Most college students return back to their universities at the end of August, or maybe even early September. However, for some of us, this is our final weekend of summer. For whatever your university refers to them as, us Resident Assistants (RA's) or Community Assistants (CA's) are packing up our belongings from our hometowns and getting ready to move back into the resident halls weeks before anyone else is there.
I'm writing today about anything and everything Residence Life for two reasons. First, it's time to give a rundown of my role as an RA because I still don't think my family—or anyone— truly understands what I do. Secondly, because this is my last weekend of freedom before embarking on the crazy ride of being an RA for my third and final year. So here are the basics of Residence Life and RA misconceptions with a little help from one of my favorite TV shows— Parks and Recreation!
1. The Description.
The main purpose of our jobs is to provide a safe and educational environment for students living on campus. Pretty simple, right? Where people start to dislike us is when we say we are mandatory reporters. Unfortunately yes, residents, this comes with enforcing certain policies, but by all means we DO NOT want to get anyone in trouble. But mainly, we want to have fun with you!
2. To reiterate, we DO NOT want to get you in trouble.
We do not prowl the halls looking for underaged drinking. I promise you.This is the least favorite part of my job. We get zero thrills out of "busting" parties, but our job entails that we address policy violations when and if they are occurring. I want all my residents to have the best college experience ever, but some things should be done outside of the hall. Unfortunately, it is important that the hall is safe and everyone is following the policies for the betterment of the community...
3. But be forewarned, RA's can hear alcohol and smell weed.
We know what's up when things are up, y'all. Clinking glasses, ping-pong balls flying, a little somethin' somethin' in the air; we know what is what.
4. This is an actual 24/7 job.
Yes folks, this is a job. As in I actually applied, had to get recommendations and went through two interview processes. I got hired from an applicant pool of around 100 and there were only around 20 spots. We literally live where we work. And yes, my work may seem like I just copy beautiful crafting ideas from Pinterest to decorate the hall, or pry into residents' lives to try to get to know them; but, there is so much behind the scenes stuff happening. Things like maintaining the building, organizing keys, distributing packages, the list goes on and on. We go through an extensive training for a week from sun up until sundown over how to address roommate conflict, Ally Training, suicide prevention training, programming, advertising, and more. You name it, we train on it.
5. It may not sound like much but IT REALLY IS.
Imagine this: A college student taking 15 hours (or more), maybe holding an internship, participating in clubs and leading others, and trying to balance working out, eating right, and having a normal social and college life. Sounds like chaos, right? Or maybe some sleepless nights? Well, every time you look at your Resident Assistant, remember that this is their reality. We have so many obligations and our time is stretched so thin. Don't give us too much of a hard time if we don't answer our doors sometimes. We need naps.
6. What is going on-call and why do RA's complain about it so much?
Although I admit I sometimes say I'm on-call to get out of social situations, let me explain to you what going "on-call" really is. A common misconception is that we stay up all night. Trust me, no we don't stay awake the whole time. I'm not Edward Cullen. I need my eight hours... okay it's more like five but a boy can dream. Going on call entails me praying the RA phone doesn't ring, but when it does— which is usually at 4:00 AM, typically— I answer and assist with whatever the issue may be. Most of the time it is lockouts, which is low-key irritating, but there is always the possibility of a resident coming home too drunk or even darker subjects like depression, suicide, or Title IX related incidents. You never know what's on the other end of that phone call.
7. Expect extra extroversion the first month of college
"Hello *insert name!!!* My name is Chris Frasquieri and I am going to be your RA this year!!! I am SO excited to get to know you this year!!! If you have any questions I'm right across the hall!!!" My level of excitement is up there with Chris Traeger from Parks and Rec. Be prepared.
But a month later my true form will reveal itself.
8. We are college students too
Spoiler Alert: In the halls, we are working, but outside the halls we are normal college students like everyone else. We have our fun as well!
9. Come to RA programs
Pretty please? They are fun. There's always Tiff's Treats. Always. One of the main purposes of our jobs is to program and get residents to meet each other and hangout. We don't bite! Also, we have to have people attend our programs. So if you love your RA try to attend!
10. I genuinely care about you
I don't ask how classes are going or how your week has been because I'm forced to. I genuinely care about your well being. I want to better your college experience as much as possible or refer you to a plethora of resources that could help you. I will be your friend, but I am your RA first. After the year is over, I always tell my residents I will be their friends. Some of my current closest friends have been my residents in the past.
So as your fall semesters start to begin, keep this in mind. Your RA is probably one of the coolest people on campus. They are overworked, underpaid and underslept. Befriending your RA and giving them a chance will only better your college experience!
