Introducing Jood's RA Experience
Welcome to my community
About My Experience
A Third Year RA
Throughout my time as an RA, I’ve had the great fortune to work on some truly inspiring projects, while meeting many influential and creative individuals along the way.
I believe that in working together, we can create a community amongst residents, desk staff, paraprofessional and professional staff alike.
I have often used the approach to priotitize connection before content while building community. However, I see myself aligning with the first principle, to lead with other, not "to" or "for" them, as I grow into my leadership position.
StrengthsQuest
My top 5 Strengths
1st
Learner
I love to learn. No matter the subject that interests me, I will always be drawn to the process of learning. The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what I've learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered—this is the process that entices me.
I thrive in dynamic work environments where I take on short project assignments and am expected to learn a lot about the new subject matter in a short period of
time and then move on to the next one. I do not necessarily seek to become the subject matter expert, which always inspired my love for systems engineering. The outcome of the learning is less
significant than the “getting there.”
2nd
Strategic
I am able to sort through the clutter and find the best route. It is not a skill that can be taught. It is a distinct way of thinking, a special perspective on the world at
large. I see patterns where others simply see complexity. I play out alternative scenarios, always asking, “What if this happened?
Guided by each path, I start to make selections. I discard the paths that lead nowhere, those that lead straight into resistance, and those that lead into a fog of confusion.
Armed with my strategy, I strike forward. “What if?”
Select. Strike.
3rd
Analytical
This challenges other people: “Prove it.
I do not necessarily want to destroy other people’s ideas, but I do insist that their theories be sound. I see myself as objective and dispassionate. I enjoy data because they are value free. Armed with
these data, I search for patterns and connections. I want to understand how certain patterns affect one another.
I peel the layers back until, gradually, the root cause or causes are revealed. Others see me as logical and rigorous.
4th
Input
I am inquisitive. I collect things, information—words, facts, books, and
quotations—or tangible objects. I collect it because it interests me. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity. I read to add more information to my archives. I travel
because each new location offers novel artifacts and facts. These can be acquired and then stored away. I
keep acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. It’s interesting. It keeps my mind fresh. And perhaps one day some of it will prove valuable.
5th
Individualization
I am intrigued by the unique qualities of each person.
I am impatient with generalizations or “types” because I don’t want to obscure what is special and distinct about each person. Instead, I focus on the differences between individuals.
I observe each person’s style, each person’s motivation, how each thinks, and how each builds relationships. I enjoy the one-of-a-kind stories in each person’s life.
I like to pick my friends just the right birthday gift, and why I know that
one person prefers praise in public and another detests it, and why I tailor my teaching style to accommodate one person’s need to be shown and another’s desire to “figure it out as I go.”
This also helps me build productive teams. While some search around for the perfect team “structure” or “process,” I know instinctively that the
secret to great teams is casting by individual strengths so that everyone can do a lot of what they do well.
The Influence
4/5 of the strengths are under Critical/Strategic Thinking while the fifth and final strength falls under Relationship Building. Individually, I have thought of my strengths as weaknesses for being an RA, but together they make me a much stronger candidate for the position. As depicted in the video below, each aspect of my work plays together with my strengths. When combined, they create a more powerful skill that allows me to bring a new perspective to any team.
A vibrant community is born when each individual is a responsible member and is able to fully express themselves. A place where everyone is able to utilize their strengths to grow their skills. Throughout this cite, I hope to have captured a glimpse into the community I've built. No essay, video, photo, or website can truly describe the environment as full emersion is necessary. I strive to have a community the welcomes each individual and cares for their needs. I hope to continue using a personalized approach in order to continue to advance this community.
"I strive to tear down the barriers between positions and shed a new light on the roles of the ResLife staff to residents. As with any leadership position, my main goal is to provide others with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed. I will serve as a resource more than an active participant as to let others grow and learn in their roles. Appreciation and validation are highly important aspects of any job and I wish to provide that for both staff and residents."