Dear new Resident Assistants,
First of all, congratulations! This is a huge deal and you have just received such an amazing position. Be proud of yourself for this because you deserve it. Now it is time to start the preparation for the new residents. First comes training week. Which if you were like me, did not know what to expect for this. There is a lot you will learn for these next weeks.
1. You will get filled with all the emotions of going back to school...and you get to move back early!
Nothing beats arriving back again to your campus and thinking about the awesome year you have ahead of you. This is a new year. A new year to meet new people and make more memories.
2. You need to prepare yourself for....icebreakers.
If you are like me it takes a while to open up to people. I am shy at first but once I know the ones around me I can be myself. Sometimes the ice breakers might be the first thing you do in the morning. As training goes on you grow more and more tired. At the end of the week though, you and your staff have the best friendship.
3. Speaking of tired....you probably won't get much sleep.
The days are long. They're full of team building skills and learning about different ways to help the residents if they run into any trouble or develop any problems. Then you have to prepare everything for your residents to move in and feel at home. It is a lot, but trust me, it is all worth it. By the time move in day comes around, you'll know your staff well enough, you'll have an idea of what to expect in your building and you feel accomplished for completing this week. It takes so much not to hit that snooze button one more time or so to wait until last minute to get out of bed.
4. Stay focussed through all the presentations.
They are important. All the information that is given may be something you encounter. The instructors and the RDs know that you have been working hard and that you are tired. Everyday you are learning so much and are one day closer to move in. Stay with it! Everyone is in the same place as you, so you know you are not alone. Do anything it takes for you to stay awake and focused.
5. The friendships you will make will last a lifetime.
Being a Resident Assistant may have its stress levels, but you are doing something completely amazing. Be proud of yourself and what you have to offer. Congratulations, you did it! Now go be the best RA you know you can be. Meet your residents and help them as much as you can.
