A Love Affair
Shaw Resident Advisors Host Valentine's Day Party for Manley Residents
Shaw University Resident Advisors (RAs) assist students living on campus by creating an environment that enhances their living and learning experiences. The RA program provides an opportunity for students to serve as leaders for their residential communities. As part of the program, students participate in service learning and community service projects.
On February 14, 2013, RAs were enlisted to serve as hosts to the residents of First Baptist and Manley Residential Estates in Chapel Hill, NC at their annual Valentine's Day party. Although Manley provides independent living accommodations to senior citizens, the RAs quickly learned that the residents needed no assistance when it came to dancing and grooving to the music.
After a brief introduction over cupcakes, cookies and punch, the RAs hit the dance floor with their senior partners. Hits from Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and other Motown greats filled the room as the RAs extended their hands to request dances. "I don't even remember being escorted back to my seat in my partying heyday," laughed one of the residents when Resident Advisor Bryan Speight helped her back to her seat.
Pretty soon, the Manley residents began complaining about the outdated music so the RAs responded appropriately. With the magic of modern technology, Resident Advisor Matthew Morgan-Pegues downloaded some more modern hits and before long, the Manley residents were learning the "electric slide," the "cupid shuffle," the "cha-cha slide" and even the "wobble" dances. Those residents who were unable to dance joined in by patting their feet and conversing with the students.
The Resident Advisors have already begun making plans to visit the Manley residents again and hope to host a "Senior Prom" for their new friends in the spring. Images of their experience have flooded social networking pages. Resident Advisor Athena Curry uploaded a photo on Instagram with the caption "Service where it matters -- Shaw U Residential Life."
Residence Manager of Fleming Kee, Cleveland Williams, attended the program in support of his Resident Advisors and found himself dancing with a woman 93 years young! "I am so proud of our students and the effort they put forth to entertain the Manley residents. These young people could have been anywhere else but they chose to be here," said Williams.
The Office of Residence Life is currently accepting applications for Resident Advisors for the 2013-2014 academic year. If you are interested in becoming a RA, call us at 919-546-8295.