The theory of dramatism can be applied to a myriad of settings and events in one’s life, but one that I can see very evident is my role as a resident assistant. A resident assistant’s job is to supervise a floor or building of residents on a college campus. They are responsible for making sure that residents have a fun, healthy and safe college experience. As an RA, there are several meetings and events that one has to attend and plan, including a weekly module meeting, small group meetings with other RA and larger group meetings with all Residence Life staff. We also are required to plan monthly events for our residents that promote holistic wellness. Because RA’s are representatives of the university in multiple forms, we have to participate
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As an RA, the balancing of front stage and back stage is vital to our survival and self-care. Our front stage is anywhere that we are in the present of our residents, whether that be in our module, around campus or when residents are in our room with us. Back stage is considered to be off campus with our friends, at home with our family, or in our rooms by ourselves. Differentiating between front stage and back stage is very important when it comes to impression management. On the front stage, an RAs actions are being constantly watched, whether it be by a resident, other students, other RAs, staff or faculty. An RA has different expectations and roles that they have to fall into in different situations. When an RA is with a resident, they have to be the strong ones that have the answer and know what to do. But, when an RA is at home or with their friends, they do not necessarily have to fall into that role. This does not mean that RAs are not genuine when they are with their residents, but RAs definitely feel a pressure to be cheerful around their residents, no matter how they feel on the inside. Finding time to retreat to “back stage” is vital to self-care as an RA — finding a place where you can be you and not feel pressure to put on a happy
As an RA, the balancing of front stage and back stage is vital to our survival and self-care. Our front stage is anywhere that we are in the present of our residents, whether that be in our module, around campus or when residents are in our room with us. Back stage is considered to be off campus with our friends, at home with our family, or in our rooms by ourselves. Differentiating between front stage and back stage is very important when it comes to impression management. On the front stage, an RAs actions are being constantly watched, whether it be by a resident, other students, other RAs, staff or faculty. An RA has different expectations and roles that they have to fall into in different situations. When an RA is with a resident, they have to be the strong ones that have the answer and know what to do. But, when an RA is at home or with their friends, they do not necessarily have to fall into that role. This does not mean that RAs are not genuine when they are with their residents, but RAs definitely feel a pressure to be cheerful around their residents, no matter how they feel on the inside. Finding time to retreat to “back stage” is vital to self-care as an RA — finding a place where you can be you and not feel pressure to put on a happy