I am going on my third year of being a Community Advisor, or Resident Assistant. So, if you are a resident, and you dislike your RA, please read the rest of this article.
1. We work extremely hard on our bulletin boards and door decorations.
So, when you tear them down, and destroy them, it really sucks. A lot of RA’s bosses like them to replace the boards and door decorations, so it makes it harder on us when you tear them down.
2. We don’t like to document or “write” you up.
To be honest, it sucks. Not only does it make you mad, but it frustrates us because we have to fill out a form that can sometimes be pretty time consuming. We aren’t hired to get you in trouble, we are there to guide you and make your college experience the best it can be. We want you to have fun, but do so in an appropriate manner.
3. Don't make easy mac without adding water!
Okay, in all seriousness, this happens way more than you know. If you don’t add water, it catches on fire, and sets off the alarm which evacuates the whole building. It sucks, and it’s even worse if it’s winter. Please, add water. If you can’t do it yourself (for some reason), ask someone else to do it.
4. Please respect quiet hours.
Quiet hours are put in place in order to ensure residents can study, or sleep, or do whatever they need to do. When you are blaring music, yelling, or screaming, it’s not only extremely rude, but it is also violating a policy which we have to document. So, don’t do it. Be respectful.
5. You can come to us for anything.
I know that it is scary when something happens. For example, your best friend is so drunk they are unconscious, or you think your drink got drugged at a party. We are here to help you. We listen to all of your concerns and like to think we can take care of all your problems. The reality is we can’t, but we know people who can.
6. We want to be you friend!
I know, it’s crazy, but it’s true. Hang out with us on duty, go to dinner with us, whatever. We just want to hang out and have good, clean fun.
7. Come to our programs.
Believe it or not, we spend quite a bit of time planning and getting everything together for our programs, so stop by! Also, if you have any program ideas, share them with us because we want to hear what you guys want to do!
8. Having a bad day and need a shoulder to cry on? We got you.
That’s right, if you need to cry and talk about it, we can.
9. We like when you bring us food, candy, etc.
My residents did that ALL the time, and I was so grateful. Duty nights can be very long and boring, so we appreciate any food or candy you want to bring. Company is nice too!
10. We are always on the job.
Yeah, we aren’t on duty every night, but we always take our job seriously. When I hear a knock on the door at 3 a.m. and I’m not on duty, but I can clearly tell my resident needs help, I am going to respond. When a resident texts me in the middle of the day and says, “Can we talk?” I am going to find time to meet with that resident. Our residents mean a lot to us, so please, be friendly and try to understand why we do what we do.
