Ricardo is a senior at Stony Brook double majoring in English and Health Science. He enjoys playing handball and “parkouring” (where a person tries to get from point a to point b as quickly and efficiently as possible, basically running and jumping over things).
So what made you decide to come to Stony Brook?
I originally wanted to go to Rutgers but my mom didn’t feel that the school’s area was safe, plus it cost a lot to go there. Then I visited Stony Brook and learned about its great reputation and found out that it was not as expensive. It was far enough from home that I could feel independent, but close enough that I could go home if I ever needed to.
What activities do you participate in at Stony Brook?
I am part of intervarsity, a Christian club on campus, and I recently played Humans vs. Zombies. You have no idea how much cardio you do while playing Humans vs. Zombies; it is intense! And it’s so strange to walk out of buildings now and not look around for zombies! The paranoia [you get when playing the game] can wear you down!
You are a RA, too. Do you have any fond memories about that experience?
I remember near the end of my first semester as a RA last spring, I was talking to my RHD when a resident came into the office before leaving for the summer to thank me for helping her with lockouts and answering questions. [That gesture] made me feel really good because it was only my first semester being a RA and I honestly didn’t think I did that great of a job. Now, as a RA in Kelly, I chill in my suite at night with my door open and say, “Hi” to all the residents just to let them know that I am always there for them.
How has being actively involved on campus shaped you as a person?
Working as a RA and being involved in other things has helped me to network on a more professional level. Being involved also helped [to bring out my inner] social butterfly and I saw an enhancement in my people skills.
Metaphorically speaking, what would you be if you could be anything in the world?
I see myself as the wheels of a car. You never really notice them unless something goes wrong. The wheels take on a lot; they carry the weight of the car and make sure that it is always on the move. If the wheels are not functioning–and it doesn’t matter how new your engine is–then the car is not going to go anywhere.