Julia Valez

What made you want to be a #49erRA and how has the role prepared you for life after college?

Being a 49er RA is one of the greatest experiences you could have as a college student. Living where you work has so many benefits, including making life-long friends with your co-RAs. You also get to connect with your building and meet someone new every time you turn the corner. Being an RA will teach you many valuable life skills that you can take after graduation into your professional career. I have learned to manage my time more efficiently and mediate between situations to find the best solutions.

How do you manage your academics with your job?

Living on campus makes it much easier for me to stay focused on my academic life. After being a commuter for my first 2 years of college, I have felt more goal-oriented since moving onto campus. I always remind myself that I am a student first, and my grades will always be my top priority. Balancing that with this job can be a struggle at times, but practicing good time management skills will help set you on the right path to success.

Why do you recommend living on campus to other students?

I would recommend living on campus to anyone and everyone because of how much exposure you get to new people and activities. Since moving onto campus, there have been a multitude of things I never would have gotten to experience if I still lived at home. This includes late-night runs to Wendy's, talking with my friends for hours in the dining halls, and having a lot more time during the week to hit the gym.

What have you learned about yourself and others since starting the RA position?

I have learned that I love tackling things head-on, no matter what the situation is. I am also a very efficient person, meaning I like to get things done almost immediately. I learned that I love working in a fast-paced environment, but noticed that not everyone feels the same. With my other co-RAs, I have learned to be patient and work with them so that I'm not speeding ahead. This has helped a lot during team building and getting to know each other because now we work in perfect harmony!