Last fall I entered my first year as a college student. My second semester, I applied for a position as an RA and was hired. Before, I didn't realize how much work RA's put into residential life, and how much students don't know. It has changed my life and I couldn't be more thankful for this job. Here are some of the reasons why I think you should become RA!
For starters, I get to interact with my residents on a day-to-day basis. This means I've learned how to talk to many different types of people and how to handle problems. From roommate struggles to lock outs at 4 a.m., I can maintain a smile and a positive attitude through it all. This attitude helps me both in my job, but also in my sorority and social life! Learning how to talk to anyone in any situation is an important life skill that I will continue to use until I die.
As an RA, I get to help plan programs to bring some fun to campus life. This means I get the chance to make a fool out of myself showing how to play games and keeping the air positive. Plus, we get to pick the food served! Free food is the best kind of food, especially when you get to pick said free food. I've learned so much since becoming an RA. I've learned that I am more creative than I think, and how to handle any situation at a minute's notice. I've also learned that no situation is worth panicking over and that it'll be okay in the morning. You just have to take a deep breath, and focus on the task at hand.
I was never the best at speaking out or giving ideas, but the team I have is amazing. They encourage different perspectives and are there when everything seems to go to poo, in both the workplace and my personal life. Spending the amount of time together that you do as RAs, you get close by default and it makes for a great and open work environment. When everyone is needed to make the machine work, you learn real quick how to resolve conflicts and help each other out. I'm making memopries that I'll never be able to forget. Having to clean a flooded suite until midnight may not be ideal, but you will definitley be appreciative of a hard working team. A happy work environment leads to a successful staff for the residents.
There's so much more to being an RA than meets the eye, and there are so many nights where you don't get much sleep. However, it's entirely worth it. I wouldn't change a thing and if you want a challenge and a worthwhile job, I suggest this! It's easily the best job on campus and you have so many chances to make a difference. It's changed my life, and I'm hoping it'll change yours too!
