Dear Future Residents,

With accepted students days coming and going and the infamous May 1st deadline approaching, I am writing a letter to you.

Hello, it’s me your Resident Assistant. That girl who lives in the single room at the end of the hall that will always keep your floor fabulously decorated. I want you to know that I am really nervous about this year, it is my first year as an RA and your first year as college students.

If you look at it this way we are all in this together (cue the High School Musical Sing-along). This is really important because this year may be a learning curve for the both of us. But I believe this is going to be the best year yet. I want you all to know that I care about you. I care about you already and I don't even know who you are (that is what I call love).

I have been trying to think about what to say to you when I sit down with you on your first day at college but all I know for sure is that you will never feel alone. I will be there for you every step of the way just like my RA was there for me.

College is so much more than textbooks and going out. When you find yourself missing your family and cat, come and talk to me.

I realize that when you move away from home for the first time you think you are on top of the world, you think that nothing will ever hurt you and that you can do whatever you want and get away with it. I am here for you whenever you need me, but I want you to know that that isn't all freshman year is. I urge you to discover yourself, find out what makes you happy and ways to get involved. Go to the involvement fair, join clubs, join a sorority or fraternity, just never loose track of why you are at school for an education.

I know some of you may only see me a few times a week, but please don't be afraid to stop by and say “hi” occasionally, I will be right down the hall. Do not worry about coming and talking to me about your life problems whether it be drama with roommates, guys, girls, school and everything else in between -- I give good advice so I will try my hardest to help.

I can not wait to cheer you all on for your accomplishments, watch you win those sports games and, just in general, watch you grow and succeed. I can not wait to proudly say to other RA’s “That’s my resident.”

Yes, I realize there will be bad times, there are always times where you hit a bumpy spot in the road. But I will be there for you the whole time, my RA had my back when I needed her and I will be there for you whenever you need me. If I have to write you up, I promise you it is for a valid reason and not because I “hate you.”

When you face problems this year, do not hesitate to come to me, I will not yell at you or judge you on your choices. I will be there with open ears and probably a lot of candy.

Here’s to an amazing year together. From programs to floor meetings, we are going to have a blast. I can not wait to get to know every single one of you, let's build amazing memories, lots of laughs and a crazy amount of trust.

Love Always,

Your Future RA

P.S. I’m going to be a cool RA, I promise.