Dear residents,

We made it! It’s been a long year and we’ve been through ups and downs, but we’re here. Being your RA hasn’t been easy, but I’m glad I was. There have been times I’m sure you’ve wanted to kill me and vice versa, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. From move-in day to mid-terms, vacations to finals week, we’ve been through a lot together.

I’ve seen you smiling, laughing, hugging, and singing. I’ve seen you crying, whining, yelling, and fighting. I’ve put you to bed when you were questionably drunk, and I’ve stroked your hair while you cried over heartbreak. I’ve helped you navigate through life’s big questions, and pick what could potentially be your future career path. Even though it’s only been a year, we’ve grown so incredibly close.

We came into this year as strangers. At first, I was just some upperclassmen telling you what to do and you were just another resident rolling your eyes when you secretly knew I was right. But now, you knock whenever you please, asking me questions I don’t always have the answer to. But having you come to me with them shows me that you trust me. You look to me for guidance, and I hope I have guided you well this year.

My feelings towards you are more than just that of an RA, but that of an older sibling. You all mean so much to me and I can’t thank you enough for all you have done, whether you know you made an impression on my life or not. You have taught me to be silly and have a little more fun; to think differently and embrace the oddities of life; to be myself, unapologetically; to try everything once, because someday you might not be able to.

I hope I have set an example for you to follow. I hope I have given you a shoulder to cry on and arms to get wrapped up in when you need them. I hope you know how much I appreciate every one of your beautiful souls. Never forget this year, because I certainly won’t. Remember that no matter where you go in life, I am always here for you. Even though I won’t live down the hall anymore, I will always be ready to be your biggest cheerleader and most protective confidant. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m glad I rode it with you.

Love Always,

Your RA.