I’ve always liked being part of environments where people are adjusting and finding their footing, so becoming a Resident Advisor at Wesleyan felt like a natural step. When I started RA training, though, I quickly realized how demanding it would be. It took place right in the middle of football preseason—two practices a day, early check-ins, and team meetings that filled nearly every hour. I’d go straight from the field to training sessions, often without a real meal in between. It was a lot to juggle, but it taught me how to stay organized, present, and patient even when I was stretched thin.

Move-in day was one of the first moments where the role really clicked for me. Helping first-years unload their cars, set up their rooms, and meet their floormates was simple on the surface, but it mattered. A lot of the parents were visibly nervous about leaving their kids for the first time, so I tried to make them feel comfortable too—showing them the space, answering small questions, and letting them know their student was in good hands. Those conversations helped me realize how much trust is involved in this job.

Throughout the semester, I’ve worked with residents who were still adjusting to being away from home, dealing with homesickness, or figuring out how to balance independence and responsibility. I’ve planned small dorm events to make the hall feel less formal and more like a community, where people could hang out without pressure.

Balancing football and the RA role hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me how to manage time and stress in a way that feels grounded. More than anything, it’s reminded me that leadership often just means being steady, approachable, and willing to show up when people need you.