91制片厂

They鈥檙e some of most flamboyant students 91制片厂 has to offer. You might see them doing crafts in the wee hours of the night, or attending an event in the MUB. They鈥檒l be at your swim meets. They鈥檒l chat with you over a basket of mozzarella sticks from Wild Kitty. They鈥檒l ask you how your exam went yesterday. They鈥檙e your RAs.

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For me, it has always been difficult to put myself out there. I鈥檓 not one for spontaneity. I like sticking to a plan. You won鈥檛 see me strolling in around 2 a.m.听from a crowded party on campus. My idea of a good time is a night in, with a cup of chamomile tea,听and switching on a good movie. (You catch my drift?)

If not for RAs, I wouldn鈥檛 be writing this article. I鈥檇 still be cooped up in my dorm room, unaware of the amazing opportunities waiting outside my door. Because of their encouragement, I discovered my passion for yoga, signed up for , have gone to sporting events, have attended lectures in the MUB, and joined . Some of my closest friends were made through channels hoed by my RAs.

Okay, enough sappiness,听now that I鈥檝e gushed over my RAs, I鈥檓 going to tell you how to become one.

Becoming a residential assistant is a long, competitive process. The staff at Res Life is looking for the best of the best: students who are willing to commit their time towards fellow students. Over the course of four weeks, hall directors will comb through applicants in search of those who can prove they are invested in fulfilling the position.

Sounds a bit daunting right? That鈥檚 why I sat down with RA Lauren Smith to divulge all you need to know about giving it your best shot.

Being an RA is like a balancing act: one moment you鈥檙e hanging with residents in the lounge, the next you鈥檙e filling out a report for a complaint. You want to be friendly, and 鈥渋ndividualize with the residents,鈥� but also be aware that you鈥檙e accountable for their safety. In regards to authority, aim for communication:

鈥淗ave people elaborate.鈥�

鈥淏e patient.鈥�

and give others the 鈥渂enefit of the doubt.鈥�

What does that look like? Asking questions, having a conversation听and hearing each side of the story. This way, you can gain some perspective and find 鈥渃ommon ground鈥� that will bring you closer to a solution.

Of course, there is an aspect of being social. RAs should be warm and welcoming, 鈥渟omeone who is approachable鈥� and 鈥減eaks people鈥檚 interests鈥� so that ultimately the student can be the best version of his or herself. Check in with residents down the hall: don鈥檛 just wish them luck on exams, but follow up after the fact. Keep the conversation going.

Lauren is a second year RA residing in the Upper Quad of campus. She is currently a junior working on her degree in sociology and justice studies.

Interested in being an RA next year? It鈥檚 not too late! Start the process here.

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