What's Your Why: Jewel Hurt

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Jewel Hurt, current Student Body President, got her start here in the Office of Residence Life as a Resident Adviser. Here's what she had to share about her experience as a Resident Adviser:

  • What years did you serve as an RA?
    • I was an RA last year and my sophomore year in the Apartments on Grace.
    • "What's Your Why" for serving as an RA?
      • I wanted a job that was convenient and could help improve on my interpersonal skills. I had already signed a two-year housing contract so I just sort of went for it! 
    • What was your favorite thing about being an RA?
      • My favorite thing about being an RA was getting to know my amazing staff and residents.
    • What types of leadership skills did you gain from being an RA?
      • I learned that often times the right decision is the most difficult one to make when dealing with conflict. I also learned how to better manage my time since I was involved with many things. Along with that, the importance of self-care is also a lesson that has stuck with me.
    • Which of these skills do you use on a regular basis?
      • Knowing how to manage my time is a skill that I have and will continue to benefit from for the rest of my life.
    • Did being an RA require/enable you to train or mentor others?
      • I would say that being an RA both required and enabled me to act as a mentor to the ones around me. Even though it was expected of me to be a resource to my residents, I wanted my residents to know that they could come to me for anything. I enjoyed giving advice and believe the people in Grace Street taught me so much in return.
    • How would your peers describe your leadership style?
      •  I think my peers would describe my leadership style as people-oriented and forward-focused. I'm all about building relationships that make a cohesive team while still being focused on our mission- whatever that may be.
    • How would you describe your leadership style and how has it evolved since being an RA?
      • I like to think of myself as a leader who challenges others to better themselves. I try to inspire greatness by modeling good habits and skills.
    • How did being an RA enhance your life as a JMU student?
      •  Being an RA allowed me to meet so many new and interesting people that I will never forget. I'm so glad that I was able to live on campus my second year and loved the convenience when it came to going to classes and meetings. I definitely think being an RA made me hold myself to a higher standard which concluded in success in multiple areas of my life.  
    • Overall, how did being an RA set you up for success in your current and future endeavors?
      • Being an RA taught me so much about building relationships and working with a team. This is an invaluable lesson that is sure to translate into a career surrounding public service. 
    • What type of person would you say is a great candidate to be an RA?
      • An RA should be a person who is dependable, resourceful, and full of integrity.

By ORL Staff 

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Published: Sunday, January 1, 2017

Last Updated: Tuesday, February 14, 2023

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