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"Specifically in this department, I like that my academics come first and the department understands that and allows me to take time off when I really need to gather myself after cranking out three or four papers in one week. I also enjoy that there is a union. I feel supported that there is a group looking out for my best interest as a graduate assistant." Brandi Douglas "This position allows me to finance my studies, gain valuable teaching, managing, and professional experience while at the same time meeting and networking with motivated students, graduate students, and professionals." Paul St John Frisoli "Being a graduate assistant at UMass Amherst has opened up numerous opportunities for me. Aside from obtaining experience in a professional environment, the work I do applies directly to my graduate program in Higher Education. The community I've found through my assistantship is amazing, I feel as though I have found both mentors and friends." Allegra Lanzara "As a former high school teacher, I appreciate the opportunity to continue my work with students and help them grow and develop as change agents in a world with a dire need for change." Cara (CC) Nance "I enjoy being a graduate assistant at UMass Amherst because they are really committed to the fact that I am a student first. While I have my job responsibilities in my assigned hours during the week, I never feel as though my job comes before my academic commitments. Most importantly, I enjoy my interactions with colleagues, who are an amazing community of people." Dennis Scott "The best part of being a Graduate Assistant is having the opportunity to mentor students and help them develop into productive and successful members of the community. The student development aspect of the Assistant ship is very rewarding." Cornelius Taabazuing "Being a grad assistant at UMass has enabled me to positively challenge my leadership skills and my ability to balance my priorities. The position has opened doors for me to experience opportunities like advising, serving on committees, and the ability to grow professionally." Victoria Verlezza
What is the best thing about living in Amherst and/or Western Massachusetts? "Everything in Amherst is so convenient - all the stores you could possibly need are within a 5 minute drive and there are lots of great restaurants and places to shop in Amherst Center and in Northampton." Chrissy Breed "The new experience - I have never been to New England before... And I have such an enjoyable time hearing the different accents, seeing the fall foliage, hiking the many mountains, eating my way through the numerous 'mom and pop' restaurants, and adventuring to all of the unique hamlets hidden around each curve in the road." Jake Clemen "Western Massachusetts is a great area that has a community-type feeling with great accessibility to nature. There is always something to explore here yet it is extremely accessible to major cities and attractions." Andrea Dre Domingue "I was never really an "outdoors" person, but coming to Western Massachusetts and being surrounded by all this nature brought it out of me. I love that I can go run through a corn maze in September and apple picking in October. I also love watching the leaves change and create a great fall scenery of red, orange and yellow." Brandi Douglas "Western Massachusetts offers an amazing environment in order to discover nature, art, culture, music, as well as get connected to a variety of professional and personal resources found throughout UMass and the other four colleges in the area. I live here, as well, because it is a place where my partner and I are accepted and supported." Paul St John Frisoli "The feel of Amherst is very cozy. I love all of the little shops and restaurants, and there's always something to do around town." Allegra Lanzara "Being from Chicago, it's nice to see some variation in land, rather than all flat. In addition to the scenery, it's great to (when time allows) see east coast cities....only a few hours away! In Illinois, if you drive for three hours, you're still in Illinois. Here, you may have driven through 3 different states in 3 hours! Amazing!" Cara (CC) Nance "Amherst and Western Massachusetts is an area with a rich culture that would not be expected in a rural setting. Growing up outside of Boston, I could never imagine that Western Massachusetts could have as many things to do: I'm honestly never bored and there is a great community of people in Residence Life at UMass that you are able to share it with." Dennis Scott "For me the best thing about living in Amherst is the Fall season, when all the trees start turning colors and Mother Nature becomes the canvas and the artist simultaneously. It's a wonderful sight to behold and it fills me with an eerie calmness that no other season does. " Cornelius Taabazuing "I have always loved Western Massachusetts. My undergraduate university was in Worcester, MA and Amherst is very different in all the right ways. I love having Amherst Center so close by and all the amenities I need within a mile. Amherst is only an hour from Hartford, CT and a little less than two hours from Boston. Our location allows for journeys in the surrounding areas. Being in Western MA gives us the ability to find walking/hiking trails, stores, historic towns, fairs, etc. One is never at a loss for something to do living in Amherst. " Victoria Verlezza
What is the best thing about working with students? "They're so enthusiastic! They come up with great ideas for programs and are really motivated to make positive contributions to their cluster and campus community." Chrissy Breed "Having the opportunity to connect with them about issues - both happy and sad - that they are dealing with in their lives. Getting to meet so many wild and wonderful characters that keep me on my toes, not knowing who is going to walk through my office door next, is immensely rewarding." Jake Clemen "I really find the energy and efforts of students to be contagious and inspiring! There is always new learning and innovative ideas that share with me and I am constantly motivate me to do the same in my work." Andrea Dre Domingue "I love the feeling of trust when a student comes to me to talk when my door is open. It's a nice feeling to be needed in that moment." Brandi Douglas "Students have fresh insights and energy to starting projects, which is one reason why I love working with them. It's also a great experience to help guide students through the process of starting a project from the ground up!" Paul St John Frisoli "The best thing about working with students is most definitely being able to make a difference in their lives. Being able to have conversations and perhaps give them a different point of view, while being able to learn yourself is absolutely wonderful." Allegra Lanzara "As true with all my students, the best part of working with them is watching them during their 'ah hah' moments....when their eyes get wide, you see the light bulb turn on, and you know they 'get it'. In those moments, I know I have just helped create change...a change that will spread far beyond Western Massachusetts." Cara (CC) Nance "The best part of working with students is that I can put the theory I learn in my classes into practice on a large scale when I interact with student leaders in my residence halls and when I supervise my student staff. I can also bring those interactions into the classroom and make important connections. On top of that, student staff always challenge me to think beyond what I know and have wealth of knowledge and information to share with me." Dennis Scott "The best thing about working with students is watching them succeed in something that you are helping them to do. When they are responsive to your advice and it ends up being beneficial to them, it is extremely rewarding. For me happiness is felt by making others happy." Cornelius Taabazuing "Honestly, there is nothing better than working with students. I have a passion for student development and watching students accomplish their goals. I love watching them grow and challenge themselves in their positions. I cannot think of ever losing my interaction with the students because they continue to teach me new things about the position and the college experience. " Victoria Verlezza
Is there anything else you would want to share with potential candidates for a Graduate Assistant position? "A very enjoyable part of working in housing and residence life is the size of the department and the extraordinary number of people I get to know. I have found one commonality among everybody I work with in this department - they want to meet and get to know new people. And that is such a great thing to be around, especially considering that I knew nobody upon first arriving here..." Jake Clemen "I would like to add that there can be some flexibility in the work done in this position. I like that my ideas have been heard and sometime implemented. It lets me know that I am a part of a team. I am being supported and acknowledged." Brandi Douglas "This position offers a flexibility to get involved and start initiatives that you feel are important for your academic and professional paths." Paul St John Frisoli "As an ARD, you gain so much life experience, it's a truly invaluable position." Allegra Lanzara "I had NO idea what I was getting myself into when I applied to this position as I had no prior Residence Life experience, but I wouldn't change my decision for a second. Acquiring this position has reinforced my understanding of my place in this world and the work I must do. I came into this position a teacher and will be leaving an educator." Cara (CC) Nance "Working as a graduate assistant in the Department of Housing and Residence Life will allow you to see a side of undergraduate students on this campus you would not otherwise see. It is possible to make meaningful connections with students, and for candidates looking to work with students, Residence Life on this campus makes it possible to see them first hand." Dennis Scott "I don't believe that any other job that I've had so far has been as satisfying as being a Graduate Assistant here at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. All the RA's I've had the privilege of working with are extremely qualified and it's fun to interact with them and help them plan and execute programs to promote community engagement. Building those connections with RA's and with residents in the halls is rewarding. We are granted the opportunity to help hundreds of students." Cornelius Taabazuing "Being a graduate assistant has contributed more to my life than I ever thought possible. I knew coming in that I could do the job however, I did not know how much I would love my Resident Assistants and my colleagues. I have been very fortunate to be blessed with a staff that works hard but they also know how to be silly." Victoria Verlezza
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Housing Home | Housing
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at UMass Amherst | Residence
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November 16, 2009
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