By: Clare Daly | Staff Writer
Bélise Abane is a Sophomore Biology and Psychology double major from Burlington, Vermont. She is bubbly, intelligent, and active in the Salve community. Abane is also a Resident Advisor on the 2nd floor of Miley Hall, a primarily freshman dorm.
When asked why she chose to become an RA, she said, “I am a people person and love to help freshmen in their journey to adulting!” Often the transition to college life for freshmen can be difficult, and RAs like Abane are one of many support systems in place for struggling students.
Abane’s advice to freshman is that when roommate issues arise, the best method for conflict resolution is direct communication. She said that it’s best that the issue at hand stays between the people involved before it has the chance to escalate to an RA or Area Coordinator.
Though it’s only October, Abane said that so far her time as a Resident Advisor “[has had] its ups and downs, however, I think that by doing this I’ve learned to manage my responsibilities and grow as a person.” In addition to being an RA, Abane is president of MSO, secretary of Black Student Union, a Student Government Association Senator, and a Mercy Center Eucharistic Minister.
She manages to balance many extra curriculars, two majors, her duties as a Resident Advisor, and more all in the same 24 hours as every other person on campus! Abane’s involvement is possibly in part due to her extroverted personality. She said, “I love interacting with the student body and making new friends. I get inspired by the people I meet!”
She chose Salve for its beautiful campus and town, and that she didn’t see herself anywhere else. Growing up in a state like Vermont, she thought the seaside hamlet of Newport was a perfect place to be for her time in college.
Her favorite thing to do in her free time is reading. She also enjoys doing makeup and watching YouTube videos. Abane is an emerging YouTube star. A makeup tutorial video she filmed in Kinyarwanda, her first language, has almost 7,000 views! She started making videos almost two years ago, but her talent shines like that of an experienced, professional artist. James Charles, watch out! Some of her favorite influencers include makeup gurus Jackie Aina and Ronke Raji, actress and influencer Ryan Destiny, and dermatologist Sherene Idriss. Abane can be found on YouTube as Belise Ah, and on Instagram @beliseabane.
