King said, “Be Prepared”.

6. Take everything in stride, and be the best RA you can be. It is very easy to get upset about a difficult situation with a resident or to take something personally, but remember that this does not reflect upon you. All you can do is try your hardest at your job. Though some situations may test your strength, believe that you can get through it!

Brittania Schreurs is the first floor Bigelow RA. She is a 5th semester RA and is a senior with a Social Work major.

Favorite Sport: Golf

Favorite Sports team: Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite Dining Hall: Ike Schaffer Commons

Dream job: My dream job is to work in some realm of student affairs.

What I see myself doing in five years: In five years, I see myself graduated with a masters degree and working at a university in some sort of student affairs related position.

Favorite Quote: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

Why did you become an RA?: I became an RA because of the positive influence the RAs in my complex had on me my first year at UWW. I also became an RA because I fell in love with LIT and wanted to expand on those experiences.

What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: One of my favorite things about being an RA is realizing that it’s not always about the way you impact your residents, but it is also about the way your residents impact you. The interactions with my residents have impacted me in such a positive way that I’ve realized that I want to make a career out of working with college students.

What else are you involved in?: Currently, I am a member of NRHH, a Project ASSIST tutor for CSD, and a representative for ARA.

Piece of advice for other RA’s: Don’t nag your residents to go to your events. They respect you much more when you accept no as an answer. Too often I see RAs play 20 questions with their residents after the resident says they can’t go to something. “Why can’t you go?” “What are you doing instead?” “Can’t you do that later?” “Can you come for just a little bit?” “Can’t you bring your friend with?” “Can’t you make that phone call later?” “Don’t you want to take a break from your homework?” That gets annoying really fast for the residents.

Best story so far: One time I had three residents come running to me, 2 females and 1 male, because the male resident had just gotten his tooth knocked out playing tennis. In a panic, one of the females made the male show me the tooth and then asked me what they were supposed to do. They wanted to know if they needed to put the tooth in milk to preserve it. To that I replied, “Umm…go to the dentist???”. The residents informed me that since it was the weekend the male was not going to be able to make a dentist appointment. Not knowing what to do, I sent them off with the contact information for Fort Atkinson Hospital.

Anything else?: Shout out to all my former and current residence life position supervisors: Tim Moffett, Whitney Supianoski, Amy Sylvester, and Manda Krier-Jenkins! You all have had a huge impact on my growth and success as an undergraduate student! I truly couldn’t have done it without all of you!

Connor “CJ” Driscoll is a 7^th semester RA on 3^rd Floor Wells East. He is a 5^th year senior with a Physical Education major

Favorite Sport: Basketball, baseball, and football

Favorite Sports team: Hawkeyes, Red Sox, 76ers, Packers

Favorite Band: Mike Stud
Favorite Dining Hall: Esker
What I see myself doing in five years: Teaching PE, Health Education, and coaching a high school varsity baseball team

Favorite Quote: “Only the strong survive.”

Why did you become an RA?: Opportunity to pay back the support I received from my RA as an incoming freshman.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: I truly enjoy meeting students at the beginning of the year and then analyzing their overall development as students and people at the end of the year .

What else are you involved in?: I work for Rec Sports as a Fitness Supervisor, and participant in intramural sports.

Piece of advice for other RA’s: Eat right and exercise. Without your health, you have nothing.

Best story so far: Having residents come back to visit after they have moved off of your floor.

Thank you, CJ, for your years of service as an RA.

Ben Minogue is an RA on Tutt 2^nd Floor. This is his second semester! He is an undeclared sophomore.

Favorite Sport: I like to watch football, but I’ve never played.

Favorite Sports team: The Packers

Favorite Band: Mumford and Sons
Favorite Dining Hall: Esker

What I see myself doing in five years: I don’t know, hopefully something interesting!

Favorite Quote: I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. –J.R.R. Tolkien

Why did you become an RA?: I love UWW, it’s an accidental family tradition. My mom and dad went here, then my oldest brother decided to go here. My middle brother saw how much fun he had here at UWW and he went, so when the time came to apply to schools UWW was my first and only choice. I haven’t regretted that choice for a single second, and as an RA I want to help residents have the same amazing experience I’ve had.

What is your favorite thing about being an RA?: I get to interact with different people every day

UWW Resident Assistant's Blog

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Radical RA: Belle Eykmans

Radical RA: Katelyn Wilson

Radical RA: Forhad Islam

Radical RA: Jordan Weinfurtner

Radical RA: Colleen Cate

Radical RA: Becky Schaewe

Radical RA: Ashley Wright-Lannoy

Radical RA: Tasia Pinkham

Radical RA: Melissa Braunreiter

Living “Waste Free” as a Resident Assistant

Radical RA: Mack Woerishofer

New Resident Assistant Tip from Kathy Bourcier

Radical RA: Brittania Schreurs

Radical RA: CJ Driscoll

Radical RA: Ben Minogue