“Recognition is hard, but so is the work that deserves it,” says Alexandra Adams, a junior elementary education major at the University of Delaware from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.

If there is anyone who knows recognition from both sides of the equation, it is Adams.

She has served as president of the UD chapter of National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) this year, after a turn as vice president for recognition last year.

Adams has also served on the University’s Resident Student Association (RSA) executive board as the national communications coordinator (NCC) to the Central Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (CAACURH – pronounced “ka kur”), which comprises 43 member institutions.

NCCs are focused on being the liaison between their institution, the region and the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).

It was this work with CAACURH that earned Adams a Silver Pin in February 2017.

The Silver Pin is awarded regionally to those who have provided leadership and direction to the many who convene at conferences.

She also was awarded the Distinguished Service of the Year honor in 2017, thanks to a nomination by the University’s RSA and NRHH.

“It means a lot to see that my impact is recognized, because I’m a person who likes to recognize others,” said Adams. “For people to want to continue to make an impact, it’s important to recognize them.”

Adams started on her path to leadership as a Girl Scout at her elementary school in Pennsylvania.

“Leadership from Girl Scouts allowed me to grow in to the leader that I wanted to be today in the residence halls,” Adams said. “In turn, being an RA [resident assistant] prepares you for everything.”

Now, Adams is being awarded an appreciation pin for her volunteer and troop work with the Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay.

When Adams arrived at UD three years ago, she didn’t want her connection with the Girl Scouts to end, so she and a friend, Nina Harmon, reached out to the Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay in Newark.

The two friends started a Daisy Scout troop locally – they’re now Brownies, and this is the second year in a row that the troop has sold cookies.

As a Girl Scout herself, Adams earned the Gold Award, which is equivalent to an Eagle Scout.

Adams serves on a committee that gives feedback to girls aspiring to earn their Gold Award to help them shape an idea into something they are passionate about.

Adams describes her commitments as a worthy challenge to find time to balance school work, her position as a RA and the troop:

“In Girl Scouts, I made friends, and it was also an opportunity to be a businesswoman, an entrepreneur and to make an impact through service.”

Today, she stores the cookies in her residence hall room to keep them on hand, and she’s known for having access to the various cookies sold in two regions.

In addition to the local troop, Adams also leads a Brownie troop for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania; they meet in the same elementary school where she had her meetings when she was in school.

“As an RA, specifically as an SEA [student engagement adviser], when I meet with the girls, I put on a program for them,” said Adams. “I think about everything: How can I incorporate an activity and recognition?”

“It makes perfect sense that Alex is a Girl Scout troop leader,” says Tierra Fields, complex coordinator, Residence Life and Housing. “Alex is an outstanding community builder in the residence halls. Her genuine care and concern for each student’s well-being is ever present, and I know that translates to her work with her troops.”

Recently, Adams also has been spending time in the classroom in preparation for her career in elementary education.

“This semester, as I learn to teach, I see the connection between residence life and my career,” Adams said. “It’s okay for students to not always be comfortable. They can grow from that. I see that with the residents in the hall. When they are a little bit uncomfortable, they can step outside of their comfort zone and grow and learn.”