Hello From the Other Side…of the RA Selection Process

If you told me a year and a half ago that I would be hired as a Resident Assistant, love my job, and even be placed on the Selection Committee helping to hire new Resident Assistants, I would have told you were crazy. And yet, here I am; third semester as an RA, and helping to select new RA’s from an amazing candidate pool for the second time. For those of you applying to be RA’s: YAY! The application and interview process is an extremely rewarding one, no matter what the outcome is. I learned a lot about myself and others during the process of becoming an RA, and I hope you will too. So, for you, potential Saint Rose Resident Assistant, here is my advice for going through the application process:

1. DO IT. For real, apply. Even if you have the slightest thought in your mind that being an RA is something you might want to do, go for it. I was really on the fence about it, especially because you might regret it later if you don’t apply now!
2. Be Yourself! Don’t try to put on a hat of “the perfect potential RA”. Just be yourself, show the Selection Committee who you are, and put your best foot forward to every step of the process!
3. Ask Questions. We as current RA’s and everyone who works in the Office of Residence Life are here for you! If you have any questions along the way about the job, the application process, or even after you get hired, there is an amazing team of people waiting to back you up and support you, so utilize them!

All in all, being a Resident Assistant has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. I have gained amazing transferable skills, made amazing friendships, and become much more confident in myself as a person and a leader on this campus. So for you, potential Resident Assistant, go for it. And soon, you might be saying hello from the other side! There is still time to attend an information session and apply (if you act fast!). Stop by the Office of Residence Life by the end of the day Friday, February 5th!

Being an RA is hard work, but it’s also a lot of fun. Here’s my staff when we went rollerskating last semester!