On Campus: Rafael Hernandez

Rafael Hernandez

Rafael Hernandez, a 23-year-old senior accounting major, is a resident assistant in GSU's Freshman Hall, which opened in fall 2009.

What has the first year been like in GSU's Freshman Hall?

It's been very positive. Every floor has great community spirit and involvement. Most people on my floor didn't know each other at the beginning of the year, but now they all hang out. I'm one of two RAs on the fourth floor and we serve 60 students, a mix of males and females. In the Freshman Hall, the rooms are smaller, so it's more likely that students will come out and go to programming and socialize. And with the dining hall on the first floor, they'll eat together, too.

What made you want to be an RA?

I wanted to be involved at GSU and be a student leader.  I've been an RA in the Commons and then the Lofts. But I really wanted to be with freshmen so I could introduce them to Georgia State and get them on a good track. I wanted to show them everything that can be available to them here.

What are some of your duties as an RA?

I live and work in the Freshman Hall. I have to enforce rules and make sure students are safe.  I show them what resources are available at Georgia State, and we also do programming. We have ice cream socials, scavenger hunts, political debates and cultural events because Georgia State is a diverse community, and we have parties for events like the Super Bowl. We also work with student volunteers who are working on academic success programs on how to connect with faculty, take lecture notes, improve time management and give study tips.

Do you think the RA program in the Freshman Hall has been successful?

From year to year, this is the most retention I've seen. I think it's because they are all freshmen and it's giving them a chance to social. Every floor has great community and involvement. Many of the students are coming back for next year to live here.

What have you gained from being an RA?

I'm very involved on campus in several groups and I also volunteer off campus through my church. My academics have improved dramatically. Compared to high school, it's been a complete 180 and I credit that to being an RA. After graduation, I hope to pursue a master's in accounting.