The OL RA Connection

Being an Orientation Leader isn't solely about methodically acclimating students into Rutgers.  In order for that to be done, natural human connections have to be made. This interview may shed some light on the dynamics between an OL and their first year student group members. It seems like the only big problem students have is with the lack of amenities at orientation. I foresee a bulldozer taking care of the issues students have with the towers on Livingston somewhere in the near future.


But how do our responsibilities as an OL relate to those of an RA. This is a position I will be holding next semester, so I decided to get to the crux of what it means to be a great RA. I couldn't think of a better way of doing that by conducting an interview one of the most gregarious RAs Rutgers has to offer in Kieran Webster.

So who is this well dressed guy?

He is currently a senior who double majors in HR Management and Economics. This basically means that he'll be your boss one day. His resume is as well put together as his wardrobe. He's done lab research, worked as a TA, and has management experience in retail. Don't let the stoic face and high powered accomplishments fool you; Kieran is most distinguishable in Quad III on Livingston Campus by his open door and welcoming smile that greets every resident that walks through his door.

So let's get to know Kieran the RA:

Me: What kind of first year students do you deal with?

Kieran: I would have to say they vary vastly. I have encounters with the extremely ambitious ones like [residents] Greg and Kayvon; I have encountered the ones who want to just party and get wasted, and the ones who are bored with the educational system like Nate and Greg H. They all have different needs. The ambitious ones need a balance between their student life and social life and then the ones like Nate need to be constantly challenged and given new opportunities to explore new clubs, organizations, and different campus activities.

Me: Are the needs different between transfers and freshmen, specifically speaking?

Kieran: I would say that overall, the needs are pretty similar. They are both coming into a new environment with no instructions. Just fit in where you fit in, so they all need to be socialized into their new environments. But the differences lie in the fact that transfers are usually more mature and have had some college experience so they somewhat understand what is expected of the, but freshmen have no clue and can sometimes go through a more severe form of culture shock than the transfers.


Me: How did your experiences as a first year student affect your approach as an RA?


Kieran: It allowed me to have somewhat of an insight into the needs and wants of other first years. For example, I realized the most critical thing is opening students up to the point where they're willing to meet other people and respect the diversity in perspectives. It's hard to make friends as a freshman or transfer because most people are already surrounded by the peers they feel comfortable with and it's hard to get them out of their comfort zone. So as an RA I wanted to get my first year students to at least form friendships with people within the house and then this would give them the confidence to go out and meet other people


Me: What is the most rewarding part about helping first year students?


Kieran: They respect you and really allow you to feel like your job is meaningful. They come to me for help 24/7 and it makes me feel good that I can give back and help others who are in the same position I was once in. Also, they respect you so much that they become your allies and help you in making sure everyone respects the rules. Overall, having first years is what makes the job worthwhile, because they know the ropes already.


Thank you, Kieran, for those bars of gold! We'll be sure to carry them with us.


Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants are to Rutgers what bees are to flowers. It would be difficult to imagine the blossoming of new students without their hard work. Diversity at Rutgers University comes in many different forms. OLs and RAs need to understand the dynamics of the student body here. Both OLs and RAs must take into account the various difficulties students may face and find solutions. Their perception of this school depends on it. This summer we will in different ways be mini RAs. If we can bring any of the advice from this interview into NSO, it would facilitate the jobs of the RAs who must continue to introduce first years into the environment we endeavor to prepare them for. Remember, if they're happy, my job as an RA this fall we be that much more manageable. So let's work hard to make my job easy, guys!