Community Building Rotation 2: Reese Hall

Reese Hall hosted a community builder to promote alcohol and substance abuse awareness to residents just as they are heading home for the holidays.

There is always a push for these CBs prior to fall and spring break, but I really think it is genius to do something around this time as residents are preparing to head back home, going to reunite with friends they haven't seen in a while, etc. I don't know if that was the intent behind having this type of community builder now, but I think it's great!

The Reese RAs invited Office Roach out to the loft to talk about the effects that alcohol can have on your judgement, vision, motor skills, etc. RAs had set up Mario Kart, Water Pong, as well as Flip Cup for residents to try both unimpaired and impaired by the drunk goggles.

Things I learned:
I do not like root beer.
How to play Flip Cup.
That it is nearly impossible to grab the cup in flip cup with the goggles on (I knocked it across the room once).
Mario Kart + drunk goggles will make you sick.

Residents really enjoyed socializing, learning, attempting, and just overall interacting in this CB, and I am very proud of all the Reese RAs involved!

Great job, Reese!

Until next time,
Chelsea Oliver
WAGA

RA of the Month: November

The West Area Wolfpack is proud to have Tannen Smith representing us as the West Area RA of the Month for November!

Let's hear from his nominator, Amy Gardner:

"Every time I walk onto the Ground floor of Hess, I see residents mingling in the study lounge or playing video games. Tannen always has his door open to be available to the amazing community he has built on his floor. Community Builders are a frequent occurrence on the floor with a weekly academic initiative of “Study Group Sunday.” The floor comes together each week to work on homework and study for any upcoming exams they may have. Educational components are not forgotten with events like “Cookies and Credit Scores” to inform residents about credit and how important it is even if they are only freshman. 

Tannen creates a warm environment on the floor while remaining approachable and upbeat by having his door open. His residents absolutely adore him and love spending time with him. A few of his residents are applying to be RAs for the upcoming year. 

Not only is he an incredible RA, he is a devoted member of our RA team; always willing to help out with a project, spend time with others, and be a positive role model for the staff. We are so lucky to have him in Hess Hall."

Congratulations, Tannen, and keep up the great work!

Chelsea Oliver

WAGA

Community Building Rotation 2: South Carrick Hall

I had the privilege of experiencing a South Carrick tradition, the Art Auction!

For those of you who don't know, the Art Auction is a fundraising community builder held every year to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.

First, I was treated to a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by SCRA. This dinner was catered from Chandler's Deli, and featured turkey and all the fixins'.

After dinner, the RAs had set out paint supplies in the lobby. Residents could venture to the front desk for a canvas, and create their masterpiece! The only catch: the painting must be returned to the front desk upon completion.

I sat and painted for almost an hour, in the company of wonderful friends Sam McElfresh, Stephanie Powers, Heather Cox, and Laura Reasor, along with many South Carrick residents.

Below are a few pictures of the masterpieces on display in the South Carrick lobby! Get over there to get your biddin' on!

Great job, South Carrick!

Until next time,
Chelsea Oliver
WAGA