To the next first-year RA, hello there!
First of all, I want to say congratulations. To be an RA, is to be an elite. It is having a heart too big. It takes the ability to step out of your comfort zone, and to help others do the same. It is to be able to put others before yourself, even when you need personal time more than ever. Residence Life saw something in you that you may not have gotten to see yet, and it is great.
Are you ready? Are you nervous? If you answered yes to both of these questions, don’t worry. You definitely are not alone. Trust me, I experienced it too.
I was not first chosen to be an RA. I was put as an alternate. I was sad at first, but now looking back at it, I am very glad I was. I was called on to be an RA one month before school started. I barely could keep from screaming when I got the call, and when I hung up, the tears started falling. I reached my goal. I couldn’t wait to start.
When I came to RA training, I was so nervous. I was worried that I wouldn’t know anyone and that nobody would like me. But when I walked into our meeting with just my staff, I felt so much love. I knew then that I had made a great decision.
Now that you know the beginning of my story, here is some advice for you as you go through your first year.
1. Don’t freak out about Behind Closed Doors.
Also, don't look up BCD horror stories like I did. It will teach you how to handle situations before you get to the real thing.
2. Establish yourself at your first meeting.
Let your residents into your life. They will teach you more than you will teach them.
3. Stay focused while you're on duty.
I know that it may be boring and you want to be doing anything else, but stay sharp so that you will be ready for any situation.
4. Trust that your residents know right from wrong.
Don't look for something to be wrong on your hall. Build a relationship with your residents that will make them trust you. It will bring unity among your hall.
5. Stuck on ideas for door decs? You definitely aren't too cool for Pinterest.
I know Pinterest is so mainstream, but it has saved my job so many times.
6. Get close with your staff.
If you think that you can get away with not doing this, you are mistaken. These people will teach you so much about yourself. I don't think I would be a good RA without them teaching me and always being there for me.
7. Try to get close with your supervisor.
I was really nervous to do this, but I would not be the person I am today without the love and support I have gotten from mine. He is always there for me whether it is about the RA position or not. I'm really grateful that he chose me to step up and I can't imagine how my first year would have gone without him.
8. Make the most of this year.
Do not take being an RA for granted. Remember that you are in a highly sought after position. Your residents, your staff members, your bosses, and college administration are counting on you to keep your college and your peers safe. I know, no pressure, right? You are going to have times where you mess up, make a wrong call, or just want to quit. Just remember that you were chosen for this, and you have people to help you when you get down. Rock it out, and embrace the cheese.
