An open letter to my freshmen RA,

Thank you. Thank you for never letting me feel lonely in my dorm, for always inviting me to late night at the Caf, and making my space away from home, feel so welcoming. I will never forget my freshmen year RA because you dropped all of the terrible stereotypes people assume coming into college. You weren’t scary, you weren’t my enemy, and I definitely will miss you next year. Thank you for always being like a big brother, a dad, and sometimes like the annoying floor dog. Going into college, I’m sure I’m not the only one, you watch as many college movies, trying to learn how to cope with change. Learning how to get to and from class on time is the first step, making friends is the second, and creating a family is the third. You made all of those things so easy in the first couple months. I went into move-in day, expecting for you to fit every horrible male RA stereotype; not liking the girls on the floor and buddying up with the guys on the floor. But thank you for being one of my best friends. When I tell people my Resident Assistant is part of my favorite memories at my first year of school, they all think I’m crazy. From smoothie runs, to inside jokes, thanks for being you.

Next year will be weird, not having you barge in on us studying on the floor in our rooms and Snapchatting our stressful nights, or making fun of us in front of a new cute guy were talking to, or “accidentally” eating all of our food; or maybe Face-Timing us at midnight because you miss us.

You taught me a lot about leadership; that even the smallest person can make a difference, and that taking the high road is always the best option. Being an RA is a big priority and responsibility, and you did just enough to make us feel safe, comfortable but also giving us room to respect you fully.

Thank you for speaking about religion with me when no one else would, telling me about your personal beliefs on the world, being my own personal therapist for the girls and I, and always being a shoulder to lean on. From boy gossiping, to ordering too many things online with one another, I will always cherish our memories together.

College dorm life will never be the same.

"shoot fam, bless up."

XO,

Your favorite west-coast resident