At the end of my freshman year in college, I decided to apply to be a resident assistant and work for housing and residence life. At the time I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Now here I am, ending my junior year of college, preparing for my final year of undergrad and transitioning into adulthood. As I prepare to enter the new year and transition to a new residence hall, here’s a letter to my crew:

Dear residents,

It seems like we have come a long way since move-in day in August when we were all strangers and you were all frightened of what college would be like. I appreciate you guys for not making fun of my door decorations even when they were obviously on the ratchet side. It seems like my creativity fell short more often than not. I guess I forgive you guys for tearing down the hall decorations and placing them all on my door - I’ll take that as a sign to do better next year. You guys keep me laughing and full of energy with your practical jokes and I honestly don’t know what I would do without y’all giving me such a hard time.

Stress. You guys bring me so much stress, but it’s conducive to the work environment, literally. Between the 3 a.m. lockout calls, the causal chats in my room that last hours and the random alcohol busts, you guys keep me amped up. The community that we’ve made from Mortal Combat and FIFA game night competitions in my room are priceless memories that I’ll forever cherish. Battle of the Halls and competing against the other residence halls really showed our bond and the strength we carry as a community of not only random roommates, but as friends.

Your presence in my life means a great deal to me and I wouldn’t give that up for anything. I appreciate you for coming to my programs, even if I did have to bribe you with free food. I know you guys probably hate me for banging on your doors and screaming at you to complete your MapWorks survey, but I promise you, you’ll eventually get your candy, whenever I’m no longer a broke college student. Unfortunately, that may be a longer wait than any of us anticipated.

Thank you. Thank you for being the loud rambunctious group of fellas who don’t abide by quiet hours after 10 p.m. For being swift like ninja turtles who pop up in my room when I’m distracted during homework to remind me to take a study break and come kick it with you playing ping pong in the lobby. Shout out to you guys for lasting all year without pulling the fire alarm, I know you were all tempted, bless your souls. Thank y’all for being my “too turnt” floor and blaring your music in the showers for everyone to hear and wake up to when we’re running late to our 8 a.m.

Y’all are A1 and forever coming in clutch.

You guys have my heart. My room is always open to every single one of you and there’s no time when I’m not available to talk. I know it may seem like I have a pretty busy life but I get joy when I hear from you guys, whether it’s about a question or you just want to talk in general. I’m never too busy for my residents because this is more than just a job to me, you guys are a part of my life. If I wasn’t passionate about each and every one of you, I wouldn’t be so crazy to accept a position where I live where I work. There’s no getting away from the madness I call my home here in Hughes.

So as I leave you guys this year, remember one thing, always show people they are worth it. If you ever have the opportunity to give someone your time, do it. Quality time spent with an individual can do more for that person than any physical gift could.

I didn’t choose the resident assistant life, it chose me.

Go Bears. Rush Hughes Hall.