Political science junior
Q: What would you say is the most enjoyable part about volunteering at events such as “Late Night at the REC?”
Gonzalez: “As being an [resident assistant], I think it’s very important to see my residents come together and unite and finding a community for themselves that isn’t from home but their home for now.”
Q: What are some of the benefits students can look forward to while living on campus?
Gonzalez: “I think while you are living on campus, you have so many benefits such as making new friendships, finding a newer community, maybe finding a club or an organization that suits to your liking and your hobbies. I think that’s very uncommon to find, especially if you are traveling. Maybe finding it in college can be more beneficial because you are around people your age and maybe some of those, like, correlate towards your likings and that’s how you build long-life friendships.”
Q: And would you say that you, yourself, that you found life-long friendships here as an RA?
Gonzalez: “Yes, I have. As an RA, everybody around my community is super welcoming and their friendship has meant so much to me and I know I will carry those forever.”
Q: What was something that was hard about volunteering at this event, and how did you overcome it?
Gonzalez: “I guess making sure people just come out of their shell. Making sure they are feeling welcomed and warm. Finding a space like that can really change somebody’s perspective on something. So, I guess just making sure you provide that environment for somebody can be really helpful. And yeah, that’s how I overcame it. Basically, by making sure I’m being social towards everybody. Making sure I’m talking to them, just getting to know them a little bit more on the personal level.”
–Compiled by Alizzaya Guel
