RA Magazine 20

r e s i d e n t

a s s i s t a n t

September 2013 FEBRUARY 2014

SOCIAL SMOKER?

Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable

The damage caused by the occasional cigarette

Tips for Confrontations

Advice from Home

BAD NEWS BREWS

Our bulletin board of the month

Energy Drinks Dissected

The ABCs of RA Advice

WHY BUSY LEADS TO BURNOUT

26 Tips to help you through your year

Tips to Free Up Time in 2014

What’s Your RA Leadership Style?

Best News Apps

The

Recommended Movie

Keys to consider in a virtual classroom

Issue

www.reslife.com

© 2013 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1428 9.13

a s s i s t a n t

FRIGHTFULLY GOOD FOOD

o Your Homework!

Bulletin Board of the Month idea

epping for Tough erview Questions

Unofficial College Holidays

AVE YOUR SKIN HIS SUMMER

See the unofficial holidays that universities celebrate

ril’s Bulletin Board of Month

Navigating Conflicts:

E-STRESS IN LESS HAN 5 MINUTES!

Easy Ways to Relax and uvenate

Bullying: Interview

an Online Resume our Best Bet?

os and Cons of Sending Out Interactive Résumé

Workplace Fashion

Strategies, Plans and Tactics

Deck The Residence Halls How to host a holiday decorating contest

The

CREATING A THANKSGIVING TRADITION Turkey day activity ideas for your floor www.reslife.com

issue seventeen

nineteen

k Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1534 4.14

© 2013 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1455 10.13

DEALING WITH A FREAK OUT

o Relax and

ne Resume Bet?

of Sending Out Résumé

e Fashion

When Wardrobe ear

Tips for Confrontations

BAD NEWS BREWS Energy Drinks Dissected

WHY BUSY LEADS TO BURNOUT Tips to Free Up Time in 2014

Best News Apps News Apps Best for the College Demographic

Recommended Movie The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The

Solution

Issue

www.reslife.com

THE DORM ROOM WORKOUT r e s i d e n t

issue eighteen © 2014 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1527 2.14

a s s i s t a n t

r e s i d e n t

APRIL 2014

FRIGHTFULLY GOOD FOOD

SOCIAL SMOKER?

Exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime Bulletin Board of the Month idea

Unofficial College Holidays

Advice from Home

SAVE YOUR SKIN THIS SUMMER April’s Bulletin Board of the Month

DE-STRESS IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES!

26 Tips to help you through your year

Strategies, Plans and Tactics

What’s Your RA Leadership Style?

Deck The Residence Halls

Our quiz helps you find out

How to host a holiday decorating contest

What's Your RA Leadership Style

Prepping for Tough Interview Questions

The ABCs of RA Advice

Navigating Conflicts:

Turkey day activity ideas for your floor

Do Your Homework!

The damage caused by the occasional cigarette

Our bulletin board of the month

See the unofficial holidays that universities celebrate

CREATING A THANKSGIVING TRADITION

a s s i s t a n t

September 2013

October 2013

Signing Up for an Online Class?

The

Holiday Issue

www.reslife.com

Keys to consider in a virtual classroom

www.reslife.com

10 Easy Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate

The

Is an Online Resume Your Best Bet?

Back to School

Pros and Cons of Sending Out an Interactive Résumé

Workplace Fashion

The

What to Wear When Wardrobe Rules Aren’t Clear

Issue

Interview Guide

www.reslife.com

issue sixteen © 2013 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1428 9.13

issue seventeen

A Division of Swank Motion Pictures Inc., Tim Swank, Chairman

issue nineteen

© 2013 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1455 10.13

© 2014 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1534 4.14

A quiz on which style you resort to most as a leader

r e s i d e n t

a s s i s t a n t

October 2013

FRIGHTFULLY GOOD FOOD Bulletin Board of the Month idea

Unofficial College Holidays

See the unofficial holidays that universities celebrate

Navigating Conflicts: Strategies, Plans and Tactics

Deck The Residence Halls

Roommate Etiquette 101

How to host a holiday decorating contest

CREATING A THANKSGIVING TRADITION Turkey day activity ideas for your floor

FEBRUARY 2014

BAD NEWS BREWS Energy Drinks Dissected

WHY BUSY LEADS TO BURNOUT Tips to Free Up Time in 2014

Best News Apps News Apps Best for the College Demographic

Recommended Movie The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

www.reslife.com

issue eighteen

The

Solution

Issue

© 2014 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1527 2.14

r e s i d e n t

a s s i s t a n t

October 2013

FRIGHTFULLY GOOD FOOD Bulletin Board of the Month idea

Unofficial College Holidays

© 2014 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1644 10.14

See the unofficial holidays that universities celebrate

Navigating Conflicts: Strategies, Plans and Tactics

Deck The Residence Halls How to host a holiday decorating contest

The

Interview Guide

Issue

Celebration

Tips for Confrontations

issue twenty

Holiday

issue seventeen

© 2013 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1455 10.13

Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable

www.reslife.com

The

20th Issue www.reslife.com

Tools for a drama-free living space

ugh tions

SS IN LESS MINUTES!

FEBRUARY 2014

Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable

A guide on how to handle academic second-guessing

omework!

Board of

The

Holiday DoesGuide it Still Exist in College?

Issue

hat to Wear When Wardrobe les Aren’t Clear

UR SKIN MER

A Division of Swank Motion Pictures Inc., Tim Swank, Chairman

October 2013

RIL 2014

w.reslife.com

Issue

www.reslife.com

issue sixteen

issue eighteen © 2014 Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. RLC1527 2.14

r e s i d e n t

Back to School

Signing Up for an Online Class?

Solution

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

FALL 2014

The

Our quiz helps you find out

News Apps Best for the College Demographic

CREATING A THANKSGIVING TRADITION Turkey day activity ideas for your floor www.reslife.com

The

Holiday Issue

It's Our Anniversary!

CELEBRATING

20 ISSUES

OF RA MAGAZINE!

Enjoy our compilation of the 'best of ' articles over the last 19 issues

CONTENTS 20th ISSUE celebration

ACTIVITIES to Get Your RESIDENTS Talking

6 3 BULLYING: DOES IT STILL EXIST IN COLLEGE? - Issue 11 A look at how and where it exists

Healthy Snacks Using Only a Microwave

ROOMMATE ETIQUETTE

14

20

18 WHAT’S YOUR RA LEADERSHIP STYLE? - Issue 16 A quiz on which style you resort to most as a leader

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 16 Monthly Must-Haves 17 RA Spotlight

6 ACTIVITIES TO GET YOUR RESIDENTS TALKING - Issue 10 Ideas for groups, sports fans, quiet introverts and more

20 ROOMMATE ETIQUETTE 101 - Issue 10 Tools for a drama-free living space

8 DEALING WITH A MAJOR FREAK OUT - Issue 8 A guide on how to handle academic second-guessing

22 A SHOT OF RESPONSIBILITY Issue 1 Addressing Alcohol Awareness

10 THE DORM ROOM WORKOUT - Issue 9 Exercises that can be done anywhere, anytime 12 OVERCOMING TEST ANXIETY - Issue 12 Ways to reduce nervousness when a test looms 14 HEALTHY MICROWAVE SNACKS - Issue 11 Healthy options to make right in your room RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Want a subscription to RA Magazine?

Know an RA at another school that would like a copy? Head over to www.ramagazine.com/subscribe.html and send them a FREE subscription.

24 HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR JUNK FOOD? - Issue 3 See the distance you would have to walk to burn off the junk food you just consumed 25 INTERVIEWING GENERATION X - Issue 4 We’ve got the scoop on what to expect when in the hot seat 28 CONQUER COLD SEASON Issue 6 Try a few of our remedies to get back on your feet RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

1

The Who's Who

"What is your favorite movie of all time?"

EDITOR IN CHIEF Kate Rowley

Shawshank Redemption – It's about persevering through hard times and never giving up hope – lessons we can all apply to our lives.

SALES MANAGER Mike Grana ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Bryan Colombini Lydia Bishop Mike Eyler Sarah Garegnani

The Goonies – It’s a movie from my childhood, plus you can’t beat the huge inner-cave water slide!

Dirty Dancing – Extraordinary choreography with a timeless soundtrack!

You've Got Mail – It made me fall in love with New York in the fall.

Karate Kid – Great story of fighting back against bullying and believing in yourself.

The Polar Express – It’s a timeless story of what it means to believe.

SALES ASSOCIATES Alex Pieschel Jennifer Morrow Lindsay Myers

Blow – I’m a huge fan of true stories, not to mention it stars Johnny Depp.

Do The Right Thing – It was groundbreaking, shocking and thought-provoking.

Empire Records – Love the group of misfits; love the music; love the sarcasm.

MARKETING Jeff Bernth Kshipra Datar

Pulp Fiction – I love the non-linear interlocking story lines.

Jurassic Park – It has action, suspense, dinosaurs and Jeff Goldblum.

ART Ellen Woltering

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead - I share a name with the main character and thought a summer without parents was the wish every kid wanted to come true.

Steve Reardon PROOFREADER Randy Andrews COPYWRITER Kelsey Wesche

Good Will Hunting – A great drama illustrating a young person trying to find his way.

Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz – As they celebrate their 75th year anniversaries, they are still as classic and amazing as they were when first released.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall – It’s hilarious, stars many of my favorite actors and is packed with quotable lines.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA 10795 Watson Road St. Louis, MO 63127 MAGAZINE DELIVERY To subscribe to RA Magazine, call us at 1.800.244.6173 or visit ramagazine.com 2

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Bullying Bulletin Board in College of the Month

issue 11

BULLYING IN COLLEGE

WHERE AND HOW IT EXISTS Lately, bullying has been a buzzword on the lips of educators, students and parents throughout the country. Most of the emphasis lies on bullying in a high school or elementary school setting; however, what happens to these bullies when they graduate? Certainly, a behavior shift doesn’t magically happen overnight before they step onto campus.

BULLY BEHAVIORS

BROUGHT TO COLLEGE Bridget Roberts-Pittman, assistant professor of counseling at Indiana State University reaches a great point when she asks “Is an 18-year-old high school senior any different than an 18-year-old college freshman?” While there are tons of statistics for bullying below the age of 18, not much bullying research exists at the university level. Christine MacDonald, a professor of educational and school psychology at Indiana State University, said in a university news release, “We got into looking at college students because there are studies on elementary, junior high, high school and the workplace. There’s nothing on colleges. It doesn’t just stop when they turn 18.”

“Is an 18-year-old senior any different than an 18-year-old college freshman?”

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

18 senior

year old

18

year old

freshman RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

3

Bullying in College

CYBER BULLYING Colleges generally draw a bigger, more diverse body of students than most high schools. Students believe that bullying at this level takes on a different, more passive aggressive form than seen in high school. When University of Tampa’s online newspaper website www.minaretonline.com polled students on how bullying exists in college, the consensus was that students are now trying to fit in rather than be “top dog” or in the group with the most popular students. This can result in subtle bullying-related digs that come in the form of gossiping, rumors, social media slander and harassing text messages.

STUDY CONDUCTED BY INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS

15% of college students admit being bullied

22% reported being cyber bullied

Of those who said they have been cyber bullied

“We really believe there’s a whole dimension to bullying, from minor rude behavior like not saying hello to assault at the other end. By intervening at minor behaviors, we can stop more severe negative behaviors.”

- Christine MacDonald Professor of Educational and School Psychology, Indiana State University

25% bullied through social networking site 21% bullied through text message 16% bullied through email 13% bullied through instant message

ROOMMATE AND COMMUNITY BULLYING Bullying can also pop up in living communities, where students are trying to form a new “family.” This brand of bullying can be very hard to escape when living in such close quarters, so support becomes essential from someone the student can trust. An article on bullying on www.HerCampus.com, the online community for college women, recommends that as an RA, lend your support, establish a sense of trust and assure your resident that he or she is not alone in the matter.

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RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

Encourage your resident to collect evidence of the bullying so that if you need to help your resident move, you have a paper trail of proof to back up what’s been happening.

Advise them to minimize drama by only telling those he or she can absolutely trust. This means trusting other RAs and counseling services, rather than friends who could get sucked into the situation.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Bullying Bulletin Board in College of the Month

HAZING Hazing is also recognized as a type of collegiate bullying.

In a nationally televised press conference regarding the hazing death of Florida A&M University drum major Robert Champion, Florida State Attorney Lawson Lamar explained, “Hazing is bullying with a tradition…the kind of extracurricular activity that happens too often and is acceptable in too many circles.”

STUDIES ON HAZING

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas student Code of Conduct has a great definition of hazing, describing it as “any method of initiation into or affiliation with the university community, a student organization, a sports team, an academic association or other group engaged in by an individual, whether on or off campus, that intentionally or recklessly endangers another individual or that destroys or removes public or private property.

Hazing can include activities like paddling, physical or psychological shocks, late work sessions that interfere with school work, advocating substance or alcohol abuse, tests of endurance and submission to hazardous circumstances, but ultimately applies to any activity which can cause mental distress, pain, human degradation or embarrassment.

Research is still needed on just how many college students are being bullied, but the current facts tell us that bullying doesn’t just stop with high school graduation. Keep your resident hall safe, treating all concerns of bullying with seriousness, understanding and confidentiality.

2

5

out of every college students say they are aware of hazing activities taking place on their campus

According to conducted by Elizabeth Allan, Ph. D. and Mary Madden Ph.D. from the University of Maine.

55%

of college students involved in clubs, teams and organizations admit to experiencing hazing in some form

“Hazing is bullying with a tradition…the kind of extracurricular activity that happens too often and is acceptable in too many circles.”

- Florida State Attorney, Lawson Lamar

HOW TO HELP BULLIED RESIDENTS 1 Listen without judgment.

2 Urge your resident to stay calm.

3 Encourage your resident to speak about incidents with those they trust like an RA or counselor to minimize backlash.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

4 Gather examples and proof of the behaviors to use if issues escalate.

5 Speak with your supervisor about the best way to proceed.

NOVEMBER IS BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH Plan to show the movie Bully on your campus channel and have a discussion on your campus’ harassment and bullying policies. Many students may not know where to go for help if someone is bothering them.

©The W einstein

Compa

ny

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

5

Get Residents Talking

issue 10

ACTIVITIES to Get Your RESIDENTS Talking Ideas to encourage your floor to get friendly

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RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Get

Residents Talking

G

et ready to manage a whole floor of residents from all walks of life who are living in close quarters with a bunch of people they don’t know. How can you help them branch out, become friendly and create a community? While programming activities are great for reiterating important messages, it’s casual activities that can really help your residents let their hair down, relax and socialize. Here are a few popular ideas to try on your floor to get your residents out of their rooms and into mingling.

GROUP ACTIVITIES • Budget for a unique floor activity to expose residents to something different and special that their city has to offer. Find out about local independent cinemas, museums, bowling alleys and other unique venues around your college or on campus. Call beforehand if the venue requires tickets because a group rate can often save money on admission.

• Use part of your budget to buy some hot dogs, buns and grill necessities to host a midnight barbecue for those who are getting home from a late night shindig during the weekend. Charge a small fee for a hot dog and let students hang out and get to know each other. This is a great way to bond and raise money for other floor activities later in the year. Cut down on costs by reaching out to local businesses to see if you can get food donations.

• Pick a best selling book like Bossy Pants by Tina Fey or The Host by Stephenie Meyer to start a residence hall reading group. Meet in the lounge over food to discuss the book.

• Host a poker game for those that know how to play and those that want to learn. Consider having two tables and bags of candy to use for bets.

THE SPORTS FANATICS • Try a game of kickball or whiffle ball on the quad or in the park. This is a great way to get your athletic students to work off some energy while socializing.

• Create a sports trivia bowl that asks tricky sports questions. Pair the event with free pizza and offer a pair of tickets to a campus sports event as a prize for the winner.

• Get tickets for a big game on campus as a floor. Most college athletic associations will give discounts to groups buying tickets in bulk, and some schools even offer free tickets for students.

THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

• Invite different campus groups to speak at floor meetings. Most groups are always looking for new members, and since students often avoid seeking out clubs on their own, this easily exposes them to the extracurricular possibilities.

• Pick a popular TV show that’s on during the middle of the week like The Voice, Modern Family or Survivor and invite all those who are interested to watch it each week in a lounge area. Residence Life Cinema has whole seasons of shows like Entourage, True Blood and The Big Bang Theory available to show on your channel. Provide cheap snacks like pretzels and popcorn.

• Gather students to watch the campus movie channel together. Pick one of the new releases available and offer movie theater favorites like buttery popcorn, ice cold sodas and theater candy.

• Let residents practice their competitive skills with a huge root beer pong game. Organize the participants into teams and compete in a tournament on a Saturday afternoon when most people are around.

When you can’t get the whole floor together, try appealing to small groups like these:

• Organize a game night with a mix of classic and current games. Grab some snacks and invite residents to play college favorites like Apples to Apples, Taboo, Scattergories, Monopoly and Sorry®.

THE QUIET KIDS • Host a video game tournament with the most popular games and systems in a lounge area. This helps get those who aren’t into partying out of their rooms on the weekend.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

7

Major Freak Out

issue 8

A HOW-TO-HANDLE-IT GUIDE:

DEALING WITH A MAJOR FREAK OUT Grades, career goals, parental pressure and uncertainty about the future can all add up to cause colossal stress over a student’s choice of major. It can even overwhelm your residents enough to make them second-guess their decision. Here are some steps to take if you or a resident starts doubting whether their academic path is the right one. Use this to coach students through their fears as they plan next year’s courses, attend career fairs and meet with their academic advisors.

STEP: 1 Take a moment and just breathe. A single bad test score, a dismal paper grade or one crappy project review is not an end-all, be-all to your academic quest. Actually, it happens to practically everyone once in their college career. In The No-Bull Guide to Acing College Life, author Andrew G. Kadar suggests, “using the disappointment of a bad exam as motivation to start studying to turn things around.” However, if this is happening with increasing frequency, you may want to reassess your strengths and weaknesses. Is there a related major or class that interests you just as much if not more?

It may not be a bad idea to look into it if your overall grades aren’t As and Bs.

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RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

STEP: 2 Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to do with their rest of their lives. However, for the vast majority of students, it’s more about finding out what they like and what they don’t like. Don’t let the grades, internships or job prospects of your classmates get you down. “Comparison is rife with danger, but it’s understandable why we do it,” said social psychologist Heidi Grant Halvorson in a New York Times article. “We’re human beings and we naturally seek information. One way to get it is to look to those around us.” Just remember that everyone has their own ideas of the perfect internship or great contacts, so just make sure you stay in tune with what’s right for you and utilize the resources you have.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Major

Freak Out

Programming idea: Bring this issue up in your next floor meeting to help ease student fears or invite a representative from your career center or counseling office to pass along tips on how to know if your major is right for you.

STEP: 3 Lay off of Facebook®.

This step goes hand in hand with step 2. When your social media accounts are bombarded with others’ success, it makes it incredibly easy to get discouraged and forget the great things you have going on. “It's very easy to compare yourself to others when you just see what they show in their Facebook page which may or may not match reality,” explained Dr. Ken Ensroth, a psychiatrist in Portland, OR. If you feel this happening to you, give your online life a break and focus on what you can do to make yourself feel better. This may mean spending extra time in office hours or increasing study time.

They also encourage students to attend any fair “where the employers and jobs are a match for your qualifications, regardless of your major.” Besides receiving feedback to your questions, career fairs are also a great place to practice presentation and communication skills. However, do your homework on the participating companies beforehand, prepare your samples, questions and resume in advance, and dress for success.

STEP: 4 Research and investigate life in this industry.

Before you get your heart set on a major, do your homework.

You don’t want to be the person who majors in sociology without actually knowing what kind of jobs it can attribute to post-college.

Whatcanidowiththismajor.com and Glassdoor.com are great sites that can help you realize the major-related possibilities of what comes after your final semester. Also investigate the starting pay for jobs associated with your major so you can get a feel for what kind of salary you could expect if you enter a major-related field.

STEP: 5 Talk to those who work in the field.

This is one of the biggest and most important steps you can take to feel better about your major and career prospects. As the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech expresses, “career fairs are a great place to realize that the world is not organized by major.”

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Remember, While picking your major is a life decision that is not to be taken lightly, it is okay to be undecided for a while. The career services center at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL indicates that many students try on different majors depending on their interests, abilities and skills. By exploring what’s important to you, you’ll be able to better understand what future jobs and courses you’d like to take.

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

9

issue 9

The Dorm Room WORKOUT

Dorm Room Workout

This past winter, during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, you saw the most physically fit people in the world come together.

These athletes spend upwards of 12 hours a day just working out and perfecting their bodies, so watching them on the screen may have provided some workout motivation.

As much as we all may fantasize about standing on the medal stand, dedicating more than 30-minutes a day to exercising can seem like a stretch. Sometimes even getting up to go to the gym seems like too big of a hassle. When you’re not quite up for an Olympic-sized workout, there are plenty of in-room exercises you can do to keep your body {and mind} feeling good.

Work my: ARMS & THIGHS

Work my: BUTT Use your desk chair to improvise squats. Put your arms out straight in front of you, sit down on the edge of the chair and then stand up. Do 2 sets of 10-15 squats.

Work My:

UPPER LEGS & BUTT Stand against the wall with your head, shoulders and back touching the wall. Feet should be about 16-18 inches away from the wall. Slide down into a squatting position and hold for at least 30 seconds…or longer if you can! Do 2-3 sets.

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RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

Grab some books and stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Slightly bend at the knees and lift the books over your head. Lower the books down to touch the top of your head while coming to a stand. Do 10-12 reps for 2-3 sets (If you feel like you can do more than 10 reps in a turn, then increase the weight of the books you’re using.)

Cardio!

Work My: BODY Jumping Jacks are still around because they work! Sneak in some cardio by doing 10 jumping jacks. Do 3-5 sets.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Dorm Room Workout

Work My:

INNER-THIGHS Place 10-15 light items on the floor and stand over them with your feet forming a wide “V.” Depending on your balance you may need to steady yourself with one hand on a wall or table. Keeping your back straight, squat down and pick up one item.

Repeat until all items are picked up.

Your inner-thighs and roommate will thank you.

“Exercise gives you endorphins­, endorphins make people happy and happy people just don't shoot their husbands...they just don't.”

– Elle Woods, Legally Blonde

The Buddy System!

Are you having trouble staying motivated to start or even complete a workout?

Doing your workout with another person may help you stick to it. In an article on EverydayHealth.com, Lynne Vaughan, Chief Innovation Officer of the national YMCA said, "Working out in a group provides support, accountability and structure."

If you have trouble continuing from week to week, find someone in your residence hall with similar health goals and make a pledge to motivate each other.

Another way to stay motivated is to exercise to high-energy workout videos. Having someone show you moves and talk to you may be just what you need to stay focused. We recommend Brooke Burke’s Transform Your Body. She keeps your heart pumping, your butt firming and keeps you focused!

Work My: ABS, BACK & SHOULDERS

Start by kneeling on the floor with your forearms on the ground and hands clasped together. Straighten your legs so you’re balancing on your toes and forearms and your body forms a straight line. Hold for 5 - 30 seconds, depending on your ability. Do 2-3 sets.

Work My: ABS

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

ions In c. cquis it ide A World w tures ny Pic © So

Programming Idea: Have a floor-wide exercise time! Show Brooke’s video in a common area once a week at a certain time and invite your floor to exercise together!

© Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Inc.

Pull your chair out and sit on the edge.

Place your elbows out to the sides at a 90-degree angle. Lift your right knee up and touch it with your left elbow.

Repeat with your left knee and right elbow. Do for one-minute.

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

11

Test Anxiety

issue 12

You went to class, read the material and studied your brains out. It isn’t until you arrive at the testing site that you begin to sweat as anxiety replaces the confidence you had minutes ago. This scenario is all too common with college students across the country as they deal with the pressures of exams that can count for up to 50% of their grades.

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RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Test

Anxiety According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 18% “It really has to do with a negative anticipation about tests, both of the adult population in the United States have an anxiety in terms of the preparation for tests and actual performance on disorder in any given year, including test anxiety. Almost three tests,” says Scott Bea, Ph.D., a psychologist with the Cleveland fourths of people with anxiety disorder have their first anxiety Clinic. Test anxiety “can affect one’s study behaviors and testing episode before the age behavior” since our brains remember traumas very of 21. Physical symptoms well, Bea adds. “People can develop a belief that ‘I’m of test anxiety and most just a bad test taker’ — once you have that belief in other anxiety episodes place, it can be self-perpetuating.” include headaches, upset stomach, shortness of breath, sweating, of people anxiousness, restlessness in the United States have with anxiety and even depression. an anxiety disorder

18

% of adult population

&75

%

disorders have an anxiety episode before age 21

1. Get the Test’s Details

3. Grab Some Food

To ease your stress, try learning as much as you can about the test beforehand, like how long you have to take it, what kinds of questions are on it, how answers are scored and what topics will be covered. Developing good test taking skills, like reading the directions twice, answering questions you know first, outlining essays and completing the pre-exam practice tests will also help with anxiety.

When test day rolls around, even though you may be stressing, don’t forget to eat something. “Just like the muscles in your body, your brain needs fuel to function,” states Hall-Flavin.

“Eat on the day of the test so that you’re not running on empty when test time arrives.” He recommends drinking plenty of water, and skipping caffeinated beverages like coffee and energy drinks because they can make anxiety worse.

2. Stay Positive

4. Take Care of Yourself

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America suggests that maintaining a positive attitude can be another good way to cope with and overcome testing anxiety. Instead of thinking about how this test could make or break you academically, “Remember that self-worth should not be dependent on or defined by a test grade.” Instead of thinking “I always do horribly on tests,” think, “I’ve got a much better study plan for this test than I’ve had before.”

Lastly, stay physically and emotionally healthy. It’s important to keep your body and mind fit under stressful circumstances so aim for plenty of sleep in your study schedule. Light exercise can help you work through some of your anxiety, so try taking a walk when you’re on a study break. School counseling centers know that exams can take a toll on a student’s emotional well-being, so don’t hesitate to encourage your residents to use these services when feeling overwhelmed.

ON THE DAY OF THE TEST, REMEMBER TO:

PROGRAMMING IDEA: Remember how carefree being a kid was? Have a kid-themed study break in a common area during finals week to relax, reduce testing stress and to feel a little bit like a kid again. Finger paint, color, play with Legos and dig up old board games like Payday and Sorry. Serve kid-friendly snacks like PB&J, apple juice, fruit snacks and “ants on a log.” Some great movies to show are Billy Madison and Back to School.

Arrive early to pick a seat away from distractions.

Try to relax the hour before the test. Cramming can cause clouding.

Avoid other anxious test takers.

Take deep breaths, breathing deeply from your diaphragm.

Read the directions carefully. Now, read them a second time.

Budget your test time.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

© NBC Univers

al

Skip a question and come back to it if you don’t know the answer.

Don’t panic. There’s no reward for handing in your test first!

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

13

Healthy Snacks

issue 11

Healthy Snacks Using Only a Microwave Between long days of classes, hours of homework and busy post-class schedules, it’s easy to let your food choices slip into unhealthy territory. Try some of these quick, easy and healthy foods to get your daily dose of vegetables, protein, fiber and more.

Southwestern Layered Bean Dip Black beans, salsa and chopped fresh veggies mean lots of good-for-you fiber in this Tex-Mex inspired dip. Serve either warm or chilled with baked tortilla chips.

Sweet Potato with Black Beans and Salsa Sweet potatoes are a favorite of the fall season and the black beans add a good dose of fiber and compliment the flavor.

1 sweet potato

1 16-ounce can of nonfat refried beans 1 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed 4 scallions, chopped 1/2 cup prepared salsa 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 cup black beans, rinsed 1/2 cup prepared salsa 1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream 1/2 can canned corn (optional) 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 1/4 cup pickled jalapeno slices, chopped 1 1/2 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 medium tomato, chopped (optional) 1 medium avocado, chopped (optional) 1/4 can black olives, sliced (optional)

1. Wash the sweet potato and then poke it with a fork several times.

2. Place potato in the microwave and heat on high for 5 minutes.

3. Turn upside down and microwave for another five minutes or until tender.

4. Cut open the potato and top as desired with corn, salsa, sour cream and cheese.

1. Combine refried beans, black beans, scallions, salsa, cumin, chili powder and jalapeno slices in a bowl. Transfer to a shallow microwave-safe dish and sprinkle with cheese.

2. Microwave on high until cheese is melted and the beans are hot. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

3. Spread sour cream evenly over the hot bean mixture then top with lettuce, tomato, avocado and olives.

PROGRAMMING IDEA: Host an iron-chef-style contest using only microwaves. Hold a taste test with the other RAs and give the winner some new cooking equipment 14

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Healthy Thanksgiving Snacks Traditions

Pumpkin Oatmeal

Microwave Frittata

The oats are a healthy dose of protein which keep you fuller for longer and the pumpkin provides a nice serving of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Eggs pack tons of protein while veggies provide a great daily source of vitamins and minerals.

1 teaspoon of butter

1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats

1/4 chopped onion

1/4 cup of skim milk (or as much needed)

1/4 cup chopped red pepper

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup broccoli

1/2 teaspoon sugar

salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon ginger or nutmeg (optional)

1. Place the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 20-30 seconds or until melted.

1. Mix together oats and milk in a microwave safe bowl.

2. Add onion, red pepper and broccoli, cover and microwave on high for one minute.

2. Cook on high for one to two minutes, stirring once.

3. Add more milk or oats to achieve the desired consistency, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.

4. Stir in pumpkin puree and cinnamon, sugar and any additional spices.

3. Stir in eggs, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on high for one to two minutes or until a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

4. Let stand for three minutes so the frittata can set.

5. Microwave for another 15 seconds and enjoy!

Caution, your dish will be hot

TIP: Split recipes with a friend to eliminate waste. Ask everyone to chip in a few dollars for ingredients to make it easy on your wallet.

Must have tools for

RESIDENT HALL ROOM cooking!

LARGE MICROWAVE SAFE BOWL

SPATULA

SHARP PARING KNIFE & CUTTING BOARD

MICROWAVESAFE CUPS, BOWLS AND PLATES

CAN OPENER

CASSEROLE DISH

HOT PADS

Great for mixing anything

You’ll use it more than you think

One that can cut everything

Much more economical than using paper

Just in case there’s no easy-toopen tab

You’d be surprised what you can make with it

Be sure to not melt any surfaces

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

15

Technology Solutions See who is calling or get the most important emails and texts without having to pull your phone out in the middle of class with the Pebble Smartwatch. It can be loaded with your favorite apps and choose from multiple colored faces and bands. Get it at GetPebble.com starting from $150.

Phone Firstaid Anyone who owns an electronic device knows the constant fear of getting it wet. Worry no more with the Bheestie Revive Bag. Just drop it in and dry it out! Bags come in various sizes for cellular phones and bigger items like laptops.

Bheestie.com for $17.95.

trendy musts for every college student

Monthly

Must-Haves No Muss, No Fuss, Residence Hall Recipe

Virtual Keyboard Magic Epic virtual keyboard projects a fixed keyboard pattern onto any flat and opaque surface in a safe laser form. You will no longer struggle typing long emails on a touch screen and the added mouse feature tracks your natural movements and may reduce stress on your hands. Epic comes in a variety of colors at Celluon.com for $149.99.

Peanut Butter Popcorn Popcorn is an easy staple that most college students have on hand. Try this tasty version to satisfy both your sweet and salty cravings.

2 (2.5 oz) packages of microwave popcorn, popped 1/2 cup margarine 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup peanut butter 20 large marshmallows

1. Pour popcorn into a large bowl.

2. In a glass or plastic bowl, combine the margarine, brown sugar and marshmallows.

3. Cook mixture at 1 minute intervals in the microwave, stirring each time, until the mixture is melted and smooth.

4. Stir in the peanut butter until well blended.

5. Pour the melted mixture over the popcorn and stir quickly to coat the popcorn before it cools.

16

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Spotlight

RA SPOTLIGHT [Get to Know Other RAs]

ANTHONCYO AC TE BUZZ GREEN STA

COURTNEY

BOWLING

Your Major: Communication Students living on your floor: 36 Favorite thing about being an RA: Being there for others. I love having an open door where my residents can come and open up about their lives.

What are the benefits of integrating movies into your RA programming events?

A good movie can sometimes integrate well into the message of the program. There are an abundance of movies that focus on wellness, diversity, and leadership that can make a program even stronger!

terprises, Inc. Š 2014 Disney En

Describe your favorite program where you used movies to enhance program content.

In October, a few Co-RAs and I facilitated a Halloween Fright Fest, which was meant to be a social gathering for the Honors students in the building. We had many creative desserts that were Halloween themes, a costume contest, and different games. We ended the evening with a showing of Hocus Pocus.

What advice would you offer your future RAs? Remember that while this job may seem like a lot of work, it is all worth it in the end. It's a great opportunity to build leadership skills and to build friendships among Co-RAs and residents.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Being an RA means... ...being there for students as they transition into college.

Where you live: Payne Hall Major : Zoology Students living on your Floor: 50 Your favorite thing about being an RA: My favorite thing about being an RA is being able to watch residents come in at the beginning of the year. At the start they're overwhelmed by the all the change but throughout the year I get to watch and help them grow into strong leaders and individuals. It's incredibly rewarding.

What are the benefits of integrating movies into your RA programming events?

You can use movies to bring people together. For example in my house, childhood movies are something we all have in common. If we ever want to get the group together for a night we put in a movie that serves as common ground to us all and everybody from the floor wants to come watch.

Describe your favorite program where you used movies to enhance program content.

We showed the movie Higher Learning and used it in a diversity program. The movie is based on different groups within a college setting and stereotypes. It helped to show the effects of stereotyping and bullying on a college level which is often overlooked.

What advice would you offer your future RAs? My advice to future RA's is that although your residents may not be fully involved on your floor as long as they're involved somewhere on campus, whether through a sports club or another organization you've done all you should be striving to do.

.

Where you live: Founders Hall

Your School: Northern Michigan University

tures Industries Inc

Your School: Bowling Green State University

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Being an RA means...

Being an RA is not just being the friend, disciplinarian, or the resource; it's a combination of the three. As an RA in an all girl's floor, I like to think of it as being a big sister to my residents. You wear a lot of different hats throughout the day but it's always worth it.

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

17

RA Leadership Style

issue 16

WHAT’S YOUR RA Leadership Style?

AS A LEADER, I SEEM TO…(circle the correct response)

There are many different kinds of leadership styles out there.

Each style has its strengths in different situations and scenarios.

Residents will respond differently to each style depending on the circumstance at hand.

Curious to see which style you prefer? Take this quiz to find out which leadership approach you’re more likely to use as an RA. Simply circle the number that corresponds to your answer and the highest number will show you what style comes naturally to you. However, know that different leadership styles come in handy when your natural style just isn’t doing the trick.

All of the time

Most of Every now the time and then Rarely

1. Let the majority rule.

4

3

2

1

2. Make the decisions.

4

3

2

1

3. Tell others what to do.

4

3

2

1

4. Persuade others to do things my way.

4

3

2

1

5. Gather floor feedback before making a decision.

4

3

2

1

6. Turn the final say over to others.

4

3

2

1

7. Share my own ideas.

4

3

2

1

8. Rely on my own thoughts and ideas.

4

3

2

1

9. Provide resources to others.

4

3

2

1

10. Ask others to brainstorm with me.

4

3

2

1

11. Participate just like my residents would.

4

3

2

1

12. Suggest a decision for my residents.

4

3

2

1

Check the results!

ADD UP THE NUMBERS FROM SELECT STATEMENTS TO SEE WHAT LEADERSHIP STYLE SCORED THE HIGHEST!

18

Add your circled numbers for statements 2, 3, 4 & 8

Authoritative Style _______

Add your circled numbers for statements 1, 5, 10 & 12

Democratic Style

_______

Add your circled numbers for statements 6, 7, 9 & 11

Free Rein Style

_______

Add your circled numbers for statements 2, 4, 6 & 9

Situational Style

_______

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

RA Leadership Style

ADDITIONAL STYLES TO USE IN YOUR HALL

THE AUTHORITATIVE LEADER This type of leadership style focuses on leading a team toward a common vision and goal with the catch phrase “how it’s done.” This leadership style is needed when circumstances have changed and residents need new direction. This style is best applied when the leader is the most knowledgeable member of the group.

THE DEMOCRATIC LEADER This leader thrives on participation and feedback, often asking “what do you think?” This leadership style is effective when a leader needs to motivate the team to buy into ownership in a program or space, and offers a chance for input from others. It’s also great for getting fresh ideas when a leader is uncertain and is great at making the group feel more engaged in the decision making process.

THE FREE REIGN LEADER This leader offers limited guidance to groups, often leaving them free to make their own choices. This style can be effective in situations where group members are capable of making responsible decisions.

THE SITUATIONAL LEADER Three factors come into play in this leadership style: the circumstance at hand, the capability of the residents and the skills of the RA. The leader has to focus on adaptability because he or she must adjust to the limitations that occur.

It’s important to know all 4 leadership styles, because some may be more effective than others in different circumstances!

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Below are a few more RA leadership tactics, along with ideas on when to use each style. Add a few of these to the main four leadership styles for an excellent recipe for leadership success.

The Pace Setter You set an example for your residents and you’re motto is “do as I do.” This works best on a floor where residents already know what’s right and wrong, and can act quickly to correct errors like messy bathrooms or leaving trash in the hall.

The Affiliative Leader With a motto of “the people come first”, this style creates emotional bonds among residents that lead to feelings of bonding and belonging. This leadership style works well when residents are stressed or need to build trust amongst one another.

The Coercive Leader You may have had to rely on this leadership style when you demand an immediate change in actions. The corresponding phrase for this style is “do what I tell you” and is most effective in times of crisis, emergencies or situations when everything else has failed.

The Coaching Leader This type of leader’s main phrase is “try this.” This leadership style works best when the leader wants to help residents become more successful. It’s least effective when residents are defiant and refuse to listen.

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

19

Roommate Etiquette

ROOMMATE ETIQUETTE issue 10

101

TOOLS FOR A DRAMAFREE LIVING SPACE

In addition to cramming your stuff into every open corner, having a roommate means taking another person’s mood and feelings into account on a daily basis. When residents are living in a small place with someone they’re just getting to know or even someone they know well, there are a few things they’ll want to remember to keep everyone’s sanity intact. Share these tips with your residents and suggest roommates have discussions on how living together will work.

1

2

BE CONSIDERATE

Rule

Let’s say your roommate asked you for some quiet time to work on a project. Talking to your friends or cranking the volume on the TV not only shows that you don’t care about what he or she wants, but that you’re giving him or her the green light to do the same when you ask for some silent time. Remember the golden rule, and treat your roommate as you want to be treated.

3

Rule

MAKE YOUR ROOMMATE FEEL COMFORTABLE

Practice common courtesy when it comes to possible touchy issues like visits with “special guests,” drugs and alcohol in your room and respecting their property. Matthew D’Oyly, Residence Life Coordinator at Hope College, in Holland, MI suggests that “even if it is against campus policy for that to happen, be sure to have the conversation.” Giving your roommate some notice about having someone spend the night or entertaining guests in your room gives him or her time to make arrangements to do something else that evening.

CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF

Rule

When you’ve got tests, assignments, parties and friends to keep up with, picking up your stuff can seem pretty unimportant. However, what would you say if you came back from a challenging exam only to find a mountain of trash, clothes and books to cross before you can hit your bed? Chances are you wouldn’t like it, so remember that this isn’t just your room. Stick to your agreements on what will work for both of you.

20

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

4

Rule

ASK PERMISSION

This includes everything from borrowing their laptop to asking if you can have a friend crash in your room. Setting policies on borrowing right after moving in can help avoid big trouble when these problems creep up in the future.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Roommate Etiquette

6

Rule

ADDRESS PROBLEMS HEAD ON

A huge piece of the college puzzle is learning how to effectively initiate communication when a problem arises. Advise your residents not to beat around the bush, drop hints or use passive aggressive behavior to get what they want. As the RA of the floor, you may be asked to intervene if your residents cannot come to a solution on their own. “Nipping stuff in the bud is important; otherwise it will fester,” says Amy Zalneraitis, author of Room for Improvement: The Post-College Girl’s Guide to Roommate Living. “Not addressing it is a license for them to do it again.”

E Re B M M E mis

© CBS

R Eomprowhena c

7

ey ith is k ng w ate. livi omm ro

Rule

ACCEPT THAT YOU MAY NOT BECOME BUDDIES

The key to cohabitating peacefully may just be acceptance that this person may not become your best friend. Paul Bradley, dean of residence life at Northwestern College in Saint Paul, MN explains that many times “students come into the dorm believing their roommates will be their friends for life, their best buddies. The roommates, on the other hand, may see the room only as a place to sleep since they already have a social network. Then it’s a mess; there’s hurt, confusion and tension.” © Warner Bros.

8

Rule

5

Rule

RESPECT YOUR ROOMMATE’S FEELINGS

Everyone has annoying habits, and when you live with someone, it’s extremely easy to vent about your roommate’s faux pas to mutual friends. “The first one to know about a roommate conflict should be the roommate,” says David Tuttle, interim Vice President of Student Affairs at Trinity University, in San Antonio, TX. “Students often hold onto stuff and blurt it all out when things get to be too much.”

USE A LITTLE SYMPATHY

Common aggravations like sloppiness, food habits, visitors, personal space, volume levels and quiet time are just a few of the issues that can pop up while learning to live with someone in the residence hall.

While communication about an issue is the best way to handle them, finding that extra ounce of sympathy in dealing with these issues may just save you from uttering the words “we need to talk” once again.

Another major violation to steer clear of is snooping through your roommate’s things. The thought may be tempting, but the outcome will be disastrous if you get caught. Also try to stay out of your roommate’s personal dramas, whether it’s with friends, family or significant others.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

21

S

A Shot of Responsibility

howing movies related to alcohol abuse provides a perfect opportunity to discuss this topic in a casual and relaxed setting. Residence Life Cinema has over 25 films that carry a theme of alcohol awareness. Check out www.reslife.com for a complete listing of movies available on alcohol awareness.

Many of the movies come with a Movie Discussion Guide to use to talk about the film afterwards and initiate the discussion of responsible drinking.

You can also enhance a movie screening by inviting a guest speaker to talk to students after the film is shown.

TIP: Show movies as a way © MGM/UA

to initiate discussion about alcoholism.

You don’t need to have a big event or discussion about drinking responsibly.

Sometimes, a subtle reminder will suffice. Residence Life Cinema has created a oneminute video on Alcohol Awareness that can be played on your campus channel inbetween movies. The video uses animation and statistics to address a serious topic in a non-confrontational manner. Watch the trailer now on www.reslife.com. Your channel administrator also has access to the video in its entirety and in a format that is ready to upload onto your channel immediately.

Students usually equate drinking with fun. Point out these reasons for drinking responsibly: 1. Death - Each year 1,700 college students die from alcohol-related causes.

2. Date Rape/Sexual Assault - More than 97,000 students each year are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape. 90% of all sexual assaults on college campuses involve the use of alcohol.

3. DWI – 2.1 million students drove under the influence last year alone.

© Columbia Pictures

Leaving Las Vegas

4. STDs – 400,000 students a year have unprotected sex while under the influence of alcohol. 100,000 college-aged students a year admit to being too drunk to remember if they consented to having sex. 60% of college women who contracted an STD did so while under the influence of alcohol.

5. Academic Probation/Loss of Scholarship – 25% of college students fall behind in classes and receive lower grades overall as a result of drinking. Nearly 34% of students say that they failed a test or project because of the after effects of drinking or drug use.

28 Days

6. Missing Out On Job Opportunities – 45% of employers now conduct background/ character checks on social networking websites. 44% of employers stated that they did not hire potential candidates due to posts they found that related candidates to alcohol or drug use.

7.

Alcohol Poisoning – More than 150,000 students per year suffer from an alcoholrelated problem or illness.

8. Unhealthy Weight Gain – The average beer contains between 140 and 180 calories for every 12-ounce serving. Plus, late night drinking usually leads to late night snacking on other high calorie foods.

Screenshot from the video on Alcohol Awareness.

22

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

A Shot of

Responsibility

issue 1

Each Year nearly 600,000 students are injured while under the influence of alcohol.

a Shot of

responsibility RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

23

How Far for Junk Food

. . . t u h . . . t hu ? ! t a wh issue 3

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO FOR JUNK FOOD?

Ever wonder how far you’d have to walk to burn off the calories in something you just ate? Try thinking of it in terms of walking the length of a football field; including the end zones that’s 120 yards…

1 regular M&M®: 1 football field 1 potato chip: 2 football fields 1 light beer: 18 football fields 1 non-light beer: 36 football fields 1 slice of cheese pizza: 40 football fields 1 Snickers® bar: 50 football fields 1 Big Mac and large fries: 240 football fields Don’t worry, walking a football field isn’t the only way to burn the calories.

Here are some quick tips to keep your diet habits healthy:

Don’t skip meals to prevent binge eating later.

Indulge once in awhile to satisfy cravings, just don’t eat the whole pizza or entire tub of ice cream.

Walk to class instead of catching a ride.

Fruits are a healthy way to satisfy sweet cravings (and dried fruit lasts well in a residence hall room).

Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

This isn’t to make you obsess about calories. However, as a college student, you’re busy and sometimes it’s just plain hard to realize what you’re putting into your body. The important thing is to work on eating a balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle.

24

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

read this

Interviewing

Generation X

issue 4

before a job inter view with generation

X

There is an interesting situation happening right now in the workforce.

As Baby Boomers slowly make their way toward retirement, Generation X is busy preparing the workplace for the entrance of millions of fresh-faced college graduates. The conundrum lies in the fact that as a new graduate, you will probably think about and approach employment very differently than someone born even just ten years earlier.

It’s these Generation X-ers that all college grads will be at the mercy of during the hiring process. To assist you and your future fellow graduates in your plight for employment, we’ve gathered some helpful information on Generation X - your interviewer’s generation.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

25

Interviewing Generation X

Character Profile of your Generation X Interviewer or Employer CIO.com identifies Generation X as those born from 1961 to 1982 who describe themselves as self-sufficient, self-directed and self-made. They were raised during the 1970s and 1980s when the message was to grow up fast, were the kids of working moms, had less than 50 TV channels and the beginning of the high divorce rate. As a result, they learned to take care of themselves at a very early age since parental time spent with these children was less than the time spent with the previous generation’s tikes. This generation works to live, unlike the Baby Boomer generation before them, and values independence and responsibility above all in the workplace.

Why you might clash as a member of Generation Y The demeanor of Generation X vastly differs from Generation Ys instant gratification attitude. They were raised to be very independent, where as Millennials (those born after 1982) have been pampered, nurtured and programmed with a slew of brain enriching activities since the ripe age of 4. As a result, we’re high performance and high-maintenance, expecting to reach the top without a struggle. As USA Today® points out, Generation Y has “grown up questioning their parents, and now they’re questioning their employers. They don’t know how to shut up, which is great, but that’s aggravating to the 43-year-old manager who says, ‘Do it and do it now.’” Uh oh Generation Y, better remember to keep your egos in check!

Generation X Insight #1 TM

Use this advice: Generation X frowns upon micromanaging. In your interview, stress that you like to try to solve problems independently and seek out information yourself before turning to a supervisor for help.

Generation X Insight #2 They are relationship builders. According to Bloomberg Business Week® magazine, we are a virtual problem solving generation, relying on tools like instant messaging to communicate. This is great for getting to the heart of an

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

Use this advice: Just had an awesome interview with a department head? Think twice before firing off that impersonal thank you email. This generation would prefer a much more personal form of thanks, like a handwritten thank you note.

Generation X Insight #3 They are used to working at the same desk, everyday.

This generation is used to spending most of their day in their office, using working hours efficiently. They did not grow up working virtually, working from home or setting their own hours. Flexible scheduling did not exist to the extent that it does now when they joined the workforce.

In regards to the recent digital trend, Generation X has adapted rather quickly, but may not use working on a laptop outside of the office as a substitute for a traditional work schedule.

Use this advice: Our generation is considered the natives of the digital frontier, and capable of multitasking much more efficiently than ever before. Generation X may not yet understand how much we can get done in this state of constant connection, so keep this in mind as you inquire about a typical day in your position. After all, if you are hired, there is always room for flexibility once you demonstrate how dedicated you are.

Generation X Insight #4

They were around before Google . Those from Generation X grew up working hard to solve their problems and often had to conduct research to find the right answers. Our generation works a little differently, since it takes on average .03 seconds for a search engine to deliver a solution to our problem.

26

issue quickly, but it doesn’t do much for the Generation X philosophy of actually working together. While we like our work chats to happen instantly and preferably through an Internet connection, Generation X still prefers to discuss important issues in face-to-face meetings or through phone calls.

They are not part of the “Everybody Gets a Trophy” mentality.Remember when you played sports as a kid and everyone got a fake gold trophy with a little guy on top? Well, this generation focused on being the best you could be, instead of applauding their best efforts. After all, according to the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Offices (AACRAO), this generation grew up with the individuality and uniqueness of Sesame Street® instead of Barney and Friends’ TM messages of teamwork and commonality.

Use this advice: While working for a Generation X manager, it’s fair to assume you will not receive feedback on every task you complete. However, they will take time to recognize any efforts that truly stand out from the crowd.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Interviewing

Generation X

Population Breakdown by Generation In 2009, there were

154,142,000 people in the United States labor force.

Got an interview coming up?

Gain some perspective into your interviewer’s past with these facts.

Cut this out and post it to share with your residents!

Sonny Bono was the mayor of Palm Springs, CA. The term Urban Decay meant city decrepitude, not trendy nail polish.

Jordache® jeans were the coveted fashion item.

25.5%

Generation Y/Millennials

32.2%

Generation X

4.2%

They jammed to tunes by Def Leppard and Wham.

Hugh Heffner and Eddie Van Halen were both single.

Mature/WWII Generation

38.1% Baby Boomers

Golf became slightly cooler thanks to the movie Caddyshack.

They tried to dial “8-6-7-5-3-0-9” to see if Jenny would answer.

Cell phones weighed over 28 ounces.

Critics raved that Tron was the best movie ever made.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 3. Employment Status of the Civilian Noninstitutional Population by Age, Sex, and Race (2009).

Have you interviewed

?

with Generation X

We want to know about it! Send your insights and any RA magazine comments to us at info@reslife. com. When it comes to feedback, we’re all ears.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

They witnessed the Rolling Stone’s “first” farewell tour.

X

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

27

Conquer Cold Season

issue 6

28

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Conquer

Cold Season

“Great, I’m sick. And Mom’s not here.”

“I really don’t want to get sick.” u Hydrate The latest study from researchers at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City concludes that the old standby of eight glasses a day still holds true. However, most people get much less than that.

Watch your water intake to make sure you’re drinking enough. u Listen to your body According to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the average college student gets six hours of sleep per night. Eight or nine hours each night is ideal, so if you feel tired, give yourself an earlier bedtime. Your body knows what it needs, so pay attention. u Exercise Take the long way to class, hit the gym or join a pick up soccer game. Research shows that just 20 minutes of exercise per day can help build your immunity.

u Get more sleep Chances are if you’re in college, you aren’t getting enough sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a lack of sleep can harm you since “the body doesn’t have time to complete all of the phases needed for muscle repair, memory consolidation and the release of hormones regulating growth and appetite.” If you’re sick, give your body a chance to rest and recover. u Try a long hot shower Moisture from the shower’s steam is a great way to reduce throat inflammation and clear your sinuses to ease congestion. u Increase fluid intake Up your water intake and sip on some tea to make coughing less intense. Chicken soup is also great, as it has been shown to reduce the activity of inflammatory white blood cells that cause colds according to a study from the University of Nebraska Medical Centers. u Spice it up If you’re congested, spicy foods are a great way to unclog your nose. Bust out the curry and cayenne pepper and sprinkle some on your food to help you breathe easier. u Carefully treat your symptoms If you decide to use medicine, make sure it will treat what you have. Read the small print on the back of the box to make sure you’re using the right amount and carefully follow the directions.

u Eat right Eat lousy food and you’ll feel lousy. Stop binging on junk food and stock up on food that you know is good for your body.

Make sure you eat the CDC-recommended five fruits and vegetables each day to help maintain a healthy diet.

Know when to seek professional help.

“My roommate is sick. Now what?”

u Have trouble keeping food down

u Ask if you can help It doesn’t have to be something major like their laundry. It can be as simple as dropping off homework or picking up some medicine. u Let them rest If your roommate doesn’t get enough sleep, prepare for those 3am coughing fits to last a lot longer. If your roommate is trying to sleep, keep your headphones on and the noise down.

If rest and home remedies aren’t alleviating your symptoms, you may need to see a doctor. WebMD® recommends you seek professional help if you have any of these symptoms:

u Persistent fever or coughing u Chest pain u Lingering headaches or congestion u Painful swallowing u Difficulty breathing

u Watch your hands Your hands are the best place to pick up germs. Keep them away from your face to lower your chance of letting in those germs and remember to wash them before you eat. Sanitize door handles, remote controls or anything you share before you touch it. u Give your system a boost Keep your immune system strong by staying away from allnighters, avoiding junk food and increasing your fluid and Vitamin C intake.

RESIDENCE LIFE CINEMA

Programming idea: During cold and flu season play Residence Life Cinema’s Flu Prevention Video.

RA MAGAZINE | FALL 2014

29

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