Upperclassmen take it upon themselves to warn incoming, inexperienced freshman about the offerings of college. Don't order pizza at this joint because it's too greasy and expensive. Don't wash any laundry on Sunday, because not one machine will be available as people come back from home and dump a shit ton of it in the wash. Don't park on the street between the hours of no, no, and no or public safety will tow your car. Upperclassmen also provide a most understandable warning to never become friends with your Resident Advisor. Too problematic. Too messed up. She will tattle about secret booze hidden in the ceiling. She will certainly report you for sneaking in the boy at the bar from last night. Basically, life can be hell if you ever make your R.A. upset. She has a job to do after all.
People don't say she will be that friend who gives zero shits about you being too loud at midnight, especially when you are neighbors. Or the fact that you two will work on her communications project together and share a mutual love for a novel you have read a million times. When she has a crazy level of chill by getting up on stage with you to dance all night. She will push you to break the shell harboring all the shyness. You will discover the meaning of the magical rum and pineapple juice and drink several cups of it on a Wednesday night. She will listen to the bullshit of roommate drama (also because she can hear the yelling through the thin walls) with an open mind and dole out helpful suggestions while casually building giant Jenga on a Thursday night. She will buy an obscene amount of chocolate to share which makes you realize Charlie and the Chocolate Factory got nothing on her. She will offer her home when the dorm kicks you out over Christmas break even after you pleaded your heart out. She will save your ass because she cares. She will share a phone number in case you need help or just need a moment to share the feels about anything and everything.
The next four years in college can be tough or easy depending on who your R.A. is. The smart, reasonable choice would be to make friends in high places. Where's the harm in hanging out with someone older and wiser? Maybe a little bird will give a head's up about the next room check. Maybe there will be an invite to an up and coming party the next town over. Take a risk and see where the friendship with an R.A. will go. Who knows? She might become one of your closest friends. Even after graduation, there will still be times when you need a good deal of drinking on a Wednesday night with a side of Chinese food downtown. Sorry, not all will have the lucky chance of making a cool friend like a Resident Advisor. However, for those of us did and still do, we will cherish that R.A. bonding time!
