Vigilante by day, late-night lockout heroes by night, your RAs do way more than you really know. Have you ever stopped to question what their job really is?
We know they check up on the procrastinators in the lounges, check your room for candles and illegal waffle makers, as well as plan super fun bonding events (with free food). But what else do they manage on top of being a full-time student?
Catherine Chialtas is a third-year student and is in her second year as a Resident Assistant for Callahan Hall.
“I think just living where you work is kinda hard,” said third-year Chialtas.
Chialtas says how tough it was at first to separate her job from her personal life, and how she always felt as though she was on the clock all the time.
“But now I think I’ve learned to like, go to my friends’ apartments that are off campus and hang out with them.”
Chialtas talks about misconceptions that surround RAs: “They think we have quotas, of like how many reports we have to make, or how many students to get in trouble.”
It’s safe to say that your RAs are not trying to cause anyone trouble or intentionally target you. It’s their job to check up and report, and to be your friend and help you adjust to college life.
“We’re not looking to get people in trouble. We’re just looking to keep people safe,” Chialtas says.
Chialtas explains that during the night, they conduct their rounds, which involve checking the halls and lounges to ensure residents are safe.
“I didn’t really understand what we were looking for,” Chialtas says. Most people would think that RAs are searching for people to get in trouble, but during these rounds, they ensure that doors are locked and fire extinguishers are present.
“We prioritize safety and community building before policy enforcement for sure,” Chialtas says .
Life of a RA sure seems harsh, going through weeks of training, following pages of rules, and staying up late every night. But Chialtas shared, “I think this is the best job ever.”
Knowing you’re not alone in a tough job can make the work feel lighter. “We also just have a great team, we support each other.”
At the end of the day, your RAs are not looking for trouble or targeting any students. Their role is to maintain the safety and security of their hall while also being a friend who can guide you through college life and be there to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
“I feel like I’ve gotten a great college experience,” Chialtas says.
