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 third-year RAs from the Redding/Gilbert Complex – Mackenzie Horan, Amanda Abrom and Elsie Mei – are being recognized. 

Horan is an international relations and public policy major in Gilbert. Abrom double majors in economics and English, while her fellow Redding RA Mei majors in apparel design.

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

Horan: Being an RA has hands down been my favorite part of UD. I have met all of my best friends through this position and really feel like I have found a home at UD through Residence Life and Housing. There is nothing like having a family at school who is there through the tough times, to congratulate you on your accomplishments, or just to hang out. I am so thankful that the RAs in my complex have become this family.

Abrom: After becoming an RA, I became more confident in myself and my leadership abilities. I grew so much as a person because of this job. For me, it is so gratifying and rewarding to help students, and to see how they grow and change over the course of their freshman year. It gives me a sense of fulfillment that has made my UD experience extremely memorable. This job has also given me the best friends anyone can ask for; it has given me a family that I can always count on inside and outside of Res Life.

Mei: I am really glad I did the RA job since sophomore year because I believe that this job has helped me grow as a person. It also helped me to develop my time management, leadership, and problem solving skills. I won't be the same person if I didn't do the RA job. I appreciate this experience so much!

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

Horan: On Sunday, May 8, I ran a marathon relay with several RAs and an RHC from Redding and Gilbert. Our team, "The Braden Bunch," was named after our B+ Hero, Braden, and raised money for the B+ Foundation. Completing my portion of the relay made me incredibly proud, as I have never been a runner before. However, seeing Braden and his family as they came to cheer us on and bring us treats was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had at UD. 

Abrom: This year I wanted to be more involved in my floor than I was last year. I ended up getting an amazing group of students on the Redding fifth floor, who have carried the building and done so many activities. I’m really glad I was able to build a strong community early on, and I hope that 5A sticks together next year.

Mei: I’m proud I had three active and welcoming floors [over my three years as an RA]. I completed three internships during breaks; these internships helped me to figure out what my passion is. I also had a successful senior collection fashion show.

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

Horan: As an RA, I have always found it hard to connect with residents who do not respond enthusiastically to my programming ideas or attempts to connect. Having confidence in myself as an RA has helped me to break through the awkwardness and truly try and connect with everyone on my floor.

Abrom: This year I challenged myself by choreographing a huge production for Harrington Theatre Arts Company. This past fall I choreographed the Wild Party for a 24-person cast, and I created around 45 minutes of choreography. It was a huge challenge to create combinations, teach the cast members, and make my vision come alive. Despite the stress and long hours of rehearsal, everything came together, and I was so proud of what the rehearsal staff and I accomplished with the final production.

Mei: Because of my busy class and work schedule, I almost quit my senior collection fashion show because it's really time consuming. However, I walked through all the struggles and had a great and successful fashion show last week, so I am so happy that I didn't give up and instead kept pushing myself.

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

Horan: Work with your supervisor to create goals for the year that will benefit you beyond your time at UD. Ask if you can talk about professional development during 1:1s, get feedback on your resume, and use all the resources Residence Life can offer.

Abrom: Senior year is going to be very challenging and stressful, because everyone will be trying to figure out what they are doing after graduation. My best advice is to not compare yourself to others (the jobs people are getting and the awards they’re winning), be proud of what you’ve accomplished during your four years, and look forward to your life after graduation.

Mei: Use the time wisely, cherish the moment.

Q: What are you looking forward to after graduation? 

Horan: I will be serving as an AmeriCorps member with City Year in New York City next year. I cannot wait to make a difference in the lives and trajectory of students.

Abrom: After graduation, I will be traveling to Chile to teach English. I’m so excited that I now have the chance to work with students on an international level. It will definitely be a once in a lifetime experience.

Mei: My parents are coming from China to attend my graduation. This is their first time being in the USA. Right after graduation, we are going to have a month of vacation to travel both the East and West coasts of the USA. I am really excited for this family trip.