LDO Reflection
When I first became an RA, I expected that I would be able to influence the lives of my residents, but I did not anticipate just how much the position would influence me personally. As a first year RA, I was passionate and dedicated to the RA role, but was also very nervous about making a mistake along the way. My lack of confidence was apparent in how my voice shook when confronting an incident, or when I would recruit another staff member to work with me on an LDO, rather than taking the initiative to host a program myself. At the start of this semester, I told myself I wanted to be different. I realized that in order to be the best version of myself for my residents, supervisors, and staff members, I needed to step up and develop the confidence
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Since community building is part of the RA position, I often forget that by fulfilling my job requirements, I am also having a significant impact on the lives of my 51 residents. This year, as I held one-on-one conversations with my residents, I found it overwhelming to hear over and over again how many of my residents expressed, unsolicited, that they felt safe, welcome, and as though they belong on the floor, because of the community that has been fostered through floor programs, my door always being open, and my genuine efforts to get to know each of my residents. Thinking back to my experience as a first-year student, I remember that I often craved an individual who I could trust and turn to if I were ever in need, and I feel as though I have been able to be that person for many of my residents this year. I make sure to check in with several of my residents every day so that the relationship foundations are present if a future situation were to arise. Additionally, I have focused on creating a welcoming environment, through opportunities like an inclusive language bulletin board. Leaving home for the first time can be difficult, and while many continue to face challenges, I feel as though I have significantly impacted my residents through my efforts to create an inclusive community and by serving as a positive role model and friendly
Since community building is part of the RA position, I often forget that by fulfilling my job requirements, I am also having a significant impact on the lives of my 51 residents. This year, as I held one-on-one conversations with my residents, I found it overwhelming to hear over and over again how many of my residents expressed, unsolicited, that they felt safe, welcome, and as though they belong on the floor, because of the community that has been fostered through floor programs, my door always being open, and my genuine efforts to get to know each of my residents. Thinking back to my experience as a first-year student, I remember that I often craved an individual who I could trust and turn to if I were ever in need, and I feel as though I have been able to be that person for many of my residents this year. I make sure to check in with several of my residents every day so that the relationship foundations are present if a future situation were to arise. Additionally, I have focused on creating a welcoming environment, through opportunities like an inclusive language bulletin board. Leaving home for the first time can be difficult, and while many continue to face challenges, I feel as though I have significantly impacted my residents through my efforts to create an inclusive community and by serving as a positive role model and friendly