The Decision
After making the decision to become an RA I knew the next steps were crucial. I registered for EDHI 200, which is the RA class and is required for all RAs to take. I filled out the online application and from then on it was a waiting game until interviews. Through our EDHI class we learned more in-depth what the role of an RA is and how to improve upon and learn the necessary skills RAs need to have. It’s so much more than policy enforcement and bulletin boards. Each week we learned something new, starting with:
1. Roles of the RA and MA and Managing It All
2. Conduct of Student Leaders
3. Developing Team Building Skills and Group Process Roles
4. Leadership and Styles of Leadership
5. Community Development
6. Communication Skills
7. Value Clarification and Self Development
8. Introduction to Difference
9. The Filed of Student Affairs
10. Customer Service and Ethics
During the class we also had a semester-long group project. In the project we worked with fellow classmates to develop an imaginary community. We were assigned residents with varying backgrounds and needs. It was our job to asses the residents we were assigned and build a community that would be the most beneficial. It was our job to design mock door-decorations, or door-decs, mock programs, and mock-bulletin boards. While these residents and situations were fictional this assignment gave us an inside look as to what our job would be in our own communities. We also got a feel for what it would be like to work with a staff of other RAs.
Next was the interviewing process…
This was the most intimidating and stressful part of the application process. There are two separate rounds of interviews. The first round is with a Hall Director, and Assistant Hall Director and two RA’s. Let me tell you, there is nothing more intimidating than sitting in front of four established leaders interviewing for a position that encompasses so much. Honestly, I can’t even remember my first round interview. After first rounds interviews, you play the waiting game. The RHD and ARHD’s sit down together and review each and every interviewee and evaluate their answers. Together they formulate a list of who will be asked back for second round interviews. If accepted back for a second round interview you are one step closer to being offered a position. A second round interview is conducted by two Hall Directors and two Assistant hall Directors. Talk about intimidating! The process after second round interviews was very similar to before. The Hall Directors come together and review all the second round interviews and from there each director forms his or her staff for the upcoming year. Again, for the interviewees its another waiting game. About a month goes by, and it is one of the most nerve-racking, scary and stressful months. And then you receive your letter..
The Letter
After months of classes, interviewing and waiting the day finally arrives…letter day. Housing and Residence Life sent out letters to all those who had second round interviews. The letters either, offered you a position as a RA in a building, offered you an alternate position or did not offer any position. About half of the candidates return for second round interviews, and around half of those candidates get offered positions. Letter day is such an exciting and happy day! For many people, myself included, it was the beginning to the RA journey. 
Behind Closed Doors 