With Commencement nearing, University of Delaware Residence Life and Housing is recognizing the graduating resident assistants who have made significant contributions to not only their complexes but also their staffs.

Nominated by their supervisors, these RAs have built strong connections with their residents; created or partnered on successful engagement initiatives; and/or impacted their staffs in a positive way.

Three RAs from Central Complex – Chong Yi, Bridgette Spritz and Lalu Ologbauma – are being recognized. 

Yi is a dietetics major on North Central, and has been an RA for three years. Spritz, a South Central RA, is an international relations major with minors in Arabic language, organizational and community leadership and Islamic studies. This is her third year as an RA. Ologbauma, an economics major, has been a South Central RA for two years.

Q. How has being an RA added to your UD experience?

Yi: Becoming a resident assistant has really shaped my role as a mentor and leader in all capacities. All the knowledge and training that I've gained was useful in all aspects of my undergraduate experience here at the University of Delaware. 

Being an RA has expanded my perception and enhanced my UD experience because it allowed me to step out of my circle and see things from different areas. It has given me opportunities to connect with my peers outside the academic setting and helped me create lifelong friendships.

Ologbauma: Being an RA has been an integral part of my growth and experience as an undergraduate student at the University. I had not even known about the position prior to my freshman year; constant prodding from friends and prior RAs pushed me to pursue the position, as I had been told that I would be great for it. 

The position is one in which you not only have the opportunity to positively impact the college experience of a wide number of students, but you also learn so much about yourself. This job has taught me about who I am as a leader and a follower; I've learned more about my values, strengths and weaknesses and I'm blessed to be surrounded by some of my greatest companions in my college journey the Central RA staff.

Spritz: Being an RA has added to my UD experience in so many ways. By living in the residence halls for the past four years, I have been able to meet so many students that are involved in different academic programs and have varying interests. 

Knowing that because of the RA position, I have gotten to meet so many wonderful individuals who I would not have otherwise formed connections with. That makes me appreciative of the Resident Assistant position and helps me recognize the value of living in the residence halls. I have learned a lot from the residents of Central Complex and the RAs on my staff.

Q. What is one (at least one) thing that you’ve accomplished – whether as an RA or UD student – that you’re proud of?

Yi: As a student and an RA on campus, I think that being able to be a role model and pave the way for others has been a humbling experience. Seeing the growth of members of the UD community, whether that be through my campus involvements or as an RA, it’s been an amazing journey these past few years.

Ologbauma: I'm very proud of Central Complex's ability to craft leaders of such variety and individuality. Every semester I've seen different residents throughout the complex who may be a bit early in their college journey, still finding out what they value most, what they're passionate about. 

But through the course of a year, and strong encouragement from RAs and professional staff, I've seen many of those same residents grow into positions in residence hall and campus leadership; it's really cool to see. 

Spritz: I served as a TA for the leadership study abroad to Malaysia and Vietnam in Winter Session 2015. I felt that a lot of my experiences as an RA translated to interpersonal aspect of this role. Organizing the trip, traveling, and learning with the students was a transformative experience for me, and I am so proud of what that group was able to accomplish and the knowledge that they gained.

Q. What is one challenge as an RA/UD student you’ve overcome this year? Or, how have you challenged yourself?

Yi: I think that being a third-year RA and taking a promotional position of being a student engagement adviser was challenging at times but having the support of my staff and seeing the leadership dynamic on my floor this year really pushed me to never give up and gave me the motivation to finish strong. Despite all of the extra responsibilities and tasks, if I had to choose again, I would not want to trade my position for anything else.

Ologbauma: I think the greatest challenge I've overcome as an RA was learning how to be great in my own way and pursue deeper connections with other RAs and residents. As an RA, you're surrounded by very high-quality individuals who work very hard and create quality experiences for their residents. It's easy to compare yourself and get discouraged. 

Through the constant support of my fellow RAs I've learned the value of teamwork, and leveraging my unique strengths to contribute to our overall mission. This is a process that involves asking for help, which requires a lot of vulnerability. Your teammates can point out your weaknesses, but they're also quick to point out your unique strengths that add value to the team.

Spritz: I challenged myself this year as an RA by having a vertical community. I was not familiar with this dynamic, and was not sure how my leadership style and relationship-building strategies would translate to this community. Although bridging the floors was difficult, I feel that I grew from this experience. It is very rewarding for me to see students from my community interact with one another.

Q. Any advice to your fellow RAs to make through their senior years?

Yi: To fellow senior RAs, enjoy the little things because the next thing you know, graduation will be here. Don't take things for granted and never give up!

Ologbauma: If you're a senior RA, I would say never forget that our experiences are interconnected. In the job hunt and 400-600 level courses it might be easy to overlook the impact your lack of time has on another student's experience. Just remember your experience influences that of others, directly or indirectly. Make the time for the people around you, it's important.

Spritz: You are going to get asked, "What are your plans for next year?" or some variation of that, an excruciating amount of times. If you know that this question is going to stress you out, and there are people that are going to be around you or have consistent access to you and ask you this question, such as your staff or residents, set boundaries with inquiries like this. If you have something established for after you graduate or not, don't let anyone judge your journey. 

There is a lot of uncertainty as you transition from undergrad to postgrad. Take a deep breath, and know that it will be alright. You've probably gained so many experiences in college – program planning, facilitating meetings, crisis management, etc. – that can be framed in a marketable way on your resume and during an interview. Remember your “gReAtness!”

Q. What are you looking forward to after graduation?

Yi: After graduation, I am excited to embark on a new journey of "adulting" and figuring out my life.

Ologbauma: After graduation, I'll be moving to New York to work in the private sector; I'm blessed and thankful. But mostly, I look forward to hanging out with my newborn niece a ton, and maintaining connections with my close friends from UD.

Spritz: I am looking forward to becoming a Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda and teaching English in a high school. I can't wait to learn, work incredibly hard, serve my students and the people in my community, embrace new experiences, and face challenges.