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Joshua Tanner Reeves

Within the Discipline

As a residential leader, one significant connection
between the real world and academic life is the importance
of a leader avoiding fraternization. It is important for
someone such as an RL to avoid picking favorites, since the
other residents will catch on, and the result can be
disastrous to a team. Another quality that RLs can apply to
the real world is the quality of steadfastness. If a Residential
Leader displays a crippling weakness during an incident or
interaction, their ability to lead may be shattered. Finally,
Residential Leaders can apply constant self-reflection to the
real world. Without self-reflection, an individual wills
stagnate in their duties.

Beyond the Discipline

Aside of being a Residential Leader, I take on the
responsibilities of the Tarleton Mens Society Treasurer;
spiritual mentor, and United States Marine Corps officer
candidate. As a treasurer, I can apply my accountability to
the real world; 17 men rely on me to manage and collect
dues and funds that determine the activities of the entire
group. As a spiritual mentor, individuals count on me to
provide guidance in areas that they are not competent. As
an officer candidate, my superiors delegate tasks to me, and
expect me to accomplish them beyond what I am required to
do.

Joshua Tanner Reeves

Beyond Academics
There are experiences that I encountered as a
Residential Leader that have prepared me to be capable
under pressure in the future. Incidents and interactions with
troubled residents provide helpful scenario training that I can
tap in the future. Also, being able to integrate aspects into
interactions (RLE requirements) will aid me in the real world,
as I will be able to hold intentional conversations. Finally,
timeliness is a quality that RL&L tuned in me. It is an
invaluable trait that leads to only good things.

Interconnectedness
Holding the position of Residential Leader led me to
understand how a staff and group of residents adhere to one
another. The staff will bond over common issues that they
face, and deadlines that they need to meet. Residents will
become connected in a similar sense; they compare and
contrast each others struggles with school and relationships,
and bond over that.

Global Awareness

Joshua Tanner Reeves

There was a pair of football players in my

University Physics class, and after recognizing them
as college athletes; I immediately analyzed them as
the non-academic, jock type. I couldnt have been
more wrong. The two guys pitched in during
Supplemental Instruction (SI) hours, and ended up
receiving high marks on their exams. Physics is a
tough class, and cheating is out of the question. This
experience caused me to learn that making a
generalization about someone without knowing much
about him or her is the wrong way to go about
finding a conclusion. The better way to come to a
conclusion about someone is to get to know more
about him.
Broader Implications
I have a diverse group of residents. My residents come
from wealthy households, low-income households, different
states, and different countries. One of the worst things I
could do as their Residential Leader is stereotype; it is often
that they do not fit stereotypes. The beauty of the college
years is that people are revered for being themselves; why
should I take that liberty away by being closed-minded?