Don't mind me, Just rambling on
Since I'm just starting this whole blogging thing, I thought I would introduce myself a little better and help readers get to know me!
Let me know in the comments if there is anything else you would like to know about me, or something mentioned above you would like me to blog about!
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One of the most rewarding aspects of being an RA is the appreciation from your residents. You always have their backs because more or less, it's your job, so it is a real treat when the tables are turned and they have your back instead. For one of my programs in the first semester, I had decided to focus on sexual education. Many residents had not lived in a co-ed environment, or had the freedom to explore relationship options that the college environment provides, so I thought it was important to convey to residents the pros and cons of being sexually active in college. I had been contacting our school's sexual health club, who commonly partners up with RA's to do educational programs such as "the condom olympics". I emailed them weeks in advanced, talked with their members, visited their club office, yet somehow still could not get in contact with anyone who could come help host my program. Finally, it was the day of the program and I stood there with eight students and no material to present to them. I told them the truth (that I had something cool planned for them but it didn't work out) and told them that they were welcome to leave if they had other plans. But, instead, they all stayed (and invited other friends) to talk about sexual health in the residence hall, as well as other more sensitive issues that might be new to some in college such as drugs and alcohol. It ended up being a great discussion, and I was able to answer many questions my residents had about how to be safe in the residence halls, as well as answers to policy violations in regards to illegal substances. Later that day I came back to my room and saw this wonderful sign on my door: Not only did it make me laugh, but it made me feel good about the impact I had on these new students. I was able to make the best out of a poor situation, still showing my residents that I cared for them.
In the end, I came to an important realization; no matter how far you plan ahead or how much passion you put into something, there will always be outside factors that can stand in your way. Now this is not to say that things in life can't run perfectly, but it is a sobering reminder that things are not always in your control. You just have to be able to go with the flow and adapt quickly. I ended up keeping this sign on my door for the rest of the semester. It raised a lot of questions, particularly from the tour groups coming down the hall, but it made me chuckle every time I opened my door :) Welcome to the RA Ramble! Those of you who are RA's know how time consuming and stressful this job can be. No matter what school you are working at or the age group you are in charge of, there never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done. My first year as an RA, I was thrown into the job the same day that training started, and didn't have much time to mentally prepare myself for the journey I was about to take on. Coming up on my second year as an RA, I want to document my time in the residence hall, both as an RA and as a student. The college-student life is busy enough already, and I added on two jobs and a varsity sport. I hope that those reading my blog will be able to learn about college life and being an RA, and relate to my day-to-day struggles as a "twenty-something. Feel free on comment on any of my posts if you have questions about the RA lifestyle, or want to share college stories or tips of your own!
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AuthorCalifornia girl rambling on about the ups and downs of RA life in Massachusetts. Archives |