Ah, the Resident Assistant (RA), either your best friend or your most hated enemy. As we wrap up yet another semester, the RA's are some of the busiest during this time of year. Not only do we have finals, packing and typical end of the semester things to do, but we have the responsibility to make sure the halls are closed properly and everyone goes home stress-free. But like the workers on "The Office," we have a lot of fun and interesting situations. Here are the ten thoughts your RA has during finals week as told by the cast of "The Office."
1. That feeling when the resident misses the closing meeting…but still has questions.
If you had come to the meeting, these problems could have been avoided.
2. Planning a de-stress program so you have an excuse to relax
Coloring, cookies, pizza outside, anything is fair game. Yes, the program is for the residents but it also gives us a chance to relax and forget responsibility (read: that 10-page paper) for a little bit.
3. When an exam is in an hour, and there’s a line to check out residents.
“No, this is my time, the office is closed, come back later,” I mumble to myself as I get your paperwork.
4. Running out of meal plan because you swiped everyone all semester.
I know it’s stereotypical for college students to eat ramen … but I like to go against stereotypes. Our diets during finals week are scrapings of meal plan mixed with pizza and candy.
5. When your residents leave without saying goodbye.
It’s fine… I just love you as my own child and you didn’t even say goodbye to me.
6. When all the residents are lined up to check out at the exact same time, at the very last minute.
There’s only eight of us, and like five thousand of you. We haven’t forgotten about you, pinky promise!
7. Listening to all the new music and all the old throwbacks in a matter of six hours
Thank god for "VIEWS," "Lemonade" and Pandora’s 2006 Hits playlist. When we aren’t checking out rooms, we’re probably having a dance party.
8. Staff bonding becomes too real
It’s the end of the year so everyone gets a little emotional, RA staffs have literally seen it all together. All the feels, all the bonding.
9. When you get a little emotional saying bye to your residents
They came in as strangers and left as friends, and you get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing you somehow made a difference in their lives.
10. Finally completing all your work and getting to go home for the summer!
Yay! All your hard work paid off, and now you’re home free. Go home and relax, RA, you deserve it!
If you see an RA hard at work during finals week, give them a pat on the back or a compliment! We have worked all year to build close relationships with everyone, just like the people on "The Office." We’re here to make sure you have the best college experience from move in day to move out day (even if that requires channeling our inner Michael Scott sometimes). It means so much to so many of us to know we somehow made an impact on you.
