1. Social skills are a must.
You need to be a people’s person. With this job, you are not
only required to, but also expected to constantly interact with different kind
of people in different settings Just because you are in a position of
authority, doesn't mean you have to be rude or controlling. You have to
maintain a friendly and helpful façade. Also keep in mind that being friendly
could lead to fellow residents taking it for granted. Maintain your authority
and make sure others follow it.
2.
First to arrive and Last to leave.
Yes, you are an RA with enough power. But that doesn't mean
there aren't other cons to it. One of the major ones is that summer or winter
or any break for that matter will be cut short. You need to be there before the
year or the semester starts to handle the orientation or prepare dormitories
for residents. Also, you will have to
stay back to make last rounds that are required. If there are other commitments
that require your attention and you can’t make your rounds, then this job isn't for you. You need to understand the concept of not having the best of both
worlds.
3.
If it can happen it will happen.
This basically sums up everything. If something is to happen it
will. For your time as RA, you will experience a number of incidents as well as
emotions. There could be a prank played on you. It could either be plain rude
or funny. Take a decision based on what it is. Learn to keep manage your
emotions. You might have to stop a fight
in the dorms over petty issues. Learn to keep your calm and be rational. You
might also have to penalize residents at times, learn how to control them. The best way is to keep level headed and to be quick to decide when faced with an unusual situation. If you don’t have that
power, then it may be time to look for some other job.
