No one is wrong in their statement that RAs are responsible for maintaining order over their residents, whether that be for lockouts, noise complaints, or alcohol complaints. Some would go as far to say they are "killjoys" or "party poopers." People exploit them, expecting them to do everything and anything at once while still viewing them negatively.

But in the end . . . RAs are people, too.

When they aren't providing guidance to their residents, on duty, or resolving a crisis, an RA is a student just like me and you. Studying hard, trying to gain work experience, trying to uphold a social life. Just like me and you, they have their future on their minds.

So here's to those RAs who are able to uphold their responsibilities, academic, work, and social alike. And here's to the RA who was not only able to fulfill these duties but go above and beyond to make their residences feel at home.

Some may detest my expressions of gratitude while otherwise will nod their head in support. So I leave you with my personal experience as a means to shed light on what some individuals will overlook.

So here's to you . . .

You, I am sure you know who you are. As for myself and the others, we know you and we will never forget you. We were your first bunch of nervous incoming freshmen. You were our first friendly face and our first supportive individual who carried themselves in such an admirable way — smiley, helpful, and responsible. Just as it was our first year in a new setting embarking on the journey to the rest of our lives, it was your first year acting in such an essential role. And with all these firsts comes a year that is hard to forget and with an individual whose impact on their first year residents is hard to surpass. For this, I am forever grateful.

Of course, you maintained your responsibilities as a Resident Assistant. You knocked on our door when we were too loud during quiet hours. You held floor meetings with awkward ice breakers trying to get us to know each other and the rules. You provided us with information on mundane things like work order contacts when the shower head broke and where to go when we locked ourselves out for the tenth time. You were there in the not so routine situations but lead us through them like when there was a spontaneous hamster or the scary people banging on our windows's in the dead of the night. But above all these traditional RA responsibilities and atypical ones, the most important was how you made us feel at home. Your unconditional caring whether that be for something like a lockout or even more so a shoulder to cry on when we lost our beloved pet or were just having a bad day made us feel better. You did not have to do all these things that some would consider to be extra, but you did. And so, we called you mom because you were motherly to us no matter what. You are a role model.

Upholding your RA duties, your motherly duties, academics, family and friendly relationships allowed us to see that anything is possible through dedication and hard work. You inspired us, you made us laugh, and you stayed true to you making all around you happy.

For me, you made me feel like I could open up. Timid, shy, and awkward were all accurate ways of describing my being when I first arrived. But I remember that one night after a floor meeting, where you invited me, my roommate and two suite-mates to simply chat about life. You facilitated me to get to know them and get to know me. You showed me I could be myself in this truly accepting place. We bonded over stories of Taylor Swift, unicorns, boys, and everything in-between. It may seem trivial to some, and silly to others, but to me it was important.

I speak for everyone, all of your first residents, when I say thank you. Thank you RA for upholding your duties. Thank you for being Mom. Thank you for everything. Thank you for being you.

⁃ Sincerely Rock Star Stacie