I remember being a freshman in college and looking up to resident assistants as a mentor, I remember relying on them to have most answers to my questions and coming to them with problems. I remember viewing them so positively that I aspired to be one eventually. No matter how unlikely I thought the odds of me getting the position were, I wanted to go through the process to at least know that I put my best foot forward. In the spring of 2015 when I received the emailing telling me that was told I would be offered the position, my heart almost stopped. In my case my job is referred to as an RA but at many other college campuses I would be referred to as a “CA”, it is all the same thing. After completing my first year as a resident assistant for the 2015-2016 school year, before going into my second year, it is important to reflect on my positive experience.

1. Even when I am not "on duty" I am.

I say this because being a resident assistant is a 24/7 job, we never know when some situations will arise. It is my sole duty to make sure residents are safe and feel safe, I want everyone on campus to be happy and enjoy their college years as much as possible. As an RA we all get allotted days of duty that consist of staying on campus and staying in the loop. We stay up to act as an eye around campus, or do rounds with security to make sure all is peaceful in the dorms. There is so much that goes into this job that residents do not see or could not understand.

2. Mother, may I?

I always stress the importance of remembering that “I am not their mother.” Meaning it is not my job to clean up after them, we’re all in college and we should take responsibility seriously. In all actuality, I view all of my residents as my children whether they want to viewed that way or not. When you come knocking at my door at 8pm or 2am- I will be there to answer any questions or concerns you have. I love supporting my residents in things they have accomplished and watching them grow with each semester makes me feel like a proud parent. I love being a resource and stressing how important it is to get involved on campus. I love giving advice and a helping hand whenever it is possible. I love feeling. I want to help you go through life, I want to help you grow through life so you never have to feel that you are in this alone. When they feel that they have no friends I will be their friend.

3. Come hang out!

I love hanging out with my residents and residents on my floor until all hours of the night until it’s time for me or my roommate to get some sleep. Sometimes however, I am the "bad guy" when it comes to doing my job because as previously stated residents are my first priority. Having crazy conversations about school or life in general is what I live for. Leaving my door open is a welcoming invitation to come in and hangout, and residents surely take full advantage of it.

4. Roommates are lifesavers or "mini RA's" when RA's are not available

As an RA, despite all of my efforts, I cannot always be available. It has been a pleasure having my roommate act as a sidekick to me. From delivering messages or finding answers to questions herself that residents have asked, it certainly makes my life a bit easier.

5. TEAMWORK

Being an RA comes with working on a team. Everyone on staff is a huge family of jokesters, it is truly a blessing. Pairing up for programs, covering duties and supporting one another in all aspects of campus life is not a job it is something I love being a part of. Sometimes the best team is not in athletics or clubs it is right here in your own dorm community.

Honestly, being a resident assistant is a job, and usually it is compensated for, however, it is a leadership position and an opportunity to make a difference. Being an RA has made me have the opportunity to realize so much about residents and so more about myself than I ever thought. If anyone has the opportunity to be an RA in the future I wholeheartedly recommended for more reasons that those that I have listed in this article. It warms my heart know each day I can be a resource and a helping hand to help students adjust to campus life and to be a leader day in and day out. I love being an RA and I would not trade it for the world.