Ra Reflection

Throughout my life, I have loved helping people and being a part of something greater than myself. To be honest going into my first year of being a RA I expected extraverted students that would go to the events and community would happen naturally. That was not the case for my residents this year but I worked so hard to cater to their needs and create our own unique community. I learned a lot about myself and how to connect with residents with different perspectives of my own. Through the process of one on ones, I listened to each resident and asked what they wanted out of their experience in the residence halls. Although it may have been different from what I may have wanted, I was still able to take their feedback to create events that interested …show more content…
Keeping an open mind to the new year is crucial in order to bond with your staff that may include some returning RAs and some new hires. Even though as a returning you have experience with certain situations this does not mean that you have all of the answers. Returning RAs should set the example of three crucial things to being a successful Ra. This includes enthusiasm, time management and approachability. RAs should be exuberant and easy-going. This makes it enjoyable for the residents because they get to see an example or role model. I feel that enthusiasm is contagious and it is a positive quality that will lead towards great things such as; floor and community bonding, breaking out of comfort zones and getting involved. Another important quality for a successful RA is time management. It is important to do this job in an effective and productive way such as always putting effort into activities regarding the residence halls, as well as balancing your life as a student. Organization goes hand in hand with this trait. The last quality is approachability. Being a RA you must be able to talk to a variety of people and they should feel comfortable talking to you. Being kind and compassionate with the residents and the staff enhances the overall experience of the community. Truly listening and caring for the residents is also crucial because to me it is important to connect with the residents and make friends. These are just three qualities, but they make a well-rounded