RA applications are due Friday, January 17. We asked Chatham University RAs to share what they love about their job.
1. You’re part of the welcoming committee.
Remember how afraid you were as a new student on move-in day? As an RA, you get to ease tension from the first day through the first year. Shannon Ward says she loves “helping new students transition to college life.”
2. You build connections between students…
Deanna Meilinger says she appreciates “being able to connect students within their own community.” Shanai Sloan adds, “You serve as a positive and proactive resource to students.”
3. …and you make connections of your own.
Shannon Ward mentions that she enjoys “getting to connect with the community.” Catherine Giles agrees: “Another example of why being an RA is awesome is getting to know virtually everyone on campus, at least by name. Because Chatham is so small, I can tell you the majority of women’s names on campus, if they’re a resident.”
4. You’ll gain a second family.
Being an RA builds seriously strong relationships. Deanna Meilinger says she likes “getting to become so close with [her] RA sisters.” Brittany DeMeno says, “You get to meet a lot of fantastic people, which turns into great friendships.”
5. You’ll grow as a student…
If college is about finding yourself, working as an RA may help. “Being an RA is awesome because you’re constantly reinventing and strengthening your beliefs and values,” says Shanai Sloan.
6. …and you’ll grow as a leader.
“You learn leadership skills and have the opportunity to practice them each and every day,” says Brittany DeMeno.
7. You’ll create change.
Shannon Ward appreciates “making positive changes on campus and in the residence halls.” Working one-on-one with students, you’re given the opportunity to spot problems and develop solutions. For Shannon, that translates into “actually making a difference in students’ lives.”
8. You get serious financial support.
Being an RA allows you to earn money for doing what you love to do – living on campus and supporting your peers. “With the RA job paying for most of my room and board, I’m essentially paying for my meal plan and a few odds-and-ends,” says Catherine Giles. Since you’re working where you sleep, you’ve got a convenient way to cut down on debt.
9. You get to be a campus superhero.
“The biggest reason I love being an RA is because I get to help my peers,” says Erin Smith. “I’m so honored and fortunate to support my Chatham sisters and help them find their purpose in college. Being able to build community, serve as a peer educator, and make some amazing friends as an RA has been one of the most meaningful experiences for me as an undergraduate.”
10. You bring out the best in your residents.
“I think though that the biggest reason that being an RA is awesome is seeing other residents – your residents – rise to the same position,” says Catherine Giles. “I had two residents last year I was very close to, and I recommended that they be [RAs] as well. We had late-night convos about boys, life, love, etc., and it was so rewarding to hear that the time I spent with them made a difference. I’ve heard one of them say that they became an RA because she thought I did an awesome job, and she wanted to do the same for her residents. I can’t even express to you how awesome that feels.”
Ready to apply? Check your Chatham email for the required forms. Applications can be submitted to the Office of Residence Life or emailed to reslife@chatham.edu by 5 p.m. on January 17.
Photos Courtesy Of…
1. Shannon Ward
2. Shannon Ward
3. Brittany DeMeno
4. Brittany DeMeno
5. Shannon Ward
6. Erin Smith
7. Catherine Giles and Brittany DeMeno