The rewards of being a Resident Assistant

Everyone always asks what it's like to be a resident adviser.

Being an RA is quite an experience. It is great, rewarding, stressful, time consuming, meaningful, fun, complicated and all emotions in between. One thing is for sure: is it is not easy. There are many situations you have to be ready for that can happen in an instant.

It is a twenty-four hour job. Just because you are sleeping doesn't mean you are off duty. You are responsible for the people on your floor as well as their actions. There are nights when I only get three hours of sleep because a resident just needed to talk and talked for hours. It is great to know these people are so comfortable they can tell you anything and know that we are not here to judge.

I have met so many wonderful people from being an RA. Whether they're residents, co-workers or bosses such as Resident Directors, Complex Directors or anyone involved with Residence Life, they are people that you know are going to be there ten years down the road still communicating with you. Being in this position creates such a strong bond with others that have similar goals and dreams as your own.

The reason I wanted this job in the first place is because I had terrible RAs during my first year of college and I did not want that to happen to anyone else. The most rewarding times are when people tell me I made their first year of college wonderful and how much they appreciated my support. Just knowing I made a difference in these people's lives makes this job worthwhile.

Every RA should know how important this job is and it should not be taken for granted. There are a few however in my opinion who do not see how lucky they are to be in such a position and how influential they are in people's lives, especially first year students. This is a position that should be taken seriously and deserves full effort from every individual who is a part of Residence Life.

I would recommend this position to anyone because it is the best experience you could possibly have at college. With all the activities and people you come in contact with, you are very involved on campus and so many people know you. I would recommend this position to only those who would be 100 percent dedicated, because it is not about you, it is about your residents.

It is not just about the free meal plan or room and board, though they are good bonuses. It is about leaving your mark on individuals who go here because we are the ones that they remember. I would not change a thing about being an RA, because I know I am making a difference, and that is how I want to be remembered after I leave Buffalo State.

Shari Ingles can be reached by e-mail at ingles.record@live.com.