Juggling student life with school, band and a job is tough, but being a resident assistant can bring unexpected joy.
This school year, I was hired to be a resident assistant (RA) at the University of Arkansas. I am an RA for all-female dorm Futrall Hall and also work at the international dorm on campus, Holcombe Hall.
At Futrall Hall, I oversee 32 residents. It is my job to ensure that each resident has an enjoyable college experience in the dorms. I am responsible for getting to know each resident, along with planning and attending events hosted in Futrall and Holcombe.
I originally applied to be an RA for the free living and meal scholarship, which covers about half of my college costs. I also applied because I wanted to become more involved on campus, as last school year did not provide that. However, being an RA has brought me many experiences that I did not expect.
During the first semester, I struggled being in the dorms often due to busy football and basketball schedules for marching band. This semester, with a more relaxed band schedule, I have been able to see my residents much more. Due to snowy days, I have had close contact with my residents.
I also have been able to bond more with my staff members as well throughout the year. I really enjoy the members of my staff. As RAs, there is a lot to deal with; to name a few, drunk incidents, residents being locked out of the dorms and roommate conflicts are typical occurrences.
Something special about being an RA is that you get to watch new college students blossom into themselves. Many of my residents were shy and reclusive in September, but have since made many new friends, go explore off campus and are very talkative now.
Gaining new residents has also been a joy. Two of my new residents have service animals that have been a joy for me to meet and see on the floor.
Attending and planning events for residents has been very fun. My favorite event to go to in the halls I work in is called “Global Series.” Global Series is hosted by the graduate assistant who works in the halls and is used as a time to learn about the cultures that students at the University of Arkansas come from. Countries that have presented include Bolivia, Japan, Jordan, Timor-Leste and Uzbekistan. I am looking forward to attending upcoming presentations from Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Being a resident assistant has broadened my perspective not only as a student but also as a person. College campuses are very diverse, and this is represented in the dorms. Although everyone is different, people have the same needs. Whether it be a “Hello” in the hallways or having a difficult conversation about how school is going, I enjoy being able to help others in any way that they may need.
