When I set foot into the library, SAGA, or A.J.’s these days, my ears are flooded with fellow freshmen chattering about how long their essays should be for their resident assistant application or whether or not they should apply to Kirn or Olds. It is great that so many are eager to jump at the chance at half-off room and board and talk to residents while sitting desk on the weekends, but that isn’t the only or even the best reason to apply.
RAs can sometimes get a bad rap, but in reality, they are employed by the college to be someone that campus men and women can try to resemble.
Yes, there are perks that come with being an RA, but there are plenty of reasons some students could shy away from the responsibility. RAs must hold themselves to a higher standard, as they represent what it means to be a Hillsdale student through their actions and the way that they resolve tensions throughout the dorm.
RAs are not meant to helicopter around the dorms, ensuring everyone is doing their homework, following visiting hours, and getting eight hours of sleep. They are there to be a mentor of sorts, willing to talk about hard problems, willing to understand when the lines should be drawn in the sand, and knowing when to enforce rules.
A good RA is willing to have an emotional yet professional relationship with their job and the people they mentor.
The RAs I have seen during my time in McIntyre have made dorm life much more fulfilling. The RAs are always willing to bond with their girls by spending time chatting, working out, watching movies, or doing Bible studies. I have even known girls who will sit desk with the RAs for fun. An RA is someone who residents can come to for help, and someone residents know is there for them.
On the flip side, some older residence halls don’t have a close-knit community, but the RAs are just as vital there. They ensure things are in order, communicate with the deans when issues arise, and make sure that the well-being of those in their dorms is the best that it can be.
You don’t have to be very best friends with your RAs for them to be doing a great job. If they are doing everything they can to ensure that all dorms are safe and welcoming environments, then they’ve certainly earned half off room and board.
