Name: Alissa Rashid
Hometown: Neenah, WI
Major: Cognitive Studies
Minor: Psychology
What are you involved in around campus?
Currently, I’m the Head Resident of East House on the Commons, a co-site leader for ASB, a member of UKIRK Ministries Nashville, and a research assistant in the Early Development Lab. I’m also a member of Zeta Tau Alpha.
What made you apply to be an RA after freshman year, and why did you apply to be HR?
I had a really interesting, but wonderful first year at Vanderbilt. I wanted the chance to help create the positive experience I had for future first years. You grow so much your first year here and you are faced with challenges you never imagined. I’m a people person, I knew I loved the Commons, and I knew it was a competitive process which was a challenge I welcomed. The Commons is so lively and really helps create a community that is a key part of the first year experience. I applied to be an HR because of the incredible mentorship I experienced as an RA. I still don’t know how I got so lucky to have hands down the best floor of 26 girls to ever exist on the Commons last year, but my residents made being an RA not just a job for me, but I learned so much from them last year. Ryan McKenney was my HR last year and so I was lucky enough to work with the best HR on Commons. My faculty head of house and I also had a great relationship as well as the other RAs on our staff. I wanted to take on a new challenge in a new house with a new team and have more freedom to execute my vision for community within a Commons house.
What is your favorite thing about being an RA/HR?
My favorite thing about being RA I also get to experience as an HR. I love getting to see my residents grow throughout their year and building the relationships with them. Every relationship I have with a resident is unique because every resident has different needs. I also just love the community we have created in East House and I miss them when I have to leave. Essentially, I just really love my job and I love Commons.
What is your favorite thing about Vanderbilt?
The people. The people I have met at Vanderbilt are not only the brightest people I have ever met, but they challenge me. They have opened my eyes and have made me a better person. They also make me laugh a lot and laughter is a sign of pure joy that reminds me choosing Vanderbilt was the best decision I’ve ever made. I love the size of Vanderbilt because when I walk from Commons to main, I see so many lovely faces of people I get to call my friends. Vanderbilt people are not normal people and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve never felt more at home than I do here. Vanderbilt people are my kind of people.
What grown-up life plans do you have?
I’m currently in denial that I’m a second-semester junior. I think never leaving the Commons definitely adds to the denial, but I’m working on those grown-up life plans. I’ve changed my mind nearly every semester, but I have a general idea now. I love learning and I love children. I know I want to continue my education, but I’m still figuring out the details. Based on my research experience, I’m beginning to look into pursuing a Ph.D and researching children’s concepts of religion. It sounds really cool and I get pretty excited when someone listens to me ramble about it, but nothing is set in stone.