Dear Residents,

It is an honor being your RA, and to this day I really hope to get to know you all a little more each day. I know when I first came to college I was a little intimidated by my RA's because I truly didn't understand their position, and I was afraid of doing something wrong and getting in trouble for it. But now the tables have turned and I find myself to be in the RA position. So here are a few things I want to let you know as we really dive into the school year.

You can come to me with anything. I'm always here for you and my door will always be open. I don't care if it is three in the morning. If you are having a panic attack or can't sleep because of something that's on your mind, come and wake me up. I'm all ears for you. Know that the subject does not matter. If you need to rant about a professor, cry about a class you're stressed about, or just wanna come tell me a joke, there's a soft chair in my corner for you to sit in and tell me all about it. If you're homesick and miss your pets, I'll take you to the animal shelter so we can cuddle some cats or play with puppies. Anything to help you get through it.

I am not out to get you. I know one of the first things we did was sit you down in a small room with 25 other residents and list off every rule you can not break and the consequences. It's a part of our job to make sure these rules are addressed and followed. This does not mean I find pleasure in writing people referrals for broken rules, though. Writing you up for a rule you broke is the absolute last thing I want to do. It ruins my day because I know it's about to ruin yours. So do us both a favor and don't break any rules, please!

I am your friend, but my job comes first. I want to get to know you all personally. I want to know what makes you laugh. I want to relate to you, and I know I can. But if it comes down to it where you are in danger, or you've broken a rule, I have to put the personal relationship we have to the side and do my job. I ask that you don't take it personally and expect me to bend the rules for you because you're my friend. That's just not how it works.

My phone is always on loud. If you find yourself alone downtown in the middle of the night, do not hesitate to call me. My phone is always on, and I will come get you. No questions asked. I want you to be safe, feel safe, so if you ever find yourself alone on campus and want someone to walk with you home, it would be my pleasure to make sure you're back safely. Just give me a call.

Thank you for being you. Your diverse personalities, welcoming smiles, and saying good morning in the halls while still in our pjs really makes my day. Please please please remember you can come to me about anything, serious or not. I want you to have a great school year and know that if you ever feel alone, my door is always open.

Sincerely,

Your RA.