Whether you're an RA, an REL, or a CA, you know all the work that goes working for the housing community of your university. There's a lot of effort and organization that goes into the position. Off the bat, you have to engage with freshmen in your halls, making sure they're doing alright and transitioning well to college life, planning events and maintaining your budget not to go over and still be able to market yourself well enough so that people will want to come. That's what the job is on paper, but outside of that is a bigger role that we play in the long run.
For freshmen moving in, we're the first aspect of college that they get. They're looking to us for guidance and help when they get lost along the way, even though in all honesty we get lost too, but nonetheless, we assume the position of being role models.
For some of us, it's about giving back. I personally, had a great relationship with my REL and CA, which inspired me to what to work for housing in the future as well. That's another thing too, inspiring people. By being a role model we do have the power to inspire students to thrive and take a step outside their comfort zone, but at the same time making them feel comfortable on campus, whether that's from programs or just engaging with them on a regular basis.
It's a big job that may seem too big for us at times, but it's important to remember that your co-workers always have your back. Whether it's joint-programs in the lounge because the floor below or above you doesn't have one or you want to combine budgets to do something big and special for all your residents, the help is there when you need it.
To anyone considering working for housing and advising freshmen in the dorms I would highly recommend it. It may seem like a lot, but in the end, you'll be proud of the work you're doing and the impact you've made.
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