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 the George Read/Ray Street Complex – Kate Glunt, Ratnabhushan Mutyala and Andrea Barbosa – are being recognized.

Glunt is biomedical engineering major and a third-year RA in George Read. Fellow third-year RA Mutyala is on the nursing pre-med track. Barbosa is a Ray Street RA double majoring in psychology and sociology, with a concentration in social welfare.

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

Glunt: Being an RA has really forced me to step outside my comfort zone and has taught me to be open to new experiences. Before I was an RA, I didn't even realize that I really only ever saw things one way. After three years in this position, I realize that I have grown so much more than I ever would have thought possible; by being an RA, I have changed my perception on the world around me and have discovered new ways of thinking and problem solving.

Mutyala: Being an RA showed me the impact I could have on my community. The training and self-development modules helped me understand myself more and become a leader.

Barbosa: One of the main reasons I wanted to be an RA, specifically a first-year RA, is because I know the transition into college is difficult and wanted to be able to help other through that transition. Fortunately, I have had the experience of working with both upperclassmen and freshmen, so I got the best of both worlds.

Being an RA has enhanced my college experience at UD immensely because I am very passionate about helping others. Being able to do this in a leadership position on campus has truly helped me to see my potential in my future career, as I want to be a school guidance counselor at an underprivileged school. I am so grateful for the tools and skills the RA position has given me so that I can be a positive leader and ensure the happiness and well-being of others.

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

Glunt: I think I'm most proud of my first floor I ever had as an RA, Rodney A3 (2013-14). It's absolutely the most rewarding thing in the world to see and hear about all the amazing things those 42 girls are still doing here at UD and beyond. Whether it's their travels abroad, their Snapchats of all of them still hanging out together, their continued involvement in the UD community, or just the excitement in their faces when we see each other on campus – they still make me proud to have been their freshman year RA. 

Mutyala: I am most proud of winning National Residence Hall Honorary RA of the Month at the national level.

Barbosa:  As a student, I am proud I have completed four years at the University of Delaware with a 3.8 cumulative GPA while also being involved with various activities on campus; activities that have allowed me to utilize my passion for helping others such as my RA position, my membership in POW! and SOS, as well as participation in the Vagina Monologues.

As an RA, what I am most proud of is the impact I have had on many of my residents on an individual level. Through one-on-one meetings and conversations, I have learned that I made a greater impact than I originally thought and am very happy and satisfied with the way I have been able to help my residents. I set a goal of ensuring all of my residents could look back at their experience positively and for everyone to feel comfortable on the floor. I believe I have done everything I could to make this happen. I know this is definitely the case for most, and hope at the year's end it will be the case for all.

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

Glunt: One challenge that I've overcome this year would probably be successfully avoiding complacency. In this job, it's so easy to fall into the thought process that by your third-year working with first-year students, you think you've handled every possible situation; however, I know by now that first-year students are anything but ordinary and predictable.

Mutyala: My challenge was trying to balance clinical with applying to medical school, as well as responsibilities as an RA and student engagement adviser.

Barbosa:  One challenge I have faced as an RA, and I am sure many RAs can attest to this as well, is addressing and handling residence hall and code of conduct policies. I have learned that although this is not the most desirable part of the job, as an RA my number one concern is the safety and well-being of my residents.

I believe I have fostered respect from my residents and that they know I am always there for them and know and understand my job responsibilities as well. I try to use my best judgment in every situation.

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

Glunt: Guys, just keep chugging along. Keep dreaming of all the nights ahead of you where you won't have to worry about the duty phone waking you up at 3 a.m.

Mutyala: Your residents still need you. You’ve made it to the top, learned so much and are a valuable resource pool for your residents. Even if you aren’t in a promotional position, you have a lot of experience with UD and can serve as a role model for the rest of your staff. Returning RAs really set the tone of a complex and are the first people that new hires turn to for help/advice.

Barbosa: Be prepared for anything. Be the best RA you can be, but also do not forget to engage in self-care. Senior year is big, important, and extremely significant. Ensure your residents have an amazing year, but make sure it is an incredible year for yourself also. You deserve it.

Q: What are you looking forward to after graduation?

Glunt: I'm looking forward to moving back home with my family. I have two sisters in high school now, so it'll be nice to be there for all their important milestones that are coming up. Sometimes I feel like I need to RA them and push them in the right direction, so it'll be nice to be closer so I can have a little bit more of a positive influence on their lives. 

Starting this fall, I'll be pursuing my master's in biomedical engineering at Widener University. 

Mutyala: Joining the adult world and finally using all the things I learned in the classroom and outside to be successful.

Barbosa: I am beyond excited to see what my future will bring. There is so much to look forward to in life and I can't wait to see what each new day will bring. I also cannot wait to start my path in making society more equitable for all and to live out my mission for social justice. I am beyond grateful to my parents for all their support and assistance in getting my degree. I could not have done this without them.