August 20 marked the start of RA training for me at Hope College. Right up until the day that residents move-in, RAs will be learning about policies, forms, documentation, etc. But being an RA is not all business—your RAs are people, too. Together, with my fellow RAs, we came up with a list to reassure you that we aren't perfect dolls.

1. We really don't want to document you.

While this may seem to be an RA's sole purpose, I assure you it is not. It is a lengthy process with paperwork that we don't want to fill out...All kidding aside, we really don't want to document you because it's uncomfortable, and all we want to do is be your friend.

2. We mess up.

RAs are just like everybody else—it just turns out that our job is to protect and serve 150-250 residents. We fail and mess up, so please extend us grace.

3. We have bad days.

Those days that we do fail or mess up can be emotional and draining, leaving us with little comfort. Please, let us be vulnerable and cry when we are angry, sad, and homesick.

4. We have unique quirks that make us who we are.

We are not cookie-cutter, standard, or normal. I have been blessed to receive the opportunity to work with a girl who loves Crocs and another who makes up fake cuss words on the fly. These women are so special because God has blessed them in ways that set them apart from others.

5. We have baggage as well.

We weren't hired because we are perfect—we are relatable. We have experienced tragedies, misguided decisions, and failures in life.

6. We have lives outside of the residence hall.

I am the Editor-in-Chief of my college's Odyssey chapter, an editor for the school newspaper, a Nykerk song girl, in a local sorority (Kappa Beta Phi), and an RA.

7. We were hired for our communication and relational skills, not confrontational skills.

As an RA, it is essential to communicate effectively as a leader, but at the same time, connect to residents on a deeper personal level.

8. There is not an "RA type."

This goes back to #4. We are not all uptight, nit-picky, hawk-eyed, judgy control freaks.

9. RAs don't all love Jesus.

This may not apply to your college, but it definitely applies to Hope. We aren't all Jesus freaks. That being said, a good portion of us are, but it is not a pre-requisite to be on the residence life staff at Hope College.

10. We were once in your shoes.

Last year, I was the wide-eyed freshman. Everything was so new, and I didn't know how well I was going to transition into college life. I learned as I went, and over time, I realized I didn't have to be wary of my RA because she could relate to my time management struggles and love of extracurriculars.

Brought to you by the RAs of Dykstra Hall.