Most people know that being an RA means hard work, serious dedication and a steely resolve in the face of conflict. Only true RAs know that the position is full of lifelong friendships, great late-night conversations and many moments of compassion. It's not the easiest job, but it's so worth it because you create a network of fellow students that are like family to you. To all the RAs out there, keep up the good work!
1. You’re a pro at icebreakers.
Team building activities are your forte. You could literally play Human Knot, Captain is Calling, Two Truths and a Lie, Zip-Zap-Zoop, and a thousand other ice-breakers without blinking an eye. And, honestly, even though you don’t want to admit it, you sort of enjoy them.
2. Your friends and residents think you’re a crafting wizard.
Every minion you’ve cut out for your doors this year have a beautiful eye-to-forehead ratio, and you’ve somehow managed to make all 40 of them look perfectly alike. The week before bulletins are due, you’re a crafting machine. Your roommates or friends are concerned each month when you refuse to leave your room, and all they hear is snipping scissors and popping glue stick caps.
3. You absolutely despise red solo cups.
You naturally become suspicious and uncomfortable. You know whatever is in that cup is not water.
This is honestly just a slap in the face.
4. Loud music after 10 p.m. makes you cringe.
Also a gut reaction. Your RA senses are tingling. Don’t people know it’s quiet hours somewhere?
5. You’re an expert at juggling your responsibilities.
If multitasking and being able to spread yourself pretty thin in times of need were jobs on their own, you’d be at the top of the game. At any moment, you’re ready for unexpected incidents in your hall. You’ve effortlessly adapted to the “drop-everything-and-run” lifestyle that being an RA requires. Taking a shower and a massive fight erupts outside your door? You got this.
6. You've mastered shutting down parties. Yes, even the crazy ones.
Breaking up this little shindig is about to qualify you for RA of the Year. Student IDs out, and file into a single line, everyone!
7. You have the "Res Life" knock down pat.
You know when to use your polite, yet stern knock or your not-so-welcoming ID card. You also have been known to use arms, feet, elbows and various inanimate objects to create a thunderous presence outside of a noisy room.
8. Roommate mediations are a whizz.
She did what to who now? No, no. None of that in this hallway. Let us draft a new contract up for you two. Boom, bang, done.
9. One-on-ones and performance meeting no longer terrify you.
OK, sure. The first one was nightmare-ish because you weren’t sure what to expect. Now? You’re immune to criticisms and praises alike; you totally understand that not everyone in your hall will love the person that sent them through conduct. It happens.
10. You’re amazing at staying alert on duty.
BAE caught you slippin', huh? Actually, staying up until 4 a.m on a harmless Wednesday night is exactly as painful as it sounds.
11. You’re always thinking up new program ideas.
You’re constantly trolling reslife.com for new ideas and MTV for relatable content. And you never forget the free pizza, cookies or candy when planning. Keyword: free.
12. Reslife.net is one of your homepage bookmarks.
There’s a website full of program ideas, door dec examples, bulletin board layouts and more. It makes your life so much easier, so you’re low-key obsessed with it.
13. You know how to rock a polo.
You and your staff = so much swag.
14. You know several Public Safety officers by name and/or station.
Seriously, though. These guys and ladies come to save the day so many times, it's impossible not to befriend them.
15. You’re totally used to being the backbone of your university — and you’re great at it.
Being an RA is an incredibly stressful and trying job. Working for Res Life entails long, odd hour shifts, a lot of confrontations and way too many encounters with other people’s bodily fluids. But without RAs, the halls would be utter chaos.
