Courtesy of Janasia Hinkle
At Dean College, there are various ways to be involved on campus. Being a Community Advisor or for short, CA is one of the options for students to take part in. Below Janasia Hinkle gives information and advice to see what it takes to be a CA.
What is a CA?
I always like to describe a Community Advisor as the older brother or sister in the residence hall. Community Advisors are trained students who have knowledge of campus resources, events, and know how to handle conflicts that may arise in the building.
What made you want to be a CA?
I became a CA in the spring of my sophomore year because I was in a living situation where I wasn’t the happiest with myself and wanted to be more involved on campus. I was first offered an alternate position which I later accepted and only a few short weeks later was added on the team.
What’s your biggest takeaway about being a CA?
My biggest takeaway from the position is how your attitude can easily affect others around you. When I approach any situation big or small, the energy or attitude needs to be welcoming and assertive, so people understand that yes, I have a job to do, but I am mainly here for you and to make sure you love the place you live.
What skills have you acquired being a CA?
While being a Community Advisor, I have learned how to effectively handle conflict management, public, speaking, event planning and as the Head Upperclassman Community Advisor I have been able to receive experience overseeing the team of CAs in all upperclassman buildings.
Would you recommend students to apply to be a CA?
I would absolutely recommend any student to apply to be a CA! Student leaders make a great impact on are college experience and it’s important that we have them to look and reach out to. I also noticed some people may be afraid or uninterested because they wish for a change, but often times I feel like people forget that they can be the change to any position.
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