Most college students often look at the RA’s as being the party busters and suck ups of the dorms. Well, that could not be any further from the truth. I am an RA at Towson University. This year, I happen to have a floor of only freshmen. Yes, freshmen. Freshmen get the unfortunate reputation as light weight drinkers, immature high school graduates, and rookies when it comes to getting around campus. Hence, no one really wants to associate with freshmen because of that stigma. I think that having a floor of all freshmen has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my college career.
As a Spanish and Political Science major, my life is filled with readings and constantly having my face in “Webster’s Spanish-English Dictionary.” Add that to social stresses and senior year worries and all I want to do at the end of the day is plop down on my futon and watch Netflix. Majority of the time, I don’t want to read Medieval Spanish or continue researching for my poli-sci paper I am trying to have published. One of the things that motivates me is my freshmen.
Every day I come back to my floor and I always see my freshmen in my common room doing work. They stay in there for hours. They, additionally, haven’t figured out that a 100 level class doesn’t really require constant hours of work each week. Seeing this trend, I realize, well, maybe I should read, study or be productive. They push me.
In addition to seeing a few of my residents in the common room, there are always a large group of my residents having a field day in the hallway. They do everything from practicing their belly dancing or creating some bizarre mix playlist of Kanye West and Weezer (interesting…). Seeing them this active is like drinking five Red Bulls. It’s a boost of energy. After nearly three and a half years of college, I know that downtime, or Netflix time, is valuable time. However, my freshmen remind me that there is more to college than sitting there binge watching "Dexter" or re-watching "House of Cards." College is about getting out there and having unforgettable adventures and my freshmen are the best role models for this.
Being an RA is much more than busting the parties and getting people in trouble; a part of the job is to be there for any problems a resident may encounter. It can range from dating advice to balancing school work. They know that I am here for them and they have decided to be there for me. Having a horrible day? I know that when I come back to my room from whatever atrocious events happened throughout the day, at least three of my residents will be there asking what they can do for me. I can’t even describe how nice a feeling that is. For example, I leave my door open while laying on my futon, watching Netflix and I end up on their Snap story that "A Sleepy RA is a Happy RA." Overall, having a floor of all freshmen is emotionally rewarding. 
Applying for graduation has made me realize that my all freshmen floor makes me re-appreciate how wonderful college is and the great feeling to always have someone there. I will always value my rewarding experience of being an RA for all freshmen, no matter what my future holds for me.
