Resident Advisors (RAs) help make that experience possible, serving as resources for their fellow students and helping foster a welcoming residential environment.
For Joseph DelliSanti, becoming an RA is a new way to contribute to the Flagler experience. A junior International Business major from Greenville, South Carolina, Joe is involved in the Financial Investment Club and Flagler College Rock Climbing Club. When he is not in class or participating in campus activities, he enjoys working out at the campus gym and skimboarding at the beach..
This year, Joe began his first term as an RA, working with residents on the third floor of Cedar Hall. In this Q&A, he discusses what motivated him to pursue the position, what he hopes to bring to the role, and how he plans to support his fellow Saints.
The RA Experience
Q: What initially made you interested in becoming a Resident Advisor?
Joe: What initially made me interested in becoming an RA was the opportunity to improve upon my leadership skills. I have been an Orientation Leader for the past two summers and really enjoyed getting to connect with incoming students and also being a helpful resource for their transition to college.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you had been selected as an RA?
Joe: I was extremely excited! I originally didn't consider becoming an RA until Director of Residence Life Annlyn Harvey called me over the summer to ask if I would be interested in taking on the role.
Q: Before becoming an RA, what did you think the position was going to be like?
Joe: Before becoming an RA, I thought the position would create an overwhelming workload to balance along with my classes, but since becoming an RA, it has actually done the opposite and has really helped improve my time management skills.
Q: What is your favorite part of being an RA? Why?
Joe: My favorite part about being an RA is connecting with students and being a person they can rely on. I am grateful that the residents in my building are comfortable enough to come up to me on and off campus to chat with me.
Q: Tell us about a memorable moment or experience you’ve had as an RA. It could be funny, meaningful, unexpected, or something that reminded you why you wanted to become an RA in the first place.
Joe: A memorable moment for me was learning that some students from my orientation session groups over the summer are residents of the building where I am an RA. It means a lot to me that they enjoy getting to know me, as I enjoy getting to know more about them.
Growing as a Leader
Q: How has being an RA helped you grow as a person? What skills have you developed?
Joe: Becoming an RA has strengthened my communication, leadership, and time management skills through active listening, taking initiative, and helping students work through problems.
Q: Are there any skills or experiences you’ve gained as an RA that you think will benefit you after graduation?
Joe: I think this role is a great opportunity for students to learn more about their own communication and leadership styles. A student’s personality plays a big role in how they will handle situations throughout their role as an RA.
Advice for Future RAs
Q: What would you say to a student who is considering applying to become an RA but isn’t sure if they should?
Joe: I would say to students who are considering becoming an RA to go ahead and apply! They will get the opportunity to work with a great team of peers and professional staff, as well as improve skills for real-world applications.
Q: Complete this sentence: “Being an RA has taught me __________.”
Joe: Being an RA has taught me how to handle conflict better and get a chance to learn more about students at Flagler.
Interested in applying to be an RA for the upcoming semester? The application window is now open through December 1st. Click here to apply.
