Eaton's Resident Assistants (RAs) are full-time undergraduate students who live and work with students, staff, and resident faculty faculty to facilitate a learning environment in Eaton Residential College. They serve as a role model and a resource person, contributing positively to the intellectual, social, academic, and cultural development of students. Learn more about each Eaton RA below.


Floor:  2nd   |   3rd   |   4th
2nd Floor
Name: Elena Kasparis

Major: Health Sector Management and Policy, International Studies, and Legal Studies
Year: Junior
Number of years on staff: I’m a newbie - it’s my first year!
Why did I become an RA: I want to help residents navigate this whole experience they call “college” and figure out how to make the most of it while they’re here.
Something I’m excited about for the year: I can’t wait to get to know everyone at Eaton’s semester barbeque!
A piece of advice: There really is no such thing as a “typical college experience.” You’re responsible for the one life you have, so find what your true passions are and don’t feel pressured to fit into any mold.

Name: Jonathan (Don Jon) Anthony Kane
Major: Motion Pictures and History, with a minor in Spanish
Year: Junior
Number of years on staff: First Year Staff
Why did I become an RA: Last year, I transferred into UM and though the city and campus are beautiful, and the people are friendly, coming into a new school as a transfer was somewhat difficult. My RA staff encouraged me to be involved and take part in everything UM had to offer (not just academics). I applied for an RA position in upperclassmen dorms not only as a way to help things go smoothly for returning students, but also ensure that new transfer “Canes” have as great of a time I did my first year. I know that such a transition is a difficult one, and I look forward to trying to make the newbies and the vets feel at home.
Something I’m excited about for the year: I am excited to meet my residents and hear their stories…but the egomaniac in me also can’t wait to make them listen to my story as well.
A piece of advice: Relax, take a deep breath, dive into something new and know that, as my old friend Bill Cosby said, “There is hope for the future of man because God has a sense of humor, and we are funny to God.”
Name: Mackenzie Wheeler
Major: Psychology and Ecosystems Science and Policy, with minors in Biology and Ar
Year: Senior
Number of years on staff: 3 years, first year in Eaton
Why did I become an RA: I love being able to help students with any problem that they may have and being able to influence their college experience in a positive way. I enjoy the creative aspects of the job and aim to provide residents with exciting experiences that they may not otherwise get to have.
Something I’m excited about for the year: Sportsfest! This is our year Eaton! And of course getting to meet all of my wonderful new residents!
A piece of advice: "Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore" - Lord Chesterfield

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3rd Floor
Name: Aly Jaffer
Major: International Studies
Year: Senior
Number of years on staff: 2 years
Why did I become an RA: I became an RA for the opportunity to connect with many different individuals and help impact their experience on our campus.

Something I’m excited about for the year: I'm really excited about our upcoming football season, Homecoming, and some really awesome programs that are being planned for this upcoming year.
A piece of advice: Life is a great adventure where you are going to end up where you are meant to, so slow down and enjoy the process.

Name: Coral Millican
Major: Psychology and Sociology, with a minor in Human and Social Development
Year: Senior
Number of years on staff: 3 years
Why did I become an RA: I wanted to be an RA because I looked up to the RAs during my freshman year and saw how involved they were as leaders on campus. I really wanted to be able to look back at my years in college and say that I made an impact on campus and in the lives of other students. Each year I choose to return as an RA because of the amazing experience of working with such a talented staff and building a community on my floor and in our building.
Something I’m excited about for the year: I am so excited to enjoy my senior year at UM, living in the best residential college on campus.
A piece of advice: If I could give just one piece of advice, I would tell you to take advantage of your time at Miami. There are so many amazing opportunities through our school and time goes by so fast, just enjoy all the experiences while you can.

Name: Michael Schwengel
Major: Economics, with a minor in Electronic Media
Year: Senior
Number of years on staff: 2 years
Why did I become an RA: Family and community have always been two of the most important aspects of my life. Being a resident assistant at UM allows me to help build the community and create a family atmosphere within Eaton Residential College and around campus.
Something I’m excited about for the year: I'm looking forward to supporting our athletic program this year and seeing how our teams respond to the controversy surrounding UM. I'm also looking forward to continue working on the Eaton staff and making this a great year for everyone.
A piece of advice: If you ever have a question or need any assistance throughout the year, don't hesitate to ask.

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4th Floor
Name: Daniella Orihuela
Major: Biomedical Engineering Pre-med
Year: Senior? Super Senior!
Number of years on staff: 2 years
Why did I become an RA: I love being involved on campus and being an RA is the best way to do that! You are constantly aware of the issues and activities that are happening and I love working in a group atmosphere. This job has taught me patience and humility and i am very grateful for it.
Something I’m excited about for the year: I am excited but anxious to graduate! I am also excited for the many programs Eaton puts forth every year such as the beginning of the year barbecue and the Mr. and Ms. Eaton pageant for Homecoming.
A piece of advice: Enjoy your undergraduate experience! Be successful with your studies but create a balance. Don't be so focused on finishing your studies that you miss the experiences and opportunities on the way there!

Name: Vanessa De La Rosa
Major: International Studies, Pre-Law
Year: Junior
Number of years on staff: 2 years, first year in Eaton
Why did I become an RA: As an RA I hope to enrich your experience at UM.
Something I’m excited about for the year: I am involved in Canes International Outreach, Rotaract and Kids and Culture. I am really looking forward to another year at the U!
A piece of advice: UM offers so many events and activities catering to the needs of its students, you should definitely take advantage of the numerous ways to get involved.
Name: Chris Brown
Major: Anthropology and Religion
Year: Senior
Number of years on staff: 2 years
Why did I become an RA: I became an RA for many reasons, but, above all, I became an RA because I enjoy interacting with and aiding others not only socially but also with their college and life experiences.
Something I’m excited about for the year: All of the fun we are going to be having in Eaton.
A piece of advice: The college experience is fun, but college is about learning to balance between work with play. Once one finds this balance they will become like a master artist with their tools in hand. (I kind of ripped this off from Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai; just giving credit where credit is due)

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