However, being at Transy has definitely helped me find places to take steady steps in the right direction. The ResLife staff especially has been an place for this. When I applied to be an RA last year, I honestly did not think it would be that big of a responsibility.. and I was completely wrong, but in a good way.
I spent most of the time between finding out I was going to be on staff and actually STARTING my responsibilities as RA worrying about having to step into the "Bad Guy" role- "writing up" people for policy violations and being the "party killer"....and as it turns out, this is probably the smallest part of my job.
The bigger challenges came from creating a community of respect, making sure residents were adjusting and just spending time around the hall. (the last one wasn't a challenge though- just a time commitment!) Looking back over the semester, every bump along the road, roommate conflict, late night study session, and shared bag of popcorn was a chance to work with people. I feel as though my communication skills and overall assessment of positive group dynamics have improved- VASTLY, and I am significantly better at learning what issues need special attention and what issues need to just be let go.
Luckily, the major battles of first semester are over and the ratio of good uplifting experiences to stressful situations is growing exponentially. Now, I get to feel this crazy sense of pride when I see my residents stepping into the leadership roles for next year, keeping to their resolutions of studying harder, and making connections and choices that will help them grow in a positive direction.
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