Campus position provides learning experience for RAs

By Jada King, The Herald Staff

More than 50 students apply at the beginning of each semester to become residential assistants. Depending on the need, between ten and 20 will be chosen during each selection process.

Applicants are required to turn in a packet of information including recommendations, a cover letter, resume and an application for the position.
If Residence Life officials approve of the individual based on the above information, he or she will then be interviewed by two or three RAs or any other Residence Life affiliates.

Once the applicant passes this process, he or she will be invited to a group session among other potential RAs and be observed on group interaction with other applicants in about five organized stations of group activities. This is the last procedure an applicant participates in before becoming an RA.

An RA is expected to take a semester course of training on the duties of being an RA. Some of the duties include: working the front desk in his or her assigned dorm, be on duty in the dorm one weekend of each month, prepare bulletin boards, lead building evacuations during fire alarms and crisis situations, organize programs for residents and write up residents if they've violated dorm or campus regulations.

Damian Sanchez, a senior music performance major of Miami, said that being an RA has helped him to be a better communicator.

"I've developed a more approachable skin in dealing with people. I was closed off and it (the position) brought me out of that shell," Sanchez said.

Sanchez, an RA at Twin Towers, has been an RA for two years and he plans to continue the position next semester.

Sanchez said he has learned more about the judicial process at Arkansas State University, policies and regulations in residential halls, how to work with a diverse group of residents and how to be creative when organizing programs for students.

"I've gained an understanding of how people work, knowledge over how Residence Life works, and a genuine experience of working with people," he said. "I think students should take advantage of this opportunity. You're truly going to benefit from it all."

Tiffany Cooney, a sophomore chemistry major of White Hall, said she has enjoyed her two semesters as an RA at Delta Hall.

Cooney said she became interested in becoming an RA from getting to know her RA during her freshman year and that encouraged her to apply for the position.

"It's a rewarding job to have on campus. You have people who come to you, look up to you and come to you for answers. That's the fun part," Cooney said.

She said her most memorable experience was when a resident left a sink running and the lobby on that floor flooded. She laughed and said it was a good experience considering that some of her residents stepped in to help clean the mess.

Cooney said she likes the interaction aspect of being an RA.

The interaction-programs, a picnic on dead day, water gun fights-bringing together so many different people that live in the same place that I never would have met otherwise," she said.

Andy Garner, a junior nursing major of Poplar Bluff, Mo. and an RA at Twin Towers, has been an RA for two years.

Garner has also formed a close relationship with his RA when he moved into Twins. He inquired about the job and applied.

"I liked the idea that I'd have a chance to work with different people. It seemed team-oriented and I've been in athletics all of my life-seemed like something I'd like to join in," he said.

Garner said he has gained better communication skills since he works closely with staff and students on a regular basis.

"I get to know them (residents) individually. I get to meet a ton of people in different situations. The hardest part (about being an RA) is dealing with people who knowingly break the rules-the disciplinary aspect," Garner said.

Overall, Garner said the job is demanding but well worth having. He encourages anyone interested in applying to talk with RAs about the expectations about the job. Garner said that those who like working with people will like the position.
Cooney said that it's a job that will challenge you as an individual and change your perspective on things.

"I've definitely become a stronger person," she said. "I've realized that my life isn't perfect-learned to respect other people, lifestyles, be more comfortable on knowing who I am, and I get a better grasp on reality and life as a whole."