A. What is your motivation for applying for this position?

My motivation for applying for this position is to gain experience in leadership, and to help further develop my skills in working with people.



B. What are two important topics you believe residents should be educated about in on-campus housing? Why do you think each topic is important? What are some creative ways to educate residents about these topics?

I believe that residents should be educated about the dangers of alcohol consumption, and the importance of respecting diversity. I often hear students use homophobic and racist remarks as insults and general curse words, and I feel that using these terms to describe something negative is very ignorant and demeaning to some people. I think that letting the students know I have no tolerance for any disrespectful actions or words will be the most effective way of preventing such incidences. Also, I think that the students should take a survey at the beginning of the year with questions such as “Did you know that 60% of CP students have 0-4 drinks a week” or “Did you know that you may lose your housing license on your first alcohol or drug related offense?” Telling students information in the form of a question would help make sure they read it and think about it.



C. Please identify two of your personal qualities that you feel will help you to succeed in the Resident/Community Advisor position.

I believe I have a good ability to relate to people, and to always fulfill my duties. My ability to relate to people will help me get through to the students; by helping us better understand and respect each other. My motive to always accomplish my duty will help keep my demeanor strict and focused.



D. Please identify two skill areas you think you will need to improve upon in order to help you succeed in the Resident/Community Advisor position.

I think that I will need to improve my public speaking skills and my emergency situation skills. I have always had a fear of getting up and speaking in front of large groups and I feel that this position will help me face my fear. I also think that I would better myself if I had training in CPR and First Aid.



E. Do you think it is important for a Resident/Community Advisor to be aware of multicultural issues and be open to working with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs? Please explain your answer.

I think that it is important for the Resident Advisors to have knowledge of the diversity that exists on our campus and obviously and to accept all people with no exceptions. I very strongly feel that Resident Advisors should enforce respect among students in their hall. I think that it is Cal Poly’s duty and responsibility to make sure they choose Resident Advisors that are accepting of diversity. This is the going to be the student’s new home, and they should always be treated with respect in their place of living.



F. As a Resident/Community Advisor, what steps would you take in your living community to support students and to educate them about various race or cultural backgrounds, sexual orientation, disabilities, or religious beliefs?

Personally, I believe there is little to no need to educate students about everyone’s differences. I think that pointing out differences will just draw attention to the fact that everyone is unlike. I think that letting the students know that everyone is a person regardless of race, cultural background, sexual orientation, disabilities or religious beliefs, and should be treated with the same amount of respect is the main concern.



G. Describe any past or present leadership roles that you have had and how those experiences might help you in the Resident/community Advisor position.

Over the summer before I my first year here at Cal Poly, I was the Manager of a small Gym near my home. I took the initiative to do a lot of work around the Gym, such as equipment installation, custodial work, setting up stereo, computer, fax, and telephone equipment, and other miscellaneous tasks. This was a perfect example of working and running a business practically alone.



H. Please list all outside obligations you anticipate that might limit the amount of time that you would have for the Resident/Community Advisor position (include research, field work, student teaching, athletics, lab classes, youth groups, etc.).

Currently I have a job working at the University Union for 15 hours a week, but I would resign from that position if I am chosen to be an RA. I am in Construction Management, so I am assuming that I will have a few rather long lab classes coming up next year.



I. How would you balance the roles of providing support to residents in your community while still enforcing University and Housing policies?

I would make known that I am someone that the students can always talk to and be there for them, although I would set very clear and strict limits and boundaries. I would also make sure that I was viewed as a friend, and not someone that can be taken advantage of.