Resident Assistants. As I have come to realize this past week, they have one of the most important jobs on a college campus, but they often go uncelebrated.
Most students assume their RA is just there to get them in trouble, but that is the exact opposite of the truth. During training, I have learned that RAs are some of the most dedicated and well-prepared students I have ever met.
Training is all day, every day, and only someone who was truly passionate would even subject themselves to it. And as a Latina woman driven by passion, who else can I look up to but Jane Gloriana Villanueva?
So there is no question that Jane would have the best reactions to the dullest and most exciting parts of RA training.
1. When you're sitting in what feels like your fifth hour long lecture of the day.
You'll sit there thinking the day is almost over, but one glance at the clock tells you it's not even 11:30 a.m. This will happen every day for the next week and a half, trust me on this.
2. During your in-hall meetings, when your Resident Director explains what all hall and corridor meetings should be like.
Have I made it my personal mission to ensure my residents become lifelong friends? Maybe. Will I be devastated if that doesn't happen? Possibly.
3. Practicing scenarios on dealing with rowdy residents.
My Resident Director: "Don't be afraid to write someone up if you have to!"
Me: "Yes but...what if I am?"
4. When you go back to your dorm and the early arrival students are blasting music.
In their defense, you're the one trying to go to bed at 8:30 p.m.
5. When an early arrival resident comes to you with a problem, and you're actually able to solve it.
Clearly, only I could have opened that RA closet to get a baking pan. A talent beyond compare.
6. When you're in your room, hyping yourself up after planning a killer first corridor meeting.
You've got ice breakers and clever jokes. You have rehearsed what you're going to say at least 20 times in the mirror. You are prepared.
7. When you've reached the end of training, and move-in is tomorrow.
It's going to be a busy day, but you've got this.
8. Knowing, that, despite all your worries, you got this job for a reason and you'll be amazing.
"I think there's something about you. I can tell you have rhythm, would you like to dance?"
So as training comes to an end and we all anxiously await move-in day, I'll admit I'm still nervous.
Being a Resident Assistant is an important job that I want to get right. But I think that if Jane Gloriana Villanueva can survive being artificially inseminated, her baby kidnapped, her husband dying then coming back, and finally marrying the love of her life, I can handle two semesters of RA duty.
All I have to do is remember to inhala y exhala.
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