21 Tips For RAs By RAs

Tips on how you can make the biggest impact in your role as an RA.

1. Don't take it personal.

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If you are given some feedback on how to correct something or make it better, don't take it personal. It is a way to make sure you are being the best you can be.

2. It's not all about numbers when it comes to programming.

While residents love free food, it is important to think about how your program impacts your students. If you have only 1 person attend your program, but that one person takes something away, then it is a successful program.

3. It's not that residents don't like you "the person", it's just they don't like "the RA."

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Sometimes you will have to enforce policy, or you make a decision that residents might not like. It's good to know that they don't like the RA at that moment, but they still like you as a person.

4. You will have some of the best conversations in the bathroom.

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While it is easy to complain about community bathrooms, you always have some of the best conversations with your residents while in the bathroom brushing your teeth (those conversations might even be with the residents you don't see often). Some of the best conversations happen in the most unlikely conversations at the most unlikely times.

5. Remember the fishbowl.

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You will hear this time and time again, the fishbowl effect is a real thing. Someone is always looking up to you as a role model. You never know who you could be impacting.

6. Somebody's name is the most important word in their vocabulary.

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Knowing someone's name shows them that you care. This is the first and most important way we can build community.

7. When confronting a resident or a staff member, try a compliment sandwich.

A good way to give constructive criticism:

1. Start by complimenting the person

2. Give them constructive feedback on how to improve

3. Finish with another compliment

8. Always assume the best in everyone.

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People might surprise you. Always assume the best in your residents and don't form ideas about them right off the bat. Let them show you how awesome they are.

9. Set high expectations, rather than pounding rules and policy.

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Make sure you form relationships with your residents and let them know you have high expectations of them. They will respect you and want to exceed your expectations rather than you pounding policy and constantly enforcing the rules. Lead by example and hold residents to a high standard.

10. Don't be scared to ask for help.

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You won't have all the answers, so don't be afraid to ask other RAs and Senior Staff for help and advice. You aren't in this alone and others are more than willing to help.

11. You don't have to solve the world's problems.

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You are one person. Your job description doesn't say you have to reverse global warming. Don't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

12. Take time for yourself.

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In your position you give and help so many people. Take time for yourself to recharge when you need it. You need to take care of yourself and make sure you are in the game first before you can take care and help everyone else.

13. Have integrity- your actions reflect on the department.

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Wherever you go, you represent K-State and Housing and Dining. Make sure your actions reflect well on the department.

14. Make sure you aren't the weakest link.

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Always bring your A-game and wear your game face. You have your residents, your staff, and your supervisors counting on you.

15. Being an RA is not a job, it is a lifestyle.

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You are on the job 24/7, around the clock. Being an RA is who you become- and for a lot of your residents what your title will always be to them. It is one of the most rewarding experiences in your life that can really shape who you are if you really invest in your position and make it a lifestyle rather than a "job".

16. Change the world, with a small "w".

Don't try to conquer the World. Focus on your floor and your building, make a deep impact in few and get big rewards, rather than having surface level impact in many. When you connect deeply with residents, you can't image how much you are changing their world.

17. Start with the end in mind.

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Know where you want to end before you begin things. It makes you focused and keeps you headed in the right direction.

18. Don't worry about leaving a legacy, make an impact and then you will leave a legacy.

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Let your actions do the talking. You have the power to leave a permanent legacy, but don't let that be your goal. Invest in your residents and the people around you and then you will leave your mark.

19. Don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone.

Some things in this position will challenge you. A supervisor told me once, "embrace the awkward. Own it." Your residents might be stepping out of their comfort zone as well. Outside of your comfort zone is where great things happen.

20. Put yourself in your resident's shoes.

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Place yourself in their situation. You might not understand their point of view at first, but after you think about it through their lenses, you might see thing differently.

21. Residents want someone that is willing to live life right beside them.

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Residents are looking for someone to be their friend and number one supporter. Take time to actively listen about their lives and develop a relationship. Follow up after that big test, remember their birthday. They want to share their life with you as much as you want to share your life with them if you allow them.