This week, I think it is the week to talk about my job as an RA. Since I got back from my fall break, the job has tested my patience. Things were going wrong left and right, and I keep my head held high through it all. Don't get me wrong, I still love it, but these past two weeks have showed me some real pros and cons to the job.
Pro: Being a student leader
Our residents look up to us, especially in the freshman buildings. We are the upperclassman that know what we are doing. We are the leaders to them and they know our role. We are the first people they see when they first walk on campus for the semester, and the last people they see before the school year is over to move onto a new building, or move onto bigger and better things.
Con/Pro: Always need to be there
This can be bad, but it can also be good. You are always on your toes, always waiting for something to go wrong. It might be a lock out. There are very rarely any "me-days." If you do need a day to yourself, you need to go off campus, because they will still come knocking. But, this keeps you on your toes, so there aren't very many surprises.
Con: When something goes wrong...
When something does go wrong in the residence halls, we are the first people they go to, and we are their personal venting system. If something goes wrong that cannot be fixed right away, it puts more pressure on us. We are asked to be many people in one job, and if something does go wrong, you better be prepared, because you never know what could happen. It could be small, or it could escalate into something bigger.
Pro/Con: Your own living space
You do not have to share anything with anyone! You have your own room to yourself, but there is a lot of responsibility to having your own space. The only person you have to keep it clean for is you, that is until you have to keep your door open to be there for your residents, and you realize you haven't had time to clean. Yes, residents will comment on your cleanliness, but they do not realize everything that you do for them, that your cleanliness is not your top priority.
Pro: The experience
We are working the real world, and learning how to deal with real-world problems. Especially for future teachers, this is a great opportunity to learn how to be a teacher-like figure; making sure people follow the rules, helping residents when in need, and many other great opportunities. I think people do not understand the greatness this job can bring, not just for the resume-builder either.
Being an RA, even though my first semester on the job is not even over yet, has it's ups and downs. Would I trade this for the world? Not in the slightest.