Rutgers is a big, complex place, and day-to-day living amid the grind of studying can be challenging for students. Gratefully, there are resident assistants (R.A.’s) who help them negotiate life in dormitories and on-campus apartments. And for many R.A.’s, the challenge of taking responsibility for a floor full of students is a learning experience, too.

Of the 41,000 students enrolled at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, 16,000 students live in student housing. At Rutgers University–Newark, 1,300 of roughly 12,000 students live on campus. Rutgers University–Camden provides housing for 538 of its 6,300 students. Chosen through a rigorous selection process, R.A.’s manage to juggle their own school demands while building a sense of community among their residents as they address their needs. After serving their first stints as R.A.’s, Andreana Barefield, Nada Abdelaziz, and Lisa Nguyen have known the rewards and the challenges.

Andreana Barefield SAS’14 Tinsley Hall, Rutgers University–New Brunswick

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Photography: 
Nick Romanenko

Andreana Barefield SAS’14 Tinsley Hall, Rutgers University–New Brunswick
“I used to be a very different person. I wasn’t very confident and was very shy. The R.A. my first year helped me develop into who I am. I wanted to pass that on to others.”

“Sometimes, it was a lot of pressure. You want to help but you’re not always sure. Being trusted by others is one of best things about being an R.A.”

“You may have one resident who will test your patience, but there are 10 more who appreciate all that you do.”

 

Nada Abdelaziz, junior Woodward Hall, Rutgers University–Newark

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Photography: 
Nick Romanenko

Nada Abdelaziz, junior Woodward Hall, Rutgers University–Newark
“It’s a lot of responsibility being an R.A. I was always reminded of how much of an influence I am.”

“Once an R.A., always an R.A., 24/7. You always have to be prepared. Anything might happen.”

“Becoming an R.A. was one of the best decisions I have made. I learned so much about others—and myself. Now, I really want to pursue my education in social work so I can have this same rewarding feeling.”

 

Lisa Nguyen LC’10 330 Cooper, Rutgers University–Camden

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Photography: 
Nick Romanenko

Lisa Nguyen LC’10 330 Cooper, Rutgers University–Camden
“I was the same age as most graduate students on my floor, so I understand what it feels like to still be in school and working toward a higher degree.”

“Even when residents came to me with something like ‘Is your internet working?’ or ‘I’m overwhelmed with school,’ it has been rewarding for me.”

“There were times when I was overwhelmed with schoolwork and the responsibilities of being an R.A. My family would remind me to take a breath and tackle one thing at a time.”