Coming to college, I was unaware of what a resident assistant (RA) was. You hear those stereotypes that an RA is a babysitter or a mom. That an RA is an employee hired to watch you 24/7. Well, what no one told you is, that’s wrong. An RA is a student first. They are beneficial to the health and safety of the hall. They spend time saying hi, getting to know you and decorating your hall. Decorations may not sound important, but with some color on the walls it feels a little homier. They don’t sit outside their door and watch your every move or listen to your every word. They don’t treat you like children. This isn’t just a job for them. They care and they work hard for you.
I forgot to appreciate my RAs freshman and sophomore year. I forgot to say thank you. I forgot to stop and think about all they do for the hall even if I don’t see them everyday. I forgot that on top of this job they also have classes, and they often have other clubs and obligations. After becoming an RA myself I realized how rewarding it is in 1,000 different aspects. I don’t need a thank you to know I am appreciated, but us RAs have a big heart for our halls and this job, so make our days and stop to say thank you!
