As an only child, I've always had a very close bond with my older cousins. Although they were quite a bit older than me, they looked at me as though I was their little sister. All of my cousins went to college while I was in elementary school, and during that time one of my cousins became an RA. Listening to her stories inspired me to want to be one while I was in college. So as soon as the opportunity arose, I signed up to interview for the position.
When I got the position I was ecstatic. Although I was not placed in a building right away, I was looking forward to going through the training process. I told my cousin and she was thrilled. The first thing that she told me was that I was going to make so many new friends. When she said this I figured that she meant with fellow RA's, I didn't think that I would become such good friends with my residents.
With everything that my residents do, I can't help but feel proud. They have accomplished so much after only completing their first year of college. I was one of the first people to hear about what they achieved. One resident landed her dream internship at Disney, another was accepted to be on orientation team, and another is the head host at a restaurant back home. These are only a few of the many accomplishments they have achieved. All of their achievements make me feel like a proud mom.
Looking back at my first year as an RA, I can't help but feel like a proud mom. I have made an impact on these students, they grew to respect me and show me compassion. My first major incident that I responded to the residents came to me after and apologized, they realized they had put me in a tough position and wanted me to know that although they were going to be in trouble that they still loved me. They understood that although I was their friend, I was also their RA. It was the first time that I realized that I make an impact on these students. They look up to us. They come to us in times of trouble seeking their Mother Mary.
Along with all of the respect and compassion that I received, came trust. Some of my residents came to me with their deepest secrets, worries, and even fears. Tear stained cheeks reached out to me looking for the slightest bit of help, and for a moment I was there for them. In that moment they felt safe, they knew that although they could tell me anything that I can not be confidential, and they were okay with this. They felt better talking to me, someone that they trusted, knowing that I was looking out for them and I only wanted them to feel better. I worked hard for them to feel better and safe, whether it be setting them up with on campus counseling or health services, they knew that myself and each person that would be involved were only there to help them. Seeing my residents get that help brought a glimmer to my eye.
That glimmer turned into glamor. My residents brought fun to my first year. Whether it was a trip to the dining hall or an impromptu dance party in the parking lot under the blood moon, they knew how to bring the fun and knew how to connect me to my inner Lil Mamma while blasting Lip Gloss in the hall lobby. Not only was I there for them, but they were there for me. They knew how to lift my spirits no matter what and for that, I am forever grateful.
So to anyone becoming an RA, become friends with your residents, because it will change your life for the better. And to my residents, thank you for being some of my best friends, I love you.
