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When Kenia came into our Residence Hall Council meeting as excited as could be
and with a folder full of notes, I knew something incredible was starting. As it turns
out, I was absolutely right. Although it took some tense moments of debate in a
University Residence Hall Association meeting to get the required funding, I and
the other Jester East Officers (not to mention all the other residents) got to watch
as Kenia unfolded a beautiful event that will surely start a new tradition in Jester
East. As the month changed to November, the hall was treated to a Halloween-themed
Fall Festival the likes of which we never imagined we could achieve here. Kenia
expected around 200 residents to pop in but in actuality, based on sign-in sheets
alone, there were upwards of 400 attendees. Residents coming home from another
rough Monday stopped in the lobby and Red River Lounge for cookie-decorating,
mask-making, a popcorn machine, a spooky nail salon, tarot card readings, a
haunted hallway, candy for trick-or-treaters, and glitter tattoo application. There was also, conveniently, a Walking Dead episode being streamed adjacent to
the festival and available to all those who walked by. The final attraction was a
costume contest, which Kenia herself joined and helped decide the
prize/recognition for. In doing so she set a good example, incurred interest from
passerby and thus greater participation in the event, and helped start a platform
for spreading the word on social media (through a photo album of costumed
contestants on Facebook). This effort not only encouraged those who saw it to
come down and join, but also recognized the importance of those who participated
and thanked them publicly for their contributions toward making the event
enjoyable for all. Kenia's work in starting this event was monumental, as Jester East had never put
on such event but now has the bedrock to continue and improve upon it in coming
years. She had to present in front of Resident Assistants to get their help in
volunteering to run booths, in front of Jester West to get use of their popcorn
machine, in front of the Residence Hall Council to get extra funding, and finally in
front of the very serious and imposing University Residence Hall Association board
to get the rest of what she needed to make sure the event ran smoothly. She was
also there for most of the event, helping volunteers maintain the proper image and
run their booths. Overall, her constant involvement and offers of time and service
were extremely motivating to all others involved. Her legacy was also evident every other day of November, and frankly every other
day since she accepted her position as Resident Assistant. Every time she is on
duty at the Jester East front desk, as per her job description as a Resident
Assistant, she never fails to be outstanding in her helpfulness and friendliness. I
personally can never walk by the desk without stopping to say hi, and I've seen
many others submit to the same irresistible pull. Her work to make the Jester East community a family never seems to end, either.
When I spoke to her the other day, she was planning a pancake social for her floor
to help offset the stress of upcoming finals. It is very clear to everyone who meets
her that she is dedicated now and in the future to being an inspirational asset to
our Jester East community, and that she not only motivates and supports each of
us to make it a better place, but recognizes all who help to do so. Word Count: 600
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