Resident assistant
Hi I'm Yazed, but you can call me 'Z'
I am currently a Finance major at Penn State Harrisburg. I am a lowkey person who values meaningful connections and a balanced lifestyle. I’m a big 'chill' person. I enjoy hanging out with friends, traveling during breaks to see new places, and trying new food. I view my living space as a sanctuary, and I’m always happy to help others create a comfortable home for themselves as well.
The Role
What is an RA?
To me, a Resident Assistant is much more than someone who enforces rules. An RA is a community builder who turns a residence hall into a home. I want residents to know they matter and that people care about them being here. I hope my residents gain a support network that helps them belong, which is key to staying in college and succeeding.
The Framework
Student Development Theory
Learning theories gives me a map to understand students. Here is how I will apply them in my community.
Sanford’s Theory: Sanford’s Theory helps me find the right balance for residents. If a resident struggles with a class, I can support them by suggesting tutoring at the Learning Center while still encouraging them to keep trying.
Astin’s Involvement Theory: I’ll use Astin’s Involvement Theory to host events like trying new foods to get students involved on campus.
Schlossberg’s Transition Theory: For day-to-day work, Schlossberg’s 4 S's are a perfect tool for checking in on students. I will walk through the 4 S's in my head. I'll look at their Situation, check their Self, and review their Support. Then, we can figure out actual Strategies to manage stress, instead of just telling them it will be okay.
Strengths & Skills
How I Lead
My Top 5 CliftonStrengths, especially Responsibility and Arranger, have been a big part of my life since I was a kid. Responsibility isn’t just a trait. It feels like a promise I make to the people who count on me. My Arranger strength also plays a big role. I like putting things in order and finding better ways to organize my time, my tasks, and even other people. My Includer strength often shows up as a “host” or “parental” energy.
Transferable Skills I Will Gain
As I’m getting closer to starting this RA journey, I’ve been thinking a lot about what comes after. Here is a look at the skills I’m hoping to improve.
Professional Communication: Learning how to talk to all different kinds of people is going to be huge when I’m eventually dealing with clients or corporate teams.
Conflict Resolution: If I can handle a 2:00 AM roommate argument, I can definitely handle a workplace disagreement.
Time Management: Balancing duty shifts, programming activities, and a Finance degree is going to force me to be elite at managing my schedule.
The Toolkit
Campus Resources
Navigating a huge school like PSU is easier when you know who to call. Here are five spots I’ll definitely be pointing my residents toward.
The Learning Center
This is the go-to spot if you're struggling with a class. They offer tutoring and writing help to keep your grades where they need to be. (harrisburg.psu.edu/learning-center)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
College is stressful, and CAPS is there to help you talk through it. (harrisburg.psu.edu/counseling-services)
Student Care & Advocacy
If you're facing a major life crisis, these are the people who help you figure out your next steps so you don't have to handle it alone. (studentaffairs.psu.edu/studentcare)
Career Services
They help with everything from fixing up your resume to practicing for interviews and finding internships. (harrisburg.psu.edu/career-services)
Residence Life
This is essentially the home base for living on campus. They handle the big-picture stuff regarding your living situation and help make sure the residence halls are a positive place to be. (studentaffairs.psu.edu/residence-education)
The Heart
Community & Programs
Community Builders are important because they keep students from feeling alone or disconnected. It’s about creating a space where people actually feel like they belong.Early in the semester, I will host a program where people share the story of where they came from. It won't be forced, just an open space to talk and eat together. Later in the year, I can run a program focused on study habits and academic planning.
Reach Out
Yazed Bajeel 'Z'
If you want to chat, click the button below to reach out, or check out my website at z.bajeel.com. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and building a great community together this year.