As we approach the end of the spring semester, University Housing Services is pleased to announce this term’s recipients of the Resident Assistant and Community Assistant (RACA) Academic award. The RACA academic scholarship is presented to resident (RA) and community assistants (CA) who exemplify success in the classroom, as well as in the RA/CA Leadership role. This semester, five $500 academic scholarships were awarded to outstanding students.
Described as “positive” and “supportive” by peers, Cailin Perez is dedicated to her role as a resident assistant in Manchester Hall. Perez actively engages with her residents and is committed to ensuring they feel safe and supported on her floor. These qualities make her a deserving recipient of the RACA academic scholarship.
“I envision this scholarship influencing personal and professional development by allowing me to take extra steps to completing my degree,” Perez explained when asked to describe the scholarship’s impact.
Perez noted that the scholarship award will greatly help lift financial stressors. “When I had to take out loans for the first time, I immediately felt this dread and fear of a new burden on my life,” said Perez. “That’s why this scholarship means so much to me. Through funding sources like UHS, I am able to rely less on student loans, which has eased a lot of the financial stress I experience.”
When thinking about mentors who have assisted her throughout her journey, Perez mentioned numerous mentors, including housing staff member Raven Stamps.
“Raven is my current supervisor through my RA position and has become a strong pillar in my support system here at ISU,” says Perez. “She continues to lend a listening ear when I need it and is always open to collaborating on different projects.”
Financial awards such as the RACA academic scholarship are made possible by the generous support of our community. Head to Giving.IllinoisState.edu for information on how you can contribute to student success.
