Zack has worked as a Community Advisor (CA) at the University of Minnesota for the last year. As a CA, Zack handles tasks ranging from confronting policy violations to building rapport with students. Zack works hard, is always looking for ways to improve processes, and enacts visions to make student lives better. He positively interacts with each student and gets along with everyone through collaborative work. Zack tackles every challenge, asks for help as needed, and acts as a team player. His professionalism is evidenced by balancing support, agency, and accountability with residents. Zack has doubled his responsibilities during staff shortages to ensure student needs are met. He remains calm during crises and helps deescalate situations.

1. To Whom It May Concern:
Zack asked me to write this letter for him and without hesitation I agreed. I have had the pleasure of being
able to supervise Zackary Leslie in his role as a Community Advisor (CA) at the University of
Minnesota-Twin Cities for the last year. A CA is one of the most demanding positions to have as a
college student because the job is all encompassing. The position can be anything from confronting policy
violations, to effectively building rapport with students all while living in the place where you work.
Throughout all tasks, it has been a joy to work with Zack and watch him grow. He is a hard worker that is
always looking for ways to make processes better. He has great vision and takes initiative to enact those
visions to make the lives of students better.
Zack has the ability to positively interact and relate to each student, making sure every student knows that
they are important in their hall. He can get along with everyone and often makes attempts to work
collaboratively. He has no problem taking the lead on activities or being an active follower which shows
his adaptability and commitment to his goals. Zack tackled every challenge I gave him and there were
many. He was never afraid to ask for help and showed an ability to be a team player at all times. His
professionalism is evidenced by his ability to navigate relationships with his residents. He is able to find a
unique balance of supporting residents, giving them agency to solve their problems, and holding them
accountable to policy. It is a testament to his maturity and empathy that his is so well regarded amongst
peers and residents alike.
Zack has worked tirelessly to make sure his residents and co-workers were happy and healthy. He works
to make himself available whenever he is needed. Additionally, he has voluntarily taken on additional job
responsibilities while we are down a staff member. He has doubled his responsibility for residents to
ensure that they have what they need to be successful in the interim of being without a CA.
Territorial Hall has a significant amount of student policy violations which means that each CA must be
prepared to deal with crises. Zack has had to be the first responder on various occasions which can
include supporting students needing immediate assistance due to alcohol poisoning, mental health
concerns, safety concerns, vandalism and more. As a returning CA, he has also helped acclimate new
CA’s to the role. He has the ability to remain calm during crises and help to deescalate residents as well. I
see this being a tremendous asset.
The unpredictability of the CA role combined with the high emotional labor require that CA’s routinely
partake in self-care. Zack has been a role model for others who struggle to find balance. This is a natural
extension of his compassion. He is one of the most compassionate people I know and works hard to be
there when he is needed. There is no task too small or too big for Zack to give his undivided attention to
and work to present the best work possible. He is one of the best people I have ever supervised and he
would be great in any role he chooses. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at 612-625-
8991.
Best,
Amber Buck
Residence Director – Territorial Hall
University of Minnesota