This year is my second year as a Resident Assistant at my college, and I am beyond ecstatic to be returning and working at the college yet again. Last year I came in as a Resident Assistant for first-year students, but this year I'm working in a sophomore/upperclassmen area. So now, to the real meat of this letter:

Hi everyone.

I know RAs are usually the ones you all hate, but please don't hate us. I'm just here to do my job, and honestly one of the biggest things I want to do is keep you all safe. Sure, you may think that's not my goal, my goal is to get you all in trouble-- but its not. I want you guys to have fun (because frankly, who am I to deny you your college experience), but what I want is for you all to be safe about it. My biggest fear when I'm on duty is finding someone non-responsive after they had just been out for the night, or even something worse. I know it might seem crazy and out there to you guys, but please, be safe for me. I don't even enjoy writing anyone up. When I go to write someone up, I secretly wish I could just not, but I know I have to because its a part of the job. The real reason is we don't know what could be happening on the other side of the door, and we need to make sure everyone is safe.

Also, I want to make your experience in the Residence Hall a good one. If there's something you don't like, please tell me. I will do everything in my power to change it. I want you to enjoy living here, not just sleeping here. I'm open to suggestions for any programming, etc. that you want me to do for you guys! I'm here to make it better for you guys. I don't want you guys leaving this year hating me or your hall, so please let me know what I can do to make it better. And please, please, PLEASE don't tear down anything I put up. I worked extremely hard on all of those, and it honestly is so disheartening when I find doortags or bulletin boards torn down. Programs I put on are the same way. It takes a lot of time and planning to put on these programs, and I hope these are programs you guys all will actually enjoy!

I'm not asking for much here, but please just give back what I'm giving you guys. I'm gonna be working hard to get to know you guys, learn what you guys like, hate, how you're doing in your classes and you're doing with your friends. I genuinely care about you all, and I just want to make sure you guys have the best experience possible while you're here on campus!