<p>I'm thinking about applying but I just wanted to hear about other experiences. Also do you think that if I put I'm a victim of sexual assault and my best friend tried to commit suicide in high school on my application that would be detrimental or negative? I'm just trying to show that I am capable of dealing with such crises and I have experience that I can bring to the table as an RA.</p>
<p>Do they even ask that?
At my school you just put down the basic information and then you have a whole day of interviews for the job.</p>
<p>If you can explain why your experiences make you a stronger candidate for the job, I don’t see why not.</p>
<p>I’m a current RA, but I’m just starting. Being able to deal with crisis situations is important, but at least at my school a lot of the residence deans trust the training to prepare us for that. I think what was most helpful for me getting the job was my positive spirit, determination, and experience in a role of authority (for me, camp counseling and tutoring). I didn’t have much experience in crisis situations, nor have my fellow RAs. </p>
<p>To be totally honest, I think one thing detrimental to the RA role is a lot of baggage. An RA who has to spend time dealing with his own concerns will probably spend less time with the students. For instance, in my interview I was asked about any future plans for a romantic relationship.</p>
<p>My brother was an RA his senior year and it sucked up all of his free time. He couldn’t have an outside job or hang out with friends like he used to. Only do it if it’s something you’re really interested in.</p>
<p>That’s what I’m concerned about, the time issue. I really need the housing discount but I do have leadership experience as a camp counselor. I think it could be a good fit for me, but I was just wondering if everyone really does think its more work than its worth.</p>
<p>^A lot of people where I’m at do it again the next year. It’s not to get good housing, as junior RAs have the best housing options for senior year where I’m at. And maybe some do it again for the money, but I think a lot do it because they enjoyed it. As far as time, there are probably positions where you will work less. For instance, in upperclass housing. Of the people in my house sophomore year, my RA was there the least. Go figure.</p>
<p>Yeah I’m not saying the only reason I would do it would be for the discount…but it is a nice perk. I think I could handle it really well, I have interned in the ER of a hospital and I have worked in retail and as a waitress for over a year, so I have lots of experience talking and interacting with people. I was a camp counselor for 2 years in high school and I attended a few seminars on leadership and working well as a team. </p>
<p>My only concern is about the “baggage.” I do have a boyfriend but he’s older and in grad school at the same college and works full time. We see each other, but not as often as I would like. I plan on moving into the dorms next year regardless of whether or not I’m an RA as its way more convenient.</p>
<p>Also on the application it just asks about life experiences and why I would be a good fit? I’m not sure if I should put those things that I mentioned above in because I have the experience or maybe I should just talk about it during my interview? </p>
<p>What do you like most about being an RA? Is it pretty fun or can it be pretty tedious? Are a lot of your residents friendly or do they just do their own things? I’m just curious because I don’t have any friends that have been RAs so I have no one to ask.</p>
<p>^My residents haven’t arrived yet.</p>
<p>My friends who are RA’s say their problem is getting people to come to the programs they have to put on. Also, you have to be prepared for people to be belligerent if they’re breaking the rules and you’re telling them to stop doing (whatever it is).</p>
<p>I personally would not mention the sexual assault, but that’s because I don’t know how I would spin that to make me look like a good RA candidate. As to your friend, if you were the one to convince him/her not to commit suicide, you could use that as an example that you are a good listener, and that you’re not going to automatically freak out if one of your residents says something similar.</p>
<p>You make good points clarinette. But I have worked in bars cocktail waitressing and in the ER. I have seen and dealt with MANY belligerent people. I was once elbowed in the stomach by a guy during a bar fight. And I have dealt with countless, nasty drunk people.</p>
<p>My room will be right next to the RA’s room, will this be a problem?</p>
<p>That’s good that you know how to deal with belligerent people. Not saying that it’ll come in handy a lot, but better to know than not.</p>
<p>bl4ke360, as long as you obey the rules, there shouldn’t be a problem. Most RA’s I know aren’t ridiculous about the rules for the people near them.</p>
<p>Yeah and worse case scenario you can always call campus police and security right?</p>