Being assigned to a Resident Assistant position can be described as follows: with great power comes great responsibility. As an RA, you quickly learn there must be balance between authority and relationship with your residents. What is the balance? The world may never know. But while you're attempting to figure it out, you learn a few things while striving to be the best darn RA anyone could ask for.
1. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable
As an RA you are constantly and consistently thrown into situations that many may deem uncomfortable. But, you must learn to navigate with as much grace and poise as your little body can muster, and carry on. This is not just for the sake of your current residents, but for the sake of yourself. Learning to be okay with being uncomfortable prepares you for harder situations in the real world. It's not all sunshine and rainbows after college.
2. There will always be hateful people
No matter how nice you are, there will always be people who get pleasure from tearing you down. You have to learn to ignore, push through, and improve...and write them up if necessary.
3. Trust your gut
As an RA you're forced to occasionally make split second decisions. You don't have time to dabble with indecision. Instead, you must have confidence in yourself and the choices you make.
4. Don't try to be the hero
RA's often encounter situations that invoke a reaction of empathy. Whenever these situations happen, accept that you can't try to be a hero. It's not worth the punch to the nose or any other equally horrifying outcome. Swallow your pride and let the professionals above you handle it.
5. You're always being watched
Once you're known as an RA, you're ALWAYS known as an RA. This means many individuals watch your daily behavior. It's important to set a good example for others and up keeping a good reputation by behaving responsibly. You're always on the clock with this job.
Overall, being an RA is wild. But, it helps develop skills that will be useful following college graduation and allow you to potentially develop some great relationships with your residents. Plus, I won't lie; you get some pretty crazy stories to tell.
