It's freshman year. Eagerly, you grab the elevator that will open to where your first of "college firsts" are bound to happen.
Every possibility of what the floor will look, sound, and even smell like has continuously ran through your head probably a thousand times in the past 8 months. Yet, when you're welcomed to the floor, it's by a smiling face, not the blaring of rap music or the overwhelming burning of microwave popcorn.
Unexpected handshakes and hellos are exchanged before who you now know is your resident assistant, jots down your name below several other students living on the floor. Through a seemingly mandatory welcome, you listen to exactly what a residence assistant, or RA, is, and how their job will interfere with your college life.
Hold on, isn't college supposed to be your first real taste of freedom? Nowhere on any of your college applications did you ever consent to a babysitter.
While most college students believe residence assistances are purposefully placed in residence halls to stop the fun at the source, their jobs undoubtedly provide benefits to not only their floor but their campus as a whole. For those who already aren't, this is why you should become best friends with your RA.
1. They're Just Like You
I mean, you both dogo to the same college. Everyone stays up late cramming for whatever required gen-ed that has no correlation to their major, but we all struggle together, right? #collegelife
2. Best Insights
No matter their age, your RA has experienced more of campus-life than you have, at least so far. Your first year is the year you start to understand the new world you signed up for, so might as well embrace the connections that are provided.
3. Honest Advice
"Don't take public speaking on Tuesday nights in Craig Hall, the teacher is awful..."
4. They're Literally Paid To Be Your Friend
It's in their job description - you've got nothing to lose by taking them up on one of their lunch invites.
5. The Dope Decorations Lining Your Hall
First impressions are a big deal - everyone knows that. Good thing that cute boy from your psychology class noticed the Cat in the Hat poster next to the laundry room; turns out that's his favorite book.
6. Behind The Scene Secrets
Bet you didn't know the dining hall holds the good ice-cream in the back.
7. Perfect For References
It may not seem like it, but fulfilling an RA position is a respectable title to hold. We're all broke college kids, but at least you have one less reference to worry about for that minimum wage job you're planning to uphold.
8. Quality Hand-Me-Downs
Books, clothes, undesired food, etc.
9. They've Always Got Your Back
Forgot about the laundry you put in an hour ago and now you're in a lecture? Don't worry, a pile of your favorite t-shirts, jeans, and socks will be in your suite when you get back.
10. A Touch Of Home Away From Home
It's easy to forget your RA is part of another family besides your floors. Ask them about their life back home, it may surprise you what commonalities you share.
RA's are friends - not food.
College is undoubtedly trying, so don't make the life of another college student even worse. Regardless of who you are, or what you've gone through/are currently struggling with, a residence assistant is always a helping hand.
Plan on attending floor events, look forward to what'll happen and relish in the experience of it. College can either be remembered for what you did or didn't do. I don't think I need to explain which one is better.
