As a first-year student many sources are made available to make your time at college as simple as possible. While career centers, professors, and peers can all be very beneficial in helping you out on your collegiate adventure, there is nothing greater than having a Resident Advisor to provide extra backbone for your transition. Becoming close with my RA has been one of the biggest blessings for me and has taught me so much about not only college, but about myself as well. Below are just a few of the many amazing things that my Resident Advisor has done for me.

1. She is a positive role model to everyone.

Every so often in life we get the opportunity to meet someone who is genuine in everything they do. My RA is kind, smart, compassionate, bubbly, and all around an amazing person. She is respectful to everyone on her floor and always provides a great example. This is just one of the many reasons why I look up to her as a very valuable person in my life.

2. She provides a venting system on days that just aren't going well.

When classes sometimes get too overwhelming, I'm missing home, or people are just getting on my nerves, she's always there to lend a listening ear. She never judges you for anything you tell her, and she always provides as much help and motivation as she possibly can. It makes me feel less anxious and always makes me feel like I have someone to turn to when the world feels like it's against me.

3. She teaches me things about not only myself, but others as well.

Because of my RA, I have started to understand the meaning of accepting myself and learning to build my confidence based on how I feel about me - not how others feel about me. She taught me to put myself in other people's shoes and learn that everyone is facing something. There is always a reason behind why people are the way they are. I have built a better sense of understanding, sympathy, acceptance, and overall compassion for others.

4. She always encourages me to get involved with things in the community.

Since coming to college, she has convinced me to attend campus fairs, football games, hockey games, and many other events held within the residence halls. This has allowed me to break out of my shell and socialize much more than I used to.

5. She is supportive of my academic success.

She never fails to be the motivation I need to continue studying - even when it's 3 AM and I am ready to pass out on top of my books. After each test she always gives positive reinforcement and asks how I think I did. These little actions make me feel like I can strive more to be the best I can be.

6. Best of all, she has become one of my closest friends.

Having an RA is great for school-related situations, but it's even better when you get the blessing of having them as one of your best friends, too. She has supported me, shared deep conversations, laughed with me, and at times probably questioned my sanity, but I know that at the end of all of this I have made a new friend for life.