September 9, 2019 | UHCL Staff
University of Houston-Clear Lake’s first traditional residence hall opened Aug. 22, and seven newly-appointed resident advisers were on campus days in advance, participating in training and preparing for what was a hectic and exciting move-in day.
Meet Kyndhal Stewart, a senior majoring in biology. She’s one of the seven Hunter Hall RAs who was on hand to make sure move-in day was a fun, positive experience for new residents, and she’s here to ensure each new student begins transitioning to campus life with plenty of support.
Q: What made you decide to become an RA?
Stewart: I want to be an RA to help incoming students balance their personal and academic lives. I want to be an extra member of their support system and help them adjust to college life and thrive on campus.
Q: What are you looking forward to most about living in Hunter Hall?
Stewart: I’m looking forward to building the on-campus community and getting to know all the residents on a personal level. I’m excited about engaging programs that are tailored to residents’ interests.
Q: What is one thing you’d like residents to know about you?
Stewart: I’m open book and nonjudgmental. I want my residents to know that if they want advice or just want someone to vent to, my door and ears are always open. I never want them to hesitate if they’d like to speak to me. I also want they to know I genuinely care about each of them and I want them to succeed.
Q: What are some things you do when you’re not studying?
Stewart: On Sundays, I teach Hebrew Through Movement at a synagogue in Houston. I am an avid whistler and I can whistle just about any song. I recently got into rock painting and I make homemade natural hair care products.
Q: What is a goal you have as an RA for the students living on your floor?
Stewart: I want all the students in Hunter Hall to participate actively in building our new community. This includes looking up from their devices and into the eyes of people when you pass them in the hall, getting know the other residents on more than a surface level, and being friendly.
Q: What advice would you give new students/residents?
Stewart: My best advice to new residents is to be open to change and new opportunities.
It can be challenging to live with others, but it can also be a world of fun. I would
also advise students to get out of the hall and join clubs on campus and attend events.
There is always something going on!
Discover more about Hunter Hall online.
