There is an enormous amount of stigma against Residence Assistants (RAs) and how they will always get their residents in trouble. College students everywhere believe that RAs are out to get their students. This is definitely not always the case. RAs are quite literally the saving grace of college. They are consistently always there for you when you need it, and here's why:
1. They are there for you when you have random questions.
I cannot explain the amount of times myself or my floormates have walked into my RA's room with questions like "how late can I get dinner at the dining hall?" or "what's the chance we have a snow day tomorrow?" She is always there to answer our questions, and if she doesn't have the answer then she'll find it for us.
2. They have food.
RA's love to entice you to come to their meetings or to come talk in their rooms with food. It's a great opportunity to snag some candy or a cookie. For some lucky residents (like me) generous RAs will even give you popcorn when you're really craving it and you ran out of your own.
3. They're there to talk if you need it.
Most RAs will set aside anything they're doing to talk to a resident if they're stressed, sad, or just need to talk. Quite literally their doors are always open!
4. They may just save your life.
This is one of the more intense roles of an RA. If something life-threatening was occurring to a resident, an RA will stop at nothing to ensure they receive the proper care. They will call for help and some will even stay with the resident in the hospital. RAs care about the safety of their residents, and they will show it.
5. They're like your parent when you're away from home.
Most frequently, my RA is not called by her name but she is called "mom" because she is our mom at school. She will make sure to send us a text reminding us to dress warm when it's going to be exceptionally cold the next day or tell us to take some vitamin C so we don't get sick. It's nice to have someone care for you in college as much as an RA does when you're feeling homesick or anything. If you can't get to your parents when you're at school, your RA will be there for you.
It is true that a good RA can really make your college experience. They're not out to get you, but instead they're out to be there for you. An RA may be in charge of you and may still be in an official position, but above all they're still your friend, not an enemy. RAs are there for your support and to help guide you through college life, especially for those RAs who have first-year students as their residents. Love your RA and they will love you back! So don't hate an RA, they're there to help not hurt. Give them a chance and stop the stigma against RAs!
So with all this being said, shout out to my RA, Kim, for being the best RA ever!
