Student Reflective Essay

I am taking this course because I mean it is a requirement for being able to apply for becoming an RA, but really it is even more than that. I am hoping to learn; how to better my time management skills, how to be an effective leader while having the role of an RA, how to facilitate discussions between residents and myself, and lastly, how to be the best overall resident’s assistant I can be and pointers on being able to do that. The role of an RA is probably common sense to most people, but to really understand it is the difference. One should be able to bring residents together as a community not just on their floor, but in the hall and on campus as a whole. This year I live on the first floor of Hurst Hall. My situation is probably much different than most of the other residents on Ball State campus because where I live we have only about twenty girls on the floor when many other floors have a lot larger amount. My floor mates and I are definitely a close knit family, and I know quite a few people throughout the building due to my involvement in Hall Council and being our first floor representative.

Not only does a RA need to help their residents get involved in the hall, but also they help them find resources and different opportunities around campus like putting a sign up for events going on around campus.

I know that my RA took a group of us that was interested to some of the events this year and it helped us get to know each other and have fun. A resident assistant’s primary role is to provide the resources and communication to allow the residents to reach their full potential in and out of the classroom. My residents assistant gave all of us pointers at the beginning of the year to be involved and find where we fit in on campus. I also know that my RA makes sure that our floor and hall is open-minded and a safe community for

everyone.
Not to mention, my RA helped with a conflict between my roommate and I where there was a disagreement about our roommate agreement we turned in and both signed. I utilized my resident assistant to be a mediator between my roommate and I. She helped my roommate talk to me about the issue and we eventually worked out the misunderstanding. A resident assistant is also a voice for you to the Hall Director and other higher ranked officials dealing with the halls. With that being said though, the resident assistant does not do everything for you and knowing that boundary is very important as a RA and resident.
Although I was not able to attend the first class due to the course being full at the time, I do believe that looking at my course text and our website page the resident assistants and academic peer mentors are very helpful in the hall community. I live in a living-learning community and the APM’s hold study sessions in the lobbies of our hall for residents to be able to study and enjoy company as well as ask questions if they are needing help. The APM also makes sure that you are doing well in your classes and, if need be, help you find a tutor or other resources that can help you in your academics. My resident assistant has helped me out of my shell and be involved and it is just great to be able to talk to someone that was in my shoes at one point as a new Ball State freshman starting college.
Furthermore, my resident assistant has helped in my college journey and I would like to say I am a better person and more confident than I was this time last year or at the beginning of the semester. I want to be able to help students thrive in the classroom and out in the Ball State and Muncie community.