The Charger Blog
Just as on the main campus in West Haven, resident assistants at the UniversityӰԭs Tuscany campus are committed to ensuring a positive, fun, and inclusive environment for their fellow students.
November 8, 2022
When Sean Flatley Ӱԭ23 was a first-year student, he spent a semester abroad at the UniversityӰԭs campus in Prato, Italy. It was an experience he enjoyed so much that he returned as a senior. HeӰԭs now spending much of his final semester as a Charger in Italy Ӱԭ this time, as a resident assistant.
For Flatley, who will graduate this winter with a bachelorӰԭs degree in national security, it is his first time serving as an RA. He wants to help ensure a positive experience for his classmates abroad.
ӰԭAs a first-year student, I really enjoyed the food, the traveling, and the experience of living abroad,Ӱԭ he said. ӰԭComing back and being an RA is more responsibility, but it was a smooth adjustment.Ӱԭ
Flatley is one of two students serving as RAs in Italy this semester. Much like RAs on the UniversityӰԭs main campus, RAs in Prato are trained to assist the students who live on campus, serving as a source of support and helping to build a sense of community and inclusion.
Gabe McGaw Ӱԭ23 says serving as an RA in Italy does present some unique challenges, and it is a position he enjoys.
ӰԭYou have students who are feeling homesick, and you have to balance taking care of others with taking care of yourself,Ӱԭ explains McGaw, an international affairs major. ӰԭWeӰԭre also learning about a new culture and weӰԭre surrounded by non-English speakers. People respect me as an RA. I can balance enjoying my time here while putting studentsӰԭ safety first.Ӱԭ
As RAs, McGaw and Flatley alternate weeklong shifts on duty. They make sure the residences are taken care of and pass along any issues to staff. They can still travel when they are off-duty Ӱԭ Flatley has visited Switzerland this semester, and McGaw went to in Germany Ӱԭ and they say their weeks on duty are a good opportunity to get their schoolwork done.
ӰԭThereӰԭs so much to do and see while abroad,Ӱԭ said Flatley. ӰԭItӰԭs very enjoyable, and IӰԭd encourage any student considering studying abroad to go for it.Ӱԭ
While they are leaders and sources of support for their classmates, Flatley and McGaw still regularly take part in campus-wide events, such as weekly excursions. McGaw says his time in Prato has enabled him to get to know the other students abroad while playing an important role in making sure everyone has a positive experience.
ӰԭIӰԭm an introvert, and IӰԭve gotten to know everyone,Ӱԭ he said. ӰԭThere are no faces I donӰԭt know. I hope everyone has fun, and I make sure of that. My mindset is that everyone here wants to be here, and they should be able to enjoy it.Ӱԭ
The Charger Blog
Ashanti Truelsen Ӱԭ23, Ӱԭ24 MBA shares her inspiring journey from playing softball to landing a role as an inventory analyst at NBCUniversal. She reflects on how the UniversityӰԭs supportive network paved the way for her career success.
The Charger Blog
Hundreds of Chargers took part in the UniversityӰԭs two-day Career Fair, talking with recruiters and employees from more than 100 companies, organizations, and agencies in the engineering, arts, business, healthcare, criminal justice, and nonprofit fields.
The Charger Blog
Beatrice Glaviano Ӱԭ26 reflects on rediscovering herself through personal challenges, the Hedgehog Concept, and her passion for healthcare and research.