As of Mar. 8, all the applications for NYU Shanghai's Resident Assistant and Leadership Internships have been submitted, and the search for new freshman leaders has commenced. Who will follow in the footsteps of the sophomores that effortlessly welcomed approximately 300 eager yet petrified freshmen? Who will be part of the new program that provides the opportunity to serve as an orientation ambassador, an NYU Shanghai Candidate Weekend representative and an intern in the Student Life department? Who will lead, mentor and guide the Class of 2019 in their academic endeavors of late night GPS-cramming and when they have had a little too much street food? During the week of Mar. 23, we find out. This year, two different positions are being offered - Resident Assistant (RA) and Leadership Intern. By now, NYU Shanghai students should be familiar with our Resident Assistants. They are the first contacts in an emergency and the individuals who continue to warn us about fire hazards and fridge etiquette. For the freshman, they are the enthusiastic sophomores (or study away students) who live down the hall with their door always, metaphorically, open. Student Life describes an RA as “a role model, peer counselor, resource and referral person, advocate, policy enforcer, programmer and leader for the residents of their assigned floors.” Additionally “the RA also assists with daily emergency coverage rotation, plans and implements social/educational programs,” and are, in plain speak, all-round vital members of the college community. However, the Leadership Intern, is a new position offered to students of the Class of 2018. According to the application, “interns will serve as role models and advocates, and will provide information on student resources, policies and programming to those in their orientation groups as well as all others attending orientation programs.” Essentially, Leadership Interns will be working closely with one Student Life department throughout the academic year and orientation period. These departments include the Career Development Center, Health and Wellness Center, New Student Programs, Student Mobility, Study Away, Community Service and Athletics. Applicants were also asked to indicate their preference of department on their application forms. Both of these positions are opportunities for students to exhibit leadership at NYU Shanghai play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the school. All RAs and Leadership Interns will act as Orientation Ambassadors (and Student Ambassadors) for Fall 2015 and from then on, the standard employment period is one academic year, from July 1, 2015 - May 20, 2016. The RA position requires a minimum 20 hours contact time with the residence hall per week while a Leadership Intern’s time commitment will vary. All students selected will be required to attend the appropriate training sessions. The timelines for both of the applications are the same, and the important dates were given by Student Life. March 8, 2015; 11:59 PM Applications Due March 9-12, 2015 Application Screening March 13, 2015 Announce Applications for Interviews March 14, 2015 Leadership Camp (Interviews) Week of March 23, 2015 Results Announced Mid-April Pre-Summer Training The current Residential Life team will select 18 applicants to take on the role of Resident Assistant, and the Orientation team will select 12 applicants to become Leadership Interns. Although students desire the position the roles of Resident Assistant and Leadership Assistant for differing reasons, the positions will undoubtedly give students firsthand leadership experience - skills that NYU Shanghai hopes to engrain within the entire student community. Current RA Jenny Chen described, “When I first arrived at NYU Shanghai, I was greatly influenced and motivated by my earliest encounters with RAs, staff, and fellow students alike. They were sweet, energetic and confident; qualities that have given me strength all throughout college. In response, I have always wanted to be an RA to propel myself further in helping, motivating, and ultimately supporting others in achieving their goals and realizing their dreams.” For now, the freshman class will have to await the decisions of Residential Life and the Orientation team. On behalf of On Century Avenue, I wish the best of luck to all of the applicants and hope that the week of Mar. 23 brings you the result you wish to achieve. This article was written by Stephanie Bailey. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Nicole Chan