The Unexpected Journey of Becoming a Resident Assistant

Resident Assistants, ResCom Dorm
University of Tampa,
1990 to 1991

When I was a senior at the University of Tampa, I had the distinct honor of serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) for three of the four years I was there. As an RA, I was responsible for overseeing a floor of students, helping resolve conflicts, planning programs, and serving as a bridge between students and the university.

Before college, I had never even heard of the position. During my freshman year, I had two different RAs because I lived on two different floors, but even then, I never considered becoming one myself. RAs are seen as student leaders, often acting as the first authority figures outside of a student’s family. They play an integral role in shaping the college experience for others.

When I applied for the position at the end of my freshman year, I honestly didn’t think I stood a chance. Attending a predominantly white, private institution filled with students from privileged backgrounds, I questioned whether I had anything to offer. So, you can imagine my shock when I was selected to become an RA starting my sophomore year.

By the time I reached my senior year, I had not only grown comfortable in my role but was also entrusted with training new RAs. Out of approximately 40 to 50 RAs on campus, only five of us were selected to lead and facilitate training sessions. I vividly remember guiding incoming RAs through conflict resolution scenarios and delivering presentations on diversity, helping them understand the unique challenges faced by students from different cultural backgrounds.

Looking back, if someone had told my freshman-year self that I would become a student leader—let alone a mentor to future RAs—I wouldn’t have believed it. Yet, as I entered my senior year, I found myself in that very position.

College is often viewed as a place to gain academic and professional skills, but one of its hidden advantages is the unexpected leadership opportunities it provides. Taking a chance on becoming an RA allowed me to develop skills that continue to serve me today. I am grateful that I applied, even when I doubted myself, because the experience shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.

What unexpected leadership opportunities have shaped your journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#Leadership #CollegeLife #ResidentAssistant #StudentSuccess #PersonalGrowth #HigherEducation #DiversityMatters

Comments

Why I’m Not Trying to Make New Friends After 40 (And Why That’s Okay)

Intro: We’ve all heard someone say, “I’m not trying to make new friends.” On the surface, it can sound antisocial or dismissive. But if you’re in your 40s or beyond, that phrase starts to carry a whole new weight. It’s not about shutting people out—it’s about recognizing the power of relationships that have been built over decades. Listen to the Full Podcast Below: Listen to "Friends After 40: Why Your Circle Shrinks But Grows Deep" on Spreaker. Friends from the Beginning of Adulthood Friendships you start in your teens or early 20s come with a different energy. These are the people who were there during your first job, first apartment, first heartbreak, first real success. They were becoming adults alongside you. By the time you reach 40, something strange and powerful happens: You’ve now known those friends longer than you haven’t. That changes everything. Why Foundational Friendships Hit Different at 40+ Friendships at this stage aren’t casual. They’ve survive...

The Crossroad Before Confidence: How Struggling Through College Taught Me More Than Grades Ever Could

When people talk about college, they often focus on the success story — the dream school, the scholarships, the 4.0 GPA. That wasn’t my story. I didn’t attend the University of Tampa because it was my first choice. I went there because I wanted to prove something — to a high school professor who didn’t think much of me. I turned down opportunities that made more financial sense, including a potential ROTC scholarship, for a private school that offered me just a small leadership grant. I told myself I’d make it work. What I didn’t realize then was that this wasn’t just a college experience. It was the first crossroad in my life — the one that taught me how to keep moving even when confidence was nowhere in sight. Surviving, Not Thriving When I got to campus, my finances were a patchwork of faith and luck — a Pell Grant, a leadership award, and a loan co-signed by my grandmother. I didn’t have backup. I didn’t have a plan. By the end of my first semester, I was already debating whe...

The Danger wasn’t always clear: Navigating Racism as Black Generation X

On July 16, 2025, I posted a video short titled “Black Generation X: The Danger Wasn’t Always Clear.” That post came from a deeply personal place. Growing up as part of Generation X meant stepping into environments where the rules around race and safety weren’t always obvious. When I was younger, my family shielded me from the harshest realities. I lived in communities where I was nurtured and protected. I was also part of the first wave of kids who went from kindergarten through high school entirely in desegregated schools. In that space, I don’t recall any overt instances of racism or bigotry. And while that was a blessing, it also left me unprepared—because I didn’t know what danger looked like when it wasn’t wearing a hood or shouting slurs. Once I left home, the uncertainty began. The Barber Who “Couldn’t” \When I arrived at the University of Tampa in the fall of 1987, I needed a haircut before starting ROTC training. I had just completed Army training that summer, so I was ...

The Anthony Reeves Experience

Search This Blog