I remember around this time last year, I was more than nervous about becoming an RA for the school year. I was downright dreading it. Now, I couldn’t be happier that I did it. At first, everything about the job seemed unappealing, and I blame most of that on my self-esteem holding me back, causing me to believe I wouldn’t be able to do most of the aspects of the job. Sure, there were some really tough spots throughout the year, but we made it through and I’ve grown immensely from them. I never once believed I would be where I am right now. In retrospect, this past year has been one of the best years of my life. Sure, I dealt with a lot of shit, some caused by me, some caused by friends/residents, and some caused by college itself. I never once believed that I would be sitting in my room sobbing over the fact that it is over. I have grown so much as a person from this year alone (I’ve still got a ways to go, but hey, I’ll get there eventually).

Not to mention this job has given me life long friends. The 5 other people on my staff have been some of the most supportive, caring, and amazing people I’ve ever met in my entire 20 years of living. I’m not sure if I’ve ever clicked so well with people than I did with my staff. I immediately bonded with all of them (one being my hall director, 4 being other RA’s in my building) and our relationships have grown ever since… I’m so sad to be leaving them tomorrow. I could not have asked for a better group of people to have spent the past year with, and I don’t think I will ever work with a better group of people for the rest of my life. 

If any of you ever get the chance to work in Res Life, DO IT. It was the best decision I’ve made in my entire life, and it is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever do.