Issue #12– January 23, 2009

The Good Guy, Adam Bosen

by: Tess Kittelberger, Special Projects Coordinator


Adam Bosen, a Residence Life Community Advocate (CA), who has a strict course load but maintains such a spirited attitude, wants people to know that he is part of the good guys.  He and his fellow CAs are here for the students.  After talking with Adam, he was able to explain how he connects his academics, extracurricular activities and CA position to make life work together.

Interviewer: What was it about RIT that persuaded you to come here?

Adam: I liked the combined Bachelor-Masters program in computer engineering.  The co-ops were a major attraction as well as the quarter system. I like the fact that classes are faster and it’s a bonus when you can quickly get rid of bad professors.

Interviewer: What is one thing you remember learning from one of your professors at RIT?

Adam: I was taught how to look at a problem and understand what everything means.  I can now look at things as being useful instead of just looking for the answer.  Professors taught me to look for why things are the way they are.

Interviewer: You have a brown belt in Aikido. Can you tell me a little about it?

Adam: Well it is a form of martial arts.  However, it is less violent and there is less aggression than judo which is another form of martial arts.  I started freshman year and it is really about blending energy. There are no strikes, just throwing and wrist locks.

Interviewer: Is there something about the sport that could apply to your role as a CA?

Adam: Well Aikido involves taking people’s energy and working with it.  So I can better understand what people are thinking and it involves working toward an outcome.  Being a CA, I can better deal with anger coming at me and I can constructively handle it.

Interviewer: What do you usually tell your residents about Residence Life?

Adam: We are the good guys. Most times being a CA involves handling a rough issue. But we are here to help.  CAs are meant to assist the students.

Interviewer: Are there any activities that you would like to see happen with Residence Life?

Adam: I enjoy the educational programs.  Building a community in Racquet club is important.  I saw a large gathering the other day and students were just hanging out grilling and that was really heartening.  Normally people are just by themselves.  So it would be nice to see people come together more.  In the winter quarter I would like to do a cookie exchange and this might get students to interact more with one another.

Interviewer: Now as an undergrad at RIT you were a Resident Assistant (RA).  What is the major difference from being an RA and a CA?

Adam: There is a decrease in discipline.  My least favorite part of being an RA was yelling at people. Now that I am a CA I do not have to do that as much.  Here it is not really my business to interfere unless students ask for my assistance or intervention is necessary.  The one downside is there is a decrease in resident interaction as a CA. I miss being able to getting to really know my residents.

Interviewer: Even though Racquet Club is right on campus, how are you making yourself known as a CA?

Adam: I just knock on doors and introduce myself.  If I can get at least half of the residents to answer when I go on my weekly knocks I consider that a good response.  There is not a lot of craziness so I enjoy meeting the people over there.

Interviewer: How did you decide on computer engineering as a career?

Adam: In high school I was really involved with robotics.  When I first made something move it was pretty cool.  I also liked programming and being able to make something happen.  So being able to put something like that into a real world situation is pretty cool.

Interviewer: What are some fun things you have done on campus?

Adam: Besides Aikido, I enjoy spending time with my friends.  A lot of my friends have graduated so I want to see them as much as I can before everyone leaves.  Hockey games are fun too!

Interviewer: Rochester is known for having some harsh winters.  Is there anything you are looking forward to once the cold weather hits?

Adam: I would be happy if the weather stayed warm.  I am not a fan of driving to and from class when snow is on the ground and I have to brush off my car.  But football in the snow is fun.

Interviewer: What is the next step for you once you graduate?

Adam: Well I hope to eventually get my PH.D. in Neuroengineering. I would like to go to John Hopkins University or the University of Southern California.  Before that, spending a year with AmeriCorps is something I’m interested in.  It’s like the Peace Corps but in America. 

Interviewer: It sounds like you have a large course load and could easily get stressed?

Adam: Yes I took on a lot this quarter, but it all applies to what I want to do, so it’s a challenge.

For more articles from this issue, click here