Everyone was very excited for the first Resident Halls ever built in QC. There were over 100 volunteers on opening day of August 26^th. They were all very happy to help all the new residents move in. We had volunteers lined up on each side of the Summit to help any of the residents with their luggage. The RAs were all assigned to different task for the move-in. RA Miranda dealt with situations that would occur if the residents had any complaints of the new rooms.  6 RAs were assigned to give out room and mail keys, and fobs. 2 RAs were the greeters and 1 Ra worked in the office. I was outside greeting the volunteers and lending dollies and carts.

It was a great way to start off the new semester. Just 2 days before the fall semester and there were already over 400 students in QC. All the residents and RAs received discount cards from Dunkin Donuts and a 10% discount from Gino’s. I was very happy to have a place to live independently but I also need some extra income and possibly a slight discount on my books. So, I signed up for the bookstore rush and worked for EFollet for a month.

During the fall semester of 2009, I had to manage a part-time job, RA duty, and school work all at the same time. While I worked at the bookstore, I did everything from helping students find their books, stocking up the aisles, door security and bag check. I must say, I felt that bag check was the hardest since during the rush, students come nonstop checking in or taking their bags back. I felt like I was running around in a small maze of assorted bags and shelves that were used to place the bags on. The worst was when students came with the books that they bought because we had to try to fit those bags and their personal belongings in a shelf.

My job at the bookstore was only temporary so I was looking around for another job. There was an opening for front desk in the Summit. I debated for a while if I should apply for this job since I felt that I might be working myself to the bone. I concluded that I shouldn’t have another job after the bookstore because I need more time to study and time to be there for the residents.

After the move in we were congratulated by the Summit staff and VP Dr. Joe Bertolino for the successful move in. Dr. Joe gave each of the RAs a gift basket full of snacks that we might need if we don’t know how to cook.

One of the best reasons to be a RA is that you can make great lasting friendships. I’ve met great people, including 15 KUSCO students, which were at the Summit through a Korean program. They were all very friendly and very enthusiastic of this new city. Most of the Korean students have only heard of New York. Some of them were kind enough to teach me a few words of their language. Within the first 2 weeks of the Summit opening, we all went out shopping and had pot luck.