At NW, the word ‘community’ seems to be the most popular buzz word said when describing our unique campus life. One of the key aspects of life on every college campus is the students and staff involved with Residence Life on campus. Resident Assistants are chosen for each wing or floor to support their fellow students and enforce the rules of the college when necessary. Though the position of RA is a common work study on campuses across the nation, there is something about NW’s RAs and ResLife staff as a whole that fosters a community that is unique to NW.
The process of choosing an RA is quite simple on paper: students apply for the position, set up an interview with the RDs and then hear back a few weeks later about whether or not they have been hired.
When choosing RA, RDs at NW are generally looking for students with intentionality who show a certain passion for the job they are seeking out as an RA and for the community which they hope to steward. One of the ways that RDs determine whether or not a student has the community minded intention comes through the application and interview process.
“The application and interview allow us to understand a student’s desire to be an RA better and understand their aspirations for the role” said Audrey Punt, RD of Stegenga Hall.
When it comes to being an RA and stewarding a wing or floor of students in the dorms, the character and conduct of a student matters much more than their personality or popularity. Generally speaking, RDs are searching for students who exhibit Christ-like character in everyday life and not just an interview.
While the interview and application process is vital to the final choice of the RDs, observing how students present themselves to their peers and treat their neighbors is the biggest indicator of whether or not a student is a good fit for the job.
“If you are someone who cares for others, initiates opportunities for fun and connection and are a presence in the hall and at dorm events, then it just seems clear that you care about life in Hospers Hall and the men in it.” said Dana Van Ostrand, RD of Hospers Hall.
Though it may seem daunting for students to see if they have lived up to this standard of Christ-like character, the reality is that all that is needed to be an RA at NW is a deep love for God and neighbor paired with a desire to steward peers in a dorm setting.
“If you want to love God and love your neighbor and apply that to your residence hall context, you can do the job.” said Van Ostrand.
When students are chosen to be an RA, they enter into a new role on campus as a servant-leader, rule enforcer and friend to the residents they are tasked with overseeing. This new role comes with many challenges that no one can fully prepare for. While an RA can’t see every challenge coming, a vital part of the job is to be open to the challenge and take it as an opportunity to grow into a better steward of the community. Oftentimes, the challenges in being an RA lie in the relational aspect of the job.
“One challenge I’ve faced as an RA is balancing being supportive and relational while also holding residents accountable to community standards.” said Abigail Martinson, an RA in Stegenga Hall.
Holding people accountable for their actions can be one of the most challenging things to do, especially when a student is responsible for his or her peers. It is a delicate balance to be a friend while still holding a sense of authority in the dorms, but that is not a reason to shy away from applying to be an RA, so long as there is a willingness to grow from the challenge and a recognition that no one is perfect, including RAs.
When facing these challenges, it is best to remember that actions and words towards peers are a vital part of being a leader. How someone handles a difficult situation reflects how much they care about the situation and those involved, and is a great indicator of whether or not they have what it takes to lead and guide peers to a stronger community.
With all these factors in mind, if any student is on the fence about applying to be an RA, it will do good to remember that just simply applying is a step that shows intentionality.
“For me, seeing that someone is applying to be an RA means that they are invested in the life of Hospers Hall.” said Van Ostrand “It signals to me that even if I am not able to hire a person, I know that person wants to invest time and energy into the hall.”
