Last school year I was a Resident Advisor, and it was one of the most educating experiences I have ever encountered. Although there were a lot of low points, there are still some things that I miss about it. Talking to other past RAs, we all miss similar things, that we didn't expect to. Here is everything you are going to miss.
1. Your staff.
I was thankful to have an incredible staff in the building I was in. Two of my former staff members are now my roommates. Although we didn't always get along with each other, we were all supportive of one another and there if we needed somebody.
2. Your residents.
I miss my residents that I had, because they were mine for a year to get to know, and bond with. I felt like I could not only be their RA, but also be their friend. You truly get to see people grow throughout a year, and help them better themselves and make sure they have the resources they need.
3. The leadership team.
I was blessed to have a Hall Director and Graduate Hall Director that would support me in my classes and as an RA. They were there to listen whenever my personal life was getting to be a lot to handle, and they always wanted you to succeed. They never once set you up to fail. Still, today if I see them they ask me how things are going.
4. The connections and relationships you make campus-wide.
As an RA, I called the campus police quite a few times, and you really got to know them. There were many other leaders in residence life or residence life employees you were able to know. If I had not been an RA, a majority of my friendships that I have now would most likely not exist.
5. Living on campus.
I love apartment life to death, but campus life was always fun. There was almost always something to do, and as an RA, I was aware of them and able to take residents to these events. Living in an apartment, I am informed of what is going on through campus updates, which get sent to my clutter.
6. The endless stories.
Whether it be a marijuana incident or a silly conduct issue that has happened, you get some interesting stories from being an RA to share with your friends. I have some stories that are so much fun to tell when a group of my friends and I have a gathering. Just make sure to leave out names, because breaking confidentiality is not cool.
There are many other little things I miss about being an RA, but these things are the main ones. The resident advisor job is not one that I would be able to handle again, but I am so thankful to have had a year doing it, learning from incredible people and doing incredible things. To those that are in the position that I was a year ago, cherish it. To those who are like me now, reminisce on the good times.