Meet Aleena Hashmi!
Aleena was one of the first people I met when I arrived the University of Iowa; she was my Resident Assistant my freshman year. She popped her head into my tiny room in Quad while I was moving in, said a quick “hi” and quickly struck up a conversation with my mom. Since then, I have continuously been impressed by her ability to talk and relate to anyone, as well as her leadership, lightheartedness, authenticity, ability to time manage, taste in music, amazing sense of style,and the fact that she’s always in the know. I could go on and on about this girl… get to know her here!
Name: Aleena Hashmi
Year in School: Junior
Major(s) and why you chose it: Journalism with a French minor. I love writing, expanding my knowledge base of languages, and learning about the world in general. I felt like Journalism would allow me to pursue career paths that incorporate all of those!
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Is there anything you miss about home?
My family for sure. And the beach, the weather and the never-ending supply of things to do!
Why did you choose to attend the University of Iowa?
I get this question pretty much every day! When I was starting college, I wanted to major in pharmacy. I’d based my college applications on top pharmacy programs in the country, so I applied to a lot of Big 10 schools. I visited Iowa’s campus and fell in love with it. I felt like I’d be getting the true “Big 10 college experience” at a beautiful campus with some amazing academic programs, so it was a win-win. Even though I ended up changing my major, I was really happy with my choice of where to go for school.
What made you want to be a Resident Assistant?
There were a few reasons I really wanted to become an RA. The nerdiest and most honest of them all is that I’ve always been super responsible and a perpetual rule-follower. As a first-year student, the RA’s were my role models, and I really wanted to be looked up to like they were.
Secondly, being far from home I wanted to find a job and community in which I could make friends with my staff, meaningful bonds with my residents and have tons of valuable work experience. I knew I would learn how to deal with various situations and better my people skills, but I never anticipated I would love being an RA as much as I did, so I stuck with it!
And thirdly, it was a great way to earn and save money, so that was an added bonus.
What is it like to be a Resident Assistant? What are your favorite and least favorite parts?
Being an RA encompasses so many roles that many don’t realize! I usually describe it to people as: I’m a friend, campus resource, policy-enforcer, event planner, mentor, shoulder to cry on and floor mom. Generally, an RA is “on call” (meaning being in the residence hall for 24 hours with a special “on call” phone) for a certain number of days out of the week, while the rest of the week involves events, meetings, managerial stuff, etc.
My absolute favorite part is definitely getting to know my residents. I learn so much from them—they’re the best part of my job. I’ve also gotten to experience some incredible events and activities through being an RA (like going to a trampoline park, seeing plays and SO much free food). I also thoroughly enjoy being a know-it-all about stuff happening on campus, what to do in situations. My least favorite part has to be move-out day at the end of the year. Mostly because all the residents leave, and it’s very sad, but also because closing the building is a lot of work, and I have to say goodbye to my staff that I’ve worked with all year.
As an upperclassman, what tips do you have for underclassmen?
- Go to class!!! I can’t stress how important that one is.
- Try your best to get enough sleep every night, it makes everything better.
- You may change your major, you may not always be sure of what you’re doing or where you’re going, and that’s okay.
- Always stay open-minded. College will introduce you to new opportunities, and it’s essential to broaden your horizons.
- Listen to your RA, they have infinite wisdom ;)
- Cramming is NOT the way. Study smart, not hard.
- Always bring a jacket. Always.
What has been your favorite part about college and why?
I’ve gotten to meet some of the most amazing, intelligent, inspiring and wonderful people I’ve ever known, which has definitely been my favorite part. From my residents, my closest friends, my boyfriend and my coworkers, I’ve been surrounded by supportive and loving individuals that I wouldn’t have met otherwise! I’ve also gotten to live in the snow for the first time in my life, so that’s pretty awesome.
Okay now the important stuff…. Java House or Starbucks?
I hate to say, I do love Starbucks. A lot. But a hobby of mine is finding really good local coffee shops and going to those instead.
Chipotle or Pancheros?
Ahhhh! Neither! Real Mexican food!
Last thing you binge watched on Netflix?
“House of Cards” and “Making a Murderer.”
Favorite song/artist/genre of music?
I’m a fan of indie-rock and alternative music. I can never pick a favorite song, I feel like I’m cheating on all the other great ones!
Do you have any plans for after college?
I’m currently studying for the LSAT and taking it in June. Fingers crossed that goes well, and I’ll be headed to Law School after graduation! Ultimately I’d like to move back to LA and practice my career there and live with a bunch of cats and dogs.
Best of luck to Aleena as she pursues her pursues all her goals and dreams!