Being a RA

Resident Assistant, or RA for short, is a responsibility that I took on beginning my Junior year at Mercyhurst, and every since then my world has been totally different. For those people who know me, it is no surprise that I am an RA. Whenever something is going on around campus, whether it is a school function, a charity event, a community service project, or an athletic event, I like to think that I have some kind of involvement. I take on jobs where I could help people and hold on to some sense of responsibility. The more I learned about the RA position, the more perfect it sounded --- plus it has great perks! I was hired spring of sophomore year, and I went into the position junior year with some new found confidence. (Obviously it took some weeks of training and some really strong staff members to give me that confidence too!!)

A Hall Director in Freshman Area and one of my best mentors for Residence Life, Meg, and me

This is my third year as an RA and here is a few things that I would say I do.

I learn..... every day. I learn so much from my residents, and I hope that I've taught them a few lessons of my own. They are all different, and we share stories. From the "after midnight crew" to the all night cram sessions, I have learned from each of them by sharing stores, experiences, and traditions.

I have built..... relationships, bunk beds, gingerbread houses, and couch forts. Living in Baldwin (the all girls residence hall) has brought out the kid in me again. My residents and I have been very open with eachother and I encourage them to come to me about school, concerns, or just to talk. My door is always open, and we develop a mutual respect

The best part about being an RA:

• When a resident tells you that you've done something to make a difference in their life
• Decorating your floor! We painted our wall!!
• Always getting inside on the scoop about stuff going on around campus
• Inventing unique community builders and programs 
• Making new friends
• Continuous learning and leadership skills

I could write forever on the rewards of being an RA, but the most important thing to take away from all this is this: Although there is some animosity that surrounds the role of the RA we really are just students. We're working our way through school and attempting to make an impact. The roles we play are extremely time consuming at times, but it is a worthwhile sacrifice. I love the memories and the valuable life lesson that I have gotten through my time here at Mercyhurst, and half of it was with Residence Life!