Resident Advisors. Every student who has stayed in in a dorm has had one. Each RA is different; some are weird and creepy, some are high-strung and micromanage every step of their residents’ every move and some are relaxed and laid-back. And some are wild and crazy, surprising students with every prank they play.
Whether uptight or laid-back, RA’s are running around from early in the morning until late at night, doing work as both a student and an RA.
RA’s do more than just enforce university policies; they plan big events, educational and entertaining programs and organize activities for the residents to participate in.
Sarah Starr, a junior in communications and an RA in University Towers, said she enjoys students on her hallway a lot more than she thought she would.
“I really like getting to know my residents through the programs and events that I help plan,” Starr said.
Brady Lawson,a junior in business management and an RA in Avent Ferry Complex, said she became a RA because she liked her RA when she was a freshman and thought she would enjoy being a part of a community where she could encourage others.
“We are a support system. We are there to help the residents in their transition to college,” Lawson said.
If a resident has a problem or concern, an RA is capable of helping them because of the training they received.
“At first it takes a minute to get the hang of things, but training before the students get there is very helpful,” Starr said.
Being a first-year RA in Lee Hall, Josh Schroder, a sophomore in business management, said he learns a lot from the returning RA’s who are “more confident and knowledgeable.”
Schroder said he has been taking his residents to the Wolfpack Welcome Week events. He is also planning a study abroad program for his residents, so they can learn about what it’s like to study abroad.
Other programs that RA’s put on include: Valentine’s Day card-making, ice cream socials and programs about nutrition and diversity.
Just like other students on-campus, time management is really important for a RA.
“It involves a lot of commitment, flexibility and time management. You learn leadership skills and how to get along better with others,” Schroder said.
According to Schroder, the skills he learns now will be useful later on in life as well.
Schroder and Starr sometimes find it hard to manage being a full-time student and being an RA.
“You learn your limits. You learn what you can deal with and how much sleep you can go on,” Starr said. “You have to deal with stuff in the middle of the night even though you have an 8 a.m. class.”
Being an RA might be a job, but some RA’s find they truly care about their residents.
“If the residents have a good year, I have a good year. If they struggle, I struggle,” Lawson said.
Even with all the obligations an RA faces and her concern for the students on her floor, Lawson remains focused.
“School comes first because I’m here at N.C. State to be a student,” Lawson said.
After every paper is written, every test is studied for and every program is complete, Starr said she believes there is a feeling of satisfaction.
“It’s the hardest work you’re ever going to do in your life, but when it’s over you look back and think ‘that was awesome!'”
