My RA: Sasha Williams and her Philosophy of Leadership

Stephen Logan

NSO Leadership Course

Brain McDonald

Feb. 10^th, 2012

RA Interview

·      How is it being an RA of first-year? Stressful? Easy-going? Etc.

A: Not stressful, if you’re a naturally helpful person, helping freshmen comes easy.

·      How would perceive the freshmen experience from your point of view?

A: Everyone starts off friends with everyone in large living communities but as each individual student progresses, the groups become smaller.

·      Is there any think they would need that they don’t have?

A: Better explanation of how buses are a trial and error experience, not set in stone.

·      What should be most important to incoming first-year students?

A: Figuring out majors and what they want their career to be.

·      Do you feel as though any difference in certain students gives them an edge? Such as bilingualism, race, personality, etc.

A: Of course! Things like personality and bilingualism give students the advantage of meeting more people and making more friends. As far as race, you tend to migrate towards those like yourself.

·      Do you prefer to be an RA of first-years?

A: Yes, I love to see the growth from high school to college. Helping them get through their first year is very enjoyable.

·      How do you view your role as a leader?

A: My role is to help out anyone in the community who needs help, whether or not I feel as though I have the means to assist them. Pointing out who can assist them is a very effective form of helping freshmen out.

Reflection

         Throughout my interview of RA Sasha Williams, I noticed the word help was a resounding symbol of her leadership. The “why” of her organization is to guide students. Even when students believe they are in no need of an RA’s assistance there is normally at least one occurrence when he/she does in fact refer to an RA for help. Sasha’s leadership philosophy revolves around helping others and being available for them whenever they may be in need. In order to be an effective leader you must be available. No matter what you have to offer someone, if they can never attain it then it is worthless to them.