Karina Ferris
Major: Marketing
Why did you become an RA: I became an RA because I love building community and being able to serve as a resource to those around me.
Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being an RA: Vice President/Public Relations Chair for JusticeBridge, Ambassador for Collat Business Student Leaders, and Founding Member in American Marketing Association (AMA) at UAB
Favorite place on campus: The Rec!
What do you wish you had known about the RA position before you started: It's important to lean on those around you! You are a part of a team, so there is no need to tackle a challenge by yourself.
Alison Miller
Major: Health Care Management with a minor in Public health
Why did you become an RA: I became an RA because I wanted to become more comfortable with new people and learn how to build and strengthen communities within the Residence Halls. I had a very positive experience as a resident on UAB's campus and wanted the same for future residents and for them to have a community of people who will back them up and be there for them.
Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being an RA: I am the Social media coordinator for UAB Green Initiative and Generation Action. I am also a member of Cure and the Health Care Management Student Association.
Favorite place on campus: I love sitting outside the second floor of University Hall, especially when the weather is nice out, you can see all of the Green and can sit in the shade to get work done.
What do you wish you had known about the RA position before you started: I wish I had known beforehand that this is not a one-person job. Being an RA is very much about working in a team and knowing when to ask for help when you need it. Your Co-Ras and RLC are there for you and they want you to be successful in the position, but not to the point where you are too overwhelmed. Ask for help where you need it, you work in a team for a reason!
Amari Mukura
Major: Biomedical Science
Why did you become an RA: I became an RA to mentor students who are struggling with transitioning from high school to college. I also had a difficult time during my freshman year, and my RA directed me to resources that made my transition into college smoother. I want to guide students the same way I was.
Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being an RA: Honors Ambassador
Favorite place on campus: Lister Hill Library
What do you wish you had known about the RA position before you started: I wish I had known how unpredictable the role can be. Plans change, emergencies happen, you have to be adaptable and think on your feet.
River Hallex
Major: Biology
Why did you become an RA: I wanted to create a strong and unique community, like I had my first year as a Blazer, because it helped me build relationships and feel comfortable in this new environment.
Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being an RA: I am part of ClimbOn (Rock Climbing Club), Triathalon Club, Baptist Campus Ministries, Film Club, and Honors College, and I also love photography.
Favorite place on campus: The Rock Climbing Wall at the University Rec Center.
What do you wish you had known about the RA position before you started: I wish I knew how to work the printer (aka humanity’s downfall) in the Student Housing and Residence Life Office, because it was a learning curve.
Shree Delwadia
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Why did you become an RA: I became an RA because it was an opportunity to build a sense of community and support for my residents. As someone who loves meeting new people, I also wanted to create meaningful relationships with my residents and the fellow staff members in my building.
Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being an RA: Alongside being an RA, I serve as a Site Leader for Leadership and Service Council and as a volunteer at Children's of Alabama. I'm also a manager for one of UAB's cultural dance teams, Birmingham's Blazin' Bhangra (BBB).
Favorite place on campus: My favorite place on campus is the balcony on the 3rd floor of the Hill Student Center! I love doing my work on the balcony while also getting an amazing view of the campus.
What do you wish you had known about the RA position before you started: I wish I had known about the love and support that came with the RA position. The role might seem nerve-wrecking at first, especially as a first-year RA, but you always have the support of your staff and supervisors. I was also nervous about making connections with my residents, but it's important to remember that connections and relationships take time, so it's important not to force anything. Every RA is unique in their own way, but that's what makes each RA awesome!
Kennedi Powell-Bowie
Major: Pre-Nursing
Why did you become an RA:I became an RA because I wanted to create a safe space for all students and be someone that they can lean on and talk to!
Other extra-curricular activities you hold while being an RA: BWOMEN, BSAC, and BeYou Modeling Troupe.
Favorite place on campus: Einstein Bros Bagels
What do you wish you had known about the RA position before you started: I wish I had known how many amazing connections I would make and how much fun it would be in the RA position!