For aerospace engineering major John Mark Connally ’28, starting his sophomore year at Texas A&M University has meant stepping into a new role as a resident advisor.
“I really like interacting with people,” Connally said. “It was a great opportunity to help some people who are moving into campus on their freshman year feel more welcomed into the community and also be that first community that they interact with.”
A Day in the Life of an RA
As a first-year RA, Connally is quickly learning the ins and outs of the role. He explained that duty rounds are one of his main responsibilities.
“One of the nights of the week you’ll have duty, which involves making two rounds at night,” Connally said. “You do one between 8 to 10 p.m. and one after midnight. Rounds look like going through all the floors, all the stairways, and just making sure everyone’s OK…. It’s mainly just to make sure that no one’s out in the halls, you know, being too reckless or that everyone’s all right in general.”
Between safety checks and community interactions, no two nights look the same, and Connally said he’s learned to adapt quickly while keeping his residents’ well-being at the center of his routine.
At the beginning of the year, his role included more creative tasks.
“I had a lot of training and then I had to make some door decs, which are the fun little images that go on people’s doors with their name,” he said. “I also make bulletin boards, which are informational to help people”
Building Community Through Activities
Community builders are a key part of his work.
“I think that community builders are probably what is not seen or would not be expected from the resident standpoint,” Connally said. These events give students a chance to connect beyond their rooms and create lasting memories within the hall.
“For me, that looks like an intramural soccer team and intramural flag football team that I’ve put together,” he said. “Which has been a super cool experience to get to know the residents better, but also it’s just a lot of fun competing against other teams.”
Outside of RA work, Connally makes time to unwind and enjoy his favorite parts of campus life.
“My favorite spot on campus is probably Penberthy,” Connally said. “There’s a lot of people out there most of the time… and so that’s been a fun way to make friends and still compete in college without being a part of like the teams here.”
A Supportive Team
Behind every successful RA is a strong support system, and Connally said he’s grateful for the one he’s found.
“I have really enjoyed working with the other RAs,” he said. “We really have a good team... I was a little worried about all of the different tasks that you have to do and the learning curve of trying to know how to do everything. But my team has been super helpful, and the other RAs have really mentored me into the position and I definitely would not be able to do it without them.”
Making an Impact
Connally hopes residents know they can rely on him.
“I hope to be like someone that all of my residents can come to,” he said. “I really try to say hello to everyone in the halls, and I know that not everyone wants to be friends with the RA and that’s OK.”
Even so, he remembers what it was like to be new on campus and wants to be someone students can trust. “Like my freshman year, I wasn’t like exactly outgoing to my RAs. But I do want them all to know that they can always come to me with any issues they have.”