RAs come in many different forms. Sometimes they’re just in it for the money and other times they truly love the job. Gina Ranalli, RA in Perkins Hall, is the latter. Gina has been an RA since the beginning of fall quarter.
“In high school I had so many leadership positions and I really missed them,” she said. “I missed being a part of a really close team and I felt that being an RA would give me that.”
Gina is originally from Philadelphia. After hearing about Ohio University from a friend, she toured the campus and fell in love with OU. She is a junior majoring in Interactive Media in the school of Visual Communication and applies her graphic design skills to the job.
“Being the design nerd that I am, I love making flyers for programs,” she said. “Everyone loves them! I can’t tell you how many times someone has said that they always know when I design one, or they want to pay me to make their own.”
Gina has excelled as an RA, hosting a number of successful programs including a Thanksgiving Dinner for her residents. Her and another RA , Anne Culhane, sent letters to residents’ parents requesting favorite Thanksgiving foods. The residents had no idea that the dinner would be their favorite foods. “It was a huge hit,” Gina said. “We had over 60 residents attend and all of them were completely surprised.”
Since becoming an RA, Gina has been better grades and has made a myriad of new friendships. To anyone interested in becoming, is in the process of, or will be an RA, Gina says, “When you’re taking the class don’t be nervous. You need to be completely open and yourself…When it comes to the job, remember that you’re not just applying to a job where you become friends with residents; help them out, plan programs, and make bulletin boards.”
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Ohio U chapter.