Quoting Post Archived Topic: It will not be bumped to the top of the forum. Topic Is it a Good Idea to be an RA?? Membername   Not a member? Sign Up Free (takes 20 seconds) Password   Forgotten your password? Post Font: Verdana Arial Black Georgia Comic Sans Impact   Size: Tiny Normal Big Huge   Color: Default Dark Red Red Orange Brown Green Olive Cyan Blue Dark Blue Indigo Black [ Check Spelling ] [ Post Preview ] [ LiveTags ] Quote: from [m]PennyandMe[/m] at 3:38 pm on Jan. 4, 2007[quote]Was just wondering if anyone here is an RA or CA...is it a big responsiblity?  I was nominated by someone to apply for this, and I'm seriously considering it. If I do apply for next fall 07, does this mean I can't go out and have fun right now during the spring semester?  What are some ways to keep myself looking "responsible and mature" and not look like a party girl?[/quote] FAQ Keyword Search: Post Options Favorites Manager Notify me of new replies to this topic by email Notify me of new replies to this topic by private message Original Post PennyandMe Posted at 3:38 pm on Jan. 4, 2007 Was just wondering if anyone here is an RA or CA...is it a big responsiblity?  I was nominated by someone to apply for this, and I'm seriously considering it. If I do apply for next fall 07, does this mean I can't go out and have fun right now during the spring semester?  What are some ways to keep myself looking "responsible and mature" and not look like a party girl?

Replies dreamweaver Posted at 11:20 pm on June 24, 2007 Trust me- check all your facebook pictures to make sure you're not "part of drinking activities", that is if you have one.  I know a couple RAs who got in trouble for drinking with thier residents and was fired over it. As long as you keep it on the low-down, you should be ok.  Make a list of the pros and cons of the job (how much does it pay, what are the benefits, do they pay for tuition or room-and-board at all, etc?) And then decide.  If the partying is what's worrying you, the best way to find out is find someone who is or was an RA and ask them bluntly. It would be nice to know before taking this responsibility. JennyColada Posted at 3:52 pm on June 24, 2007 I was an RA and I loved it. It really is a full time job though, and really, you are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week, even when you aren't really "working" or on a shift. I was called when I was off-campus at my boyfriend house because there was drama with my residents drinking...so I came home. I'd gotten out of class and had a message on my voicemail saying that one of my residents had to go to the hospital for an asthma attack. I also had to host some residents from another building in my hall (I was happy to offer though) because they had a fire in their building. It was definitely a ton of fun, and it was a ton of work, but I enjoyed every minute of it. VertHorizon Posted at 1:07 pm on June 13, 2007 Don't become an RA for the benefits and perks of the job.  You have to ask yourself if this is a job you will enjoy, and if you have the right skills.  That means being able to interact well with people, mediating conflicts, handling emergencies, as well as being creative and a role model. It is a considerable responsibility, but it's not going to take up all your time. As for looking "responsible and mature". I'll repeat the "don't post incriminating photos on facebook".  I'll add that you should also get rid of any groups and wall posts, or just block people from seeing your profile if they aren't your friend. Good luck if you decide to become an RA. LuvzRequiem Posted at 10:56 am on June 13, 2007 RA"s are fine if you have nothing better to do then watch after people and do your homework. I worked in the office of res life at my college and the bosses treat the RA"s like shit. Sure you really don't have to pay for housing but i find it stressful especially from the RA's that I;m friends with. dreamweaver Posted at 2:14 am on Mar. 3, 2007 Don't post incriminating photos on facebook!!!  I know several RAs who had photos of them drinking with thier residents on facebook and was fired over it, so be aware of this now. Find out what the benefits of becoming an RA is, such as pay, discounts, and how well it will look on your resume.  Talk to some RAs about it. crfdude86 Posted at 3:09 pm on Feb. 28, 2007 i think it is a good idea AtomicCactus Posted at 6:02 pm on Feb. 1, 2007 Oh, I take it RA is not research assistant? ajm51987 Posted at 9:21 am on Jan. 19, 2007 Do you like people? Thats really the big question... if you like people, being an RA should be fun! RachLeigh13 Posted at 10:20 am on Jan. 6, 2007 Being an RA IS a big responsibility, but it has plenty of perks.  I'd go for it! Just make sure you have plenty of time, and don't mind staying behind during some breaks. (I know the RAs here have to stay behind a few days to make sure the rooms are ok and what not.) Kayling Posted at 7:17 pm on Jan. 4, 2007 Well, I knew my RA last year before she was my RA (her boyfriend and mine are friends) and she went out and partied some, not as much as me, but she did some. It's not like you have to be a sweet little angel with no social life to be an RA. My HD (hall director, he's over the 2 RA's) swears in front of us all the time, saying like "yall are grown ass men and women and I am not your momma so don't be pulling any bullshit and thinking I'm gonna baby your ass." TigerV05 Posted at 5:41 pm on Jan. 4, 2007 I don't know. Will you have time? Lots of responsibility. IslandAtWar Posted at 3:41 pm on Jan. 4, 2007 You can have fun now. You can actually still be a partying RA but keep it quiet to the administration and stuff. I think it'd be good to try because it has tuition benefits. All 12 previous replies displayed.