Name: Lyndsay Raymond
Hometown: Tonawanda, NY
Major/Minor: Communication Design, also in the Honors Program
Quote to live by: “Life BEGINS at the END of your comfort zone.”
HC Buffalo State: What organizations are you involved in on-campus and what are your positions?
Lyndsay: I am a Senior Resident Assistant at Neumann Hall, an Orientation Leader, a Residence Hall Judicial Board student justice, a COMPASS program mentor, a NIA mentor, a Student Booster Club member, the RA street team, Director of first ever campus Junior RA program, and a Graphic Design Intern for Instructional Resources
HC Buffalo State: Out of everything you do, which one is your favorite?
Lyndsay: It really is so hard to choose because I have been involved with a lot of these organizations for quite some time. But I would have to say; being an RA has been a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience for me. I really love interacting and working with students. To see them grow from the beginning to the end of the year is such a privilege, and to know that I may have had a part in that is the most rewarding. The position also challenges my leadership capabilities. Throwing programs, making bulletin boards, and in general trying to build community in the halls is what makes the job fun. But it’s also the hard work that really motivates me. As an RA, you play the role of mentor, friend, parent, police, teacher, role model, etc. It has strengthen who I am as a leader and helped me to grow as a student as well. In 2012 I began my career at Buffalo State. I was a commuter my freshmen and sophomore year. Never having lived on campus, I became a First Year Mentor (FYM) in Neumann Hall my junior year. This really was a turning point in not only my college experience, but in my life. I was exposed to so many new opportunities and also cultures/backgrounds. I love getting to know more about other people’s backgrounds and getting to know student’s stories. They think it’s funny when I actually learn something new, like learning how to Hit the Quan. But in all seriousness, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything in the world because there is no other job quite like it. I’m fortunate everyday.
HC Buffalo State: What have you learned from being apart of these organizations?
Lyndsay: From being a part of these organizations I have really learned the value of teamwork, leadership, and making connections. For a lot of the positions, like orientation leader, RA, and being a NIA mentor, these roles put us at the front lines of interacting with students. Our jobs become so much more important because we are the bridge between their high school and college experience. No pressure. These jobs require me to not only help students succeed, but to also show them why and how much I love Buffalo State. The most important thing I’ve learned is that you have to love what you do. I get such a strong sense of that on this campus community. But if you don’t genuinely love what you do, the negative energy can transfer over. So I always try and keep a positive attitude. Students may joke and can be witness to me being loud and enthusiastic and calling everyone “sunshine,” but the fact that they can remember that…I know I’m doing something right. Making those small connections is so, so important. I’ve learned that one small act can make all the difference. “Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” John Maxwell says. I would be lying if I said that making an impact was only one way. My residents, my mentees, and orientation students have all left a place in my heart. Because the lessons I learn from them, their stories, there’s no way to put a value on that.
HC Buffalo State: What advice would you give to current/incoming students?
Lyndsay:
Dearest Bengals,
This is your time to shine. My best advice is to get involved. There is so much to do on this campus that I truly believe there is a home for everyone. Commuter, resident, part-time, non-traditional, etc. We want you to be apart of the family. And as cliché as it sounds, don’t be afraid to be yourself. Coming to college is a lot like being in kindergarten again on the playground. This is your chance to continue writing your story. You can be who you want to be. All the support you need is here.
Be open for new experiences. Maybe there’s a club you’ve been thinking about, or someone you want to be friends with. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others and enjoy new opportunities.
More than being involved stay focused and organized. Another piece of advice would be to make strong connections with your advisors. They are going to be the ones to help you where you need to go…and graduate on time. It’s okay to not know what you want to do, explore your options. Advisors help you with classes yes, but when they get to know who you are, they can offer so many opportunities that you wouldn’t even know about. Have some sort of plan of what you are going to do over the next four years, and create goals.
I can honestly say Buffalo State was the perfect choice for me. Give us the chance to prove that you made the right choice for you. Best of luck and Go Bengals.
Sincerely,
Lyndsay Raymond
SRA of Bang Bang Neumann Gang