This week we’re highlighting the third floor RA for Winning Hall, Jaclyn Clark. She is a first-year RA from Lancaster studying social work. Jaclyn wanted to be an RA to be more involved with campus life, and from doing nightly room checks, planning worships and working the front desk, she has done just that. Her caring, helpful, and nurturing personality is what makes her the right person for the job.
Why did you want to become a RA?
I wanted to become an RA to be more involved this school year but also be like an “older sister” to the girls on my floor and help out in any way, shape, or form.
What values have you learned by being a PUC RA?
I would say, so far, I’ve learned to be respectful and understanding, especially when different situations arise, but also to reflect Christ’s character in everything I do.
How do you balance school and being a RA?
I would say that how I balance both school and being an RA would be: time management. Having time management has helped me so much, in the sense of me staying on my assignments and getting them done on time while being to work shifts when I need to and having free time afterward.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
For the most part, it hasn’t been too difficult, but there are times when I doubt myself and wonder if I can do it, but I just try and think positive as much as I can and of course, be there for others as well. The enjoyment of being an RA is being able to interact with the girls on my floor and just ask them: “how they’re doing” and see how their week is going in general.
How do you incorporate spiritual life with your residents?
By asking them if they have prayer requests and inviting them to either dorm/hall worship. A cool thing we did for the 3rd Floor was add a prayer wall, so if the girls have prayer requests, they can add it on there and pray for the other girls on the floor as well.
How do you build a community in your hall and with other residents?
By building relationships with them and just by getting to know them on different types of levels and continuing to learn each time.
What is your favorite thing about being a part of the PUC family?
That it feels like another “home away from home”, and you definitely get a sense of community here at the campus.
What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a RA?
That they should definitely do it if they want to be more involved with campus life, but it also gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of cool people as you go through the process!
What are you looking forward to this year?
I’m looking forward to “learning as I go” this school year while being an RA, and making new memories with my friends.