Kayla Makosiej (far left), with Ally Sievers, her residence director; and Kristen Bacher (near right), with Fatihath Assani, her residence director.
So impressive were the nominees that the Residence Life Student Recognition Committee selected two students, Kristen Bacher and Kayla Makosiej, as Resident Assistants of the Month for March.
Ms. Bacher, a sophomore majoring in Adolescence Education: Spanish, from Hamburg, has been an RA at Nixon Hall for three semesters. “All of Kristen’s programs and flyers are very well thought out. She puts a lot of effort into them and her main goal remains to build a community and make her residents feel safe and comfortable,” said Residence Director Fatihath Assani, who nominated Bacher for the award.
“She goes above and beyond with everything she does and goes out of her way to connect with residents,” Ms. Assani added.
As the only returning RA on Assani’s staff from last year, Bacher has assumed a leadership role and become the go-to person for the staff and residents. The positive influence she’s had on residents is reflected on the number of them who have applied for an RA position.
"My favorite part about being an RA is the constant opportunity to grow as a person,” Bacher said. “This job has taught me an incredible amount of lessons and skills that I couldn't have learned anywhere else, and I am a better, more well-rounded person because of it!"
Ms. Makosiej, a junior majoring in Early Childhood-Childhood Education, with a concentration in English, from Long Island, has been an RA at McGinnies Hall for four semesters. She was nominated by Ally Sievers, her residence director.
Makosiej is described by Ms. Sievers as being creative, connected and skilled in the programs that she plans. “She also embodies being responsible, skilled, connected and creative in the interactions she has both with residents and fellow staff members, and in the way she holds herself in this position. She continues to push herself in order to grow and develop in all of these areas as well,” Sievers said.
Makosiej is a positive presence in the building and on the staff, Sievers added. “Residents have commented on the comfortability they have in approaching her because of this, which is something that makes me proud to see,” Sievers said.
“Kayla is always stepping up in every aspect of the position,” Ms. Sievers said. “She is already planning additional programs for the semester based on interests of the residents of the building. She also shows empathy and compassion in so many interactions with residents that I have seen, and is able to take steps to guide and help students when they need.”
Makosiej excels in following up with residents, communicates well with her supervisor and is exceptionally creative, especially when it comes to programs and bulletin boards. They are inviting, engaging and educational for residents.
Additionally, Makosiej assists fellow staff members, functions as a great leader and serves as a great role model, Sievers said. “She is a great part of this team and continues to go out of her way to make sure she is doing what she needs to and more to make this hall and the staff run as smoothly as possible, Sievers said.
Makosiej has shown considerable growth and development during the last few semesters, Sievers added.
"My favorite part about being an RA is being able to both build connections with and support residents,” Makosiej said. “As an RA, I'm able to help support residents on their bad days while also celebrating and enjoying their good days."
