For some reason my freshmen year I got out of the experience of sharing a bathroom with the entire floor. I totally did not feel like I missed out when I was new to Valdosta because of this. I got the opportunity to only share a bathroom with one other person, which seemed like a luxury compared to other halls on campus. Well of course it would be ironic that my senior year, I would be placed in a hall as an RA that I would be in a place with a communal bathroom.
So my first thoughts was a lot of fear of the unknowns. I never considered I couldn't just forget something and walk out naked anymore like many times before in my own room. I would always have to wear shower shoes and what if their is mold all over the walls or cockroaches crawling in the drain. What if I have change in front of everyone while their getting ready like complete strangers not ready for all that. What if all my clothes get wet while I'm showering, should I just wear a rob, but surly not a towel that just sounds like a catastrophe waiting to happen. My floor also used to be a guys floor, so it still says men's restroom and one of my biggest fear is what if magically a guy walked in there while I was showering without knowing it's a girl restroom now. I began to start thinking of every terrible experience that could happen and other people didn't help either. One of the RAs mentioned how apparently some of the showers were cold as ice and the last thing I wanted was to take a cold shower. So needless to say, I had a ton of fear for this experience that I signed myself up for.
I walked into the bathroom with a ton of anxiety, but the moral of the story is go into everything with a clear mind. The shower was PERFECT. There was a nice little bench to set my stuff on and it was very clean. All my fears quickly surpassed. Although, I realized once my residents get here it's probably not going to be as clean and nice, but overall I was thoroughly impressed and I am definitely ready to embrace this new chapter of my life. The nicest part about all of it is knowing I don't have to clean it and buy the supplies. Buying toilet paper can quickly add up my friends let me tell you.
I am super excited about all the opportunities to really get to know my residents through this experience because you can't get more personal then sharing a bathroom together. It allows for a serious bonding experience. I feel like I will learn to appreciate this experience as it goes on.It definitely will be a struggle some days when it feels like such a walk to just go pee, but I am sure we will all get used to it. So future residents, be prepared for some Tswift and country music jamming when I am in the shower, but don't be afraid to say hi. I am prepared for deep conversations anywhere, even in the bathroom. That's why girls go in pairs to the bathroom anyways,right? I will always miss having my own bathroom, but I know everything happens for a reason especially more times to be intentional with my residents is such a blessing! Thank you Lord for making any situation a blessing in disguise.
Sheetal Tadiparty
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