Our home is our workplace. Even when we’re not working, we could be, in a simple matter of seconds. Here are some truths from the Undergraduate Employees you probably love to hate.

1. No, we can’t fix the WiFi.

If we could, don’t you think we would have already? My laptop stays plugged into an ethernet cord, just like yours does.

2. We also can’t fix your thermostat when it’s not working, or your sink, or shower, window or power outlet, but we sure as heck can point you towards someone who can.

3. We hear you when you mess with our bulletin boards.

Especially when they’re right outside our rooms.

4. We have to smile to ourselves when we smell burnt popcorn, because we have all been there ourselves.

It’s a college rite-of-passage.

5. We work really hard to find the right balance between rule enforcer and friend.

We don’t always get it quite right. We’re sorry.

6. If you think we saw, heard or smelled you doing something sketchy in the residence hall, we probably did.

7. We get nervous before every hall program that we host, worried that none of you will show up.

We are genuinely thrilled and touched when you do.

8. Rolling your eyes about a mandatory hall meeting won’t make it go away.

We probably have things we’d rather be doing, too.

9. Even though our hearts stop when the duty phone rings in the middle of the night, we’re secretly relieved that you’re just calling because you locked yourself out of your room.

We’re glad you are okay.

10. We read your names, cleaned up your rooms, and prepared for your arrival long before you even knew we existed.

11. We like making you excessive door decorations. It’s our way of loving on you.

Just roll with it.

12. We question how half of you will ever make it through college considering you never check your emails.

13. We know that you only showed up for the free food.

We bribe you because it works.

14. We want to explode with pride when you ask us how to become an RA for next year.

15. When you go home for breaks, we hope and pray that you travel safely and make it back in one piece.

16. As loud and boisterous as you can be, we kind of hate it over breaks when you’re not here and it’s totally quiet.

17. We are well aware that we are overworked and underpaid.

18. We don’t even mind that, because getting to help you feel at home is rewarding in ways that money could never match.