Hometown: Seneca, SC
Major/Minor: English, with an emphasis on Works & Publication Studies
Year: Junior
Other Organization Involvement: Resident Assistant, Calhoun Honors College, Historian for Clemson Model United Nation, PR Director for the Clemson International Relation Association, Work Study in the Plants & Environment Sciences Department, Member of Pi Beta Phi, Senator for CUSG
Favorite Clemson Tradition: Singing the Alma Mater with Tiger Band after a win
How would you describe your freshman year?
First off, I was homeschooled up until my junior year of high school. I was extremely sheltered, so freshman year of college was a crazy experience for me. The actual course load and time management schedule wasn’t too bad; what was hard for me was not having friends right away. It didn’t help that both my roommate and suitemates were sophomores, and they already had their group of friends. I ended up making a lot of friends that first year, and I enjoyed meeting so many new people. I knew that I had made a good choice in coming to Clemson.
What was your biggest takeaway/lesson from that year?
I had a lot of takeaways from my freshman year. Most importantly, I gained independence from family and friends. I learned that I could be sufficient and that I could be my own best friend. In college, you get pulled in lots of different directions. At any given moment, there are always a ton of things to do, but you can’t do everything you want. I had to learn to judge and decide for myself when to say no.
How long have you been a RA & what dorms have you been in?
This is my second year as an RA. I lived in Holmes during my sophomore year, and I’m in Core Campus this year. While Core Campus was being built, I lived in Clemson House, but that was before the semester officially started.
Why did you choose to become a RA?
I had a Pinterest board before I came to college about RA stuff. It had ideas for bulletin boards and door decs. The artsy aspect is initially what drew me to being a RA. Then, I learned about the supportive aspects of guiding new and continuing students through their first experiences at Clemson. I love the opportunity to be there for them because I remember how hard it can be.
What does being a RA entail?
Most people’s interactions with their resistant assistants are shaped by how the RA reaches out to them. As RAs, we throw floor events, attend meetings, get to know our resident, clock desk hours, and sometimes (sadly) write people up. However, we also work behind the scenes, and there are many late nights spent prepping events, boards, etc. as a RA.
What has been your favorite part about becoming a RA?
I love how it has given me opportunity to interact with and impact the lives of so many people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’m able to impact my residents in structured and positive ways. I learned a lot about how to support a diverse community of people. It has allowed me to approach situations differently and to grow in my own life. I love the relational aspect about being a RA and the interactions I get to have with my residents.
How has this job impacted your time at Clemson?
Being a RA has forced me to be more mindful of where I am spending my time. I acknowledge that I am a role model and that I must behave as such. It’s enlightening to see Clemson from so many points of view and to recognize the needs of our community. I love being able to help students transition into the Clemson Family. It has really opened my eyes to how one’s background impacts their college and life experiences. These are lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life.
Between classes, honors, student government, and a sorority, how do you manage to get everything done?
I don’t. But, seriously, I have learned to focus my energy on prioritization. I have learned to accomplish what needs to be done and to recognize when something can be delayed until later. For instance, I don’t have to hang out with my friends every night. I have also learned to practice self-care in college. This can mean taking a mental health day when I need one. I’m fortunate to have met professors at Clemson who understand and support that.
What is your biggest piece of advice for your residents?
My biggest advice would be to practice structured reflection. You must learn to recognize your own needs, wants, and desires if you want to go through life knowing you are truly doing the best you can. It also helps with minimizing regrets in the future if you understand what you want now. In my case, I’m spending my time investing in friend relationships and building memories with people. With that being said, I would also advise residents to learn to say “no” and to know that it’s okay to not do everything. Knowing what you want do and being able to tell the difference between that and what you think other people want you to do is critical too.
Follow Monica on Instagram @mrozwoman