Want to be an RA? In the second installment of the RAngels series, Rea RA Catherine Giles gives prospective applicants her best advice!
Don’t forget: applications are due Tuesday, January 22 by 5:00pm.
Why did you apply to be an RA?
I applied to be an RA initially because someone said I would be good at it. I had known the old Director of Residence Life personally, and when I came to Chatham and she saw me in the residential setting, she told me I would make a good RA. Further, I took a class that was specifically for RAs. Hearing their stories, listening to what they had to do…it made me excited to be a part of that. Mostly, I wanted to be an RA because I wanted to help other girls transition into college life.
What is your favorite part about being an RA?
My favorite part about being an RA, as silly as it sounds, is talking with my residents, in a one-on-one situation. There’s no feeling like when someone comes to you for advice because they value your input. It’s like being a big sister, except I’m an only child.
What is the most challenging part of being an RA?
The most challenging part of being an RA is when residents have conflicts. I really don’t like it when anybody fights, and often when residents fight, it’s over simple things that can be resolved easily. Other times it’s not the case. In those instances, I feel a little helpless, and I’m afraid I’ll say the wrong thing and upset one or the other.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned from being an RA?
I think the most important think I’ve learned from being an RA is that it doesn’t stop when you walk off campus. You’re an RA, at home, at Chatham, in the workplace, etc. You are a leader. You have a set of skills, both inherent and learned, that don’t go away. It’s up to you to recognize how to use them.
What is the best piece of advice you have for students considering an RA position?
The best piece of advice that I can give to someone looking to apply for an RA position is that it’s not all fun and games. You will spend many late nights either with your residents, working on bulletin boards, attending/setting up/hosting events, and picking up the slack. Finally, you won’t get along with everyone, including other RAs.
However, I absolutely love my job. And it’s because I love my job so much that I work through all of this.