Fellow Readers,

Something that is really close to my heart is UCA. I have grown so much through the experiences and people I have met. One thing in particular that has really impacted me is the Residential College. I have lived in the Residential College for two years. I was not originally placed here (Short/Denney) last year but I got moved here after a crazy situation in the middle of the first semester. After making it through the rest of the year in Short/Denney I applied to be an advocate here, which I soon found out that I got accepted and would be here the following year (this year). If I would have stayed where I was I probably would have never experienced the Residential College life.

Then this year, I kind of spoke out expectations that I wanted to see happen and gave myself a goal. I have learned so much through this year from the people I have met all the way to the situations I have been in. Living in this community has really challenged me, strengthened me and gave me joy. I wouldn’t have traded any of my experiences for anything.

I have really grown so much through living in the Residential College its unreal almost. I have met so many different people and my mind has branched out so much. I always knew college would cause me to branch out but this year in particular I have branched out beyond measures. Living here has helped me find myself. I never really questioned who I was but this year really put a lot of different things in to place for me.

I will forever be thankful for the opportunity I have had to live here. I wouldn’t trade these past two years for anything in the world. It has put relationships to the test, priorities to the challenge and life questions to be answered and other questions to be raised.

This has by far been one of the best experiences of my life and had a huge and phenomenal impact on my life!

Over the course of my posts, I think I have definitely showed my bias in terms of building friendships and gaining life experiences… and I’m about to do it again.

After walking past the same people in the hallways, sharing the kitchen with the same regulars, and bumping into people in the lobby on a daily basis for about ten months, it’s hard not to pick up some social connections. As I’m typing this, the door to my room is open to the world of STARS and there are the random passersby that have camped out in my room for a hour or two, the people who chat for a bit before moving on, the pairs that sing show tunes at the top of their lungs, and those that pass silently. If you’re looking for a place to study, generally there are occupants in the classroom or in the study lounge that you can join. Need a person to eat with? Hang out in the lobby for five minutes and I can pretty much guarantee someone else is headed that way, too.

The connections you make aren’t even just cool for the purpose of having people to hang out with, this is my networking plug. You’re probably not really worried about networking at this point, but really… the people in STARS all have just as many connections in the world as you do. Your roommate is active in the Young Democrats, the guy down the hall is Student Government, the girl across the hallway works at a daycare down the road. There is an unlimited number of connections just doors down the hall from you. If you need a job, ask around, someone probably knows about an open position and can put in a word. Need to make a short film project for class? The guy you eat breakfast with is really good at working lights. There is an ocean of untapped potential that you have access to just by living here. I’m still really close to my friends from freshman year and probably will be for years down the road, and the only thing we had in common to start with was the building we lived in.

Photo courtesy of Blake Elermann, also of STARS.

Hello my dear viewers!

One of the biggest things aossociated with residential colleges is the social connections. The friendships that have been made throughout the school year have been worthwhile. I have been blown away this year by how well people have come together and made long lasting friendships. This environment has really come together and made a big family.

James Foote, Freshman and Theatre Major says this:

“The social connections in this Residential hall is very well-rounded. The people are friendly, open-minded, and are very involved in the social events.”

Advocates and RA’s came together at the beginning of the school year with the same mindset and goal. We made sure our faces were seen often in the lobby so students will know us and will trust us. We set out on this long adventure and because of that I personally have made a lot of long lasting friendships as well as others in the dorm.