Catherine Monaco '12

Name:Catherine Monaco
Class Year:2012
Major:American Studies
Minor:Communications
I wish you could graduate with an undeclared major.
  
Hometown: Westport, CT
Clubs and Organizations:Resident Assistant, Social Justice Chair of ECCO, Student Leader ASB-West Virginia, Front Desk worker.
 
Career Ambitions: Possibly something in College Student Affairs or working at a Smithsonian Museum.
  
What is your favorite part of being an RA?
 
The best part of being an RA is when you see a positive change in someone. I work with freshmen so I see them in September nervous and apprehensive and then I see what they are like in May. Whether they became a student leader on campus or they figured out their major or they just became a more open person, they grew up. You get a bond with your residents that is based on a mutual respect and trust of each other. 
 
What is the hardest part of being an RA?
 
The hardest part is not being able to fix all the problems that someone is having. A lot of people confide in their RAs so it is definitely tough when you can't solve all their problems. 
 
How are you able to maintain your grades, a social life, a job, RA, and being so active on campus?
 
Sometimes it feels like there is not enough time in the day to do everything, but once I prioritize what needs to get done it usually does. It is nice to be part of a lot of activities because if school is really stressing me out I know I can go to an ECCO meeting and not have to think about my History paper. Getting off campus for a bit to de-stress is always a good option.
 
Do you have any advice for people who want to become an RA in the future?
 
Get a planner, always have a charged cell phone, keep up your grades, make sure you have good friends, and always remember the tough times in college that you had, that helped you get to where you are.
 
You do so much; can you offer any advice on time management?
 
Prioritize and set aside time for yourself.
 
Can you explain the award you received at Parents Weekend this year?
 
It is called a Campus Life award. I was honored to be apart of a group of such awesome people.  I am really happy that my mom was there to see me receive an award. I had a rocky start at EC, so it was nice that I could share this moment with her.
 
What is your favorite on campus event?
 
My favorite on campus event is probably Moonlight Breakfast. It is always nice to get some breakfast served by the Emmanuel staff members and plus I love CASE t-shirts and dancing which is a good thing since the rule is if you dance, they give you a shirt. Its always a good time at Moonlight Breakfast.
 
What is your fondest memory so far of your last few years at EC?
 
There have been so many good times and a couple of bad times that it is hard to keep track. For right now it is my freshmen year floor. There was a bond that could not be broken. Everyone looked out for each other and was so much fun. The friendships that I made on that floor are still there. We all know each other so well that we couldn’t just forget about each other. They know me better than most people and I am so happy that I got to spend my freshmen year on that floor.
 
Finish these sentences:
 
In my free time I like to...walk around Boston without a specific destination
 
My favorite things to do in Boston include...going to Red Sox games and finding cool coffee shops.
 
My favorite place in Boston is...the Boston Common. Anytime I need a break from life, I go there. Maybe if I make it big one day I can have my own park.
 
When I’m need a pick me up, I...text my brother who makes me laugh or talk it out with my best friend
 
My favorite class this semester is...General Psych. This class blows my mind. My professor is really great and the material we are learning is quite interesting. I heard good things about it, so I decided to take it and it is was such a good choice.
 
Before I graduate, I want to...visit Cape Cod, I've never been!
 
In 10 years, I...hope to be happy at whatever I am doing and living simply.