When submitting my application to be a Resident Assistant nearly two years ago, I never thought I would have the experiences I have had over the past year and a half. I have learned to love residents like my own family and genuinely care about their well-being and success. However, there are plenty of times where being a Resident Assistant is a scary and daunting role.
In training, they teach you all of the polices and routines for how to handle any situation: parties, alcohol poisoning, drugs, mental illness, natural disasters, and so much more. You learn how to deal with these things, you simulate the situations. But one thing cannot be simulated during training: actually knowing the people involved.
If you were to come to any of the floors I have worked on, you would see the strong community I have helped to create on my floors. I, of course, don't do this alone. All of my residents play a major role in creating such a wonderful community to live with. All residents, male and female, have felt comfortable speaking with me about a variety of situations -- good and bad. I feel honored that they feel a connection with me and are comfortable opening up. It means I have done my job well and developed a foundation of trust amongst them.
When these residents come to me, faces in tears or puckered up in anger, it is hard for me to remain unbiased sometimes because I want to side with them in their frustrations. But it is my job to help them the best that I can.
So if they've gotten caught with drugs or alcohol, I try not to show the disappointment and just explain to them how to do better from there on out. If they've been struggling with mental illness, I automatically ask them if they would like to talk to a specific gender or a counselor. If they're having suicidal thoughts, I remind them of their worth and value not only in our community but every community they're in from their family to their university.
With all of these things, it's hard to not become emotional. As a Resident Assistant you want the best for your "kids." You want to see them succeed and you want to do everything you can to help.
When most students hear the term "RA", they think of party poopers and rule followers. They think of door decorations and hall decorations. They think of events for the floor and someone to ask all of their questions.
They don't think about the support and encouragement RAs bring to the table. They forget that our jobs are to be there for them, whatever they are facing.
Our jobs aren't games. Our jobs are important. It can be emotional, hard work but the residents are all worth it.
