Response to "RAs experience internal conflicts"

Dear "The Hawk",

I am a second-year Resident Assistant, and when I read the article "RAs experience internal conflicts," I was disappointed.

The article, which hoped to expose the turmoil of Residence Life, was one-sided.

While I recognize that my affiliation to Residence Life makes me biased, I think it is only fair to publish an opinion of an RA who is happy in her leadership position.

I understand the intrigue of getting the scoop on alleged Residence Life drama.

The 78 students, including myself, that make up the RA staff are public figures to on-campus residents.

Even if I do not know a resident, they recognize my face from the picture hanging in the hall's lobby.

Sadly, RAs are often only known for one aspect of the job, documenting residents.

Since this part of our job is seen as getting residents in trouble, many students revel in the opportunity to lambast those who have authority.  

For this reason only do anonymous sources complaining about residence life warrant front-page news.  

It seems obvious to have to point this out, but since this is apparently a newsworthy topic it should be stated: every student organization has internal conflicts.

If you ask anyone in Residence Life, he or she will tell you that the RA position is not for               everyone.

No one forced the current staff of Resident Assistants to apply. The pressures of the economy and familial responsibilities may influence a student's decision to become an RA, but it should never be the deciding factor.

If it is, then he or she is probably not suited for the position, because being an RA is much more than a cost of education break.

Those who left after a year, a semester, or even a day realized the job was not for them. Being an RA, as well as being a college student, is about taking ownership of your independence. While you may have many commitments influencing your choices in life, the responsibilities and consequences of your decisions are yours alone.

Similarly, it is the individual RA that ultimately decides how the experience fits into the rest of his or her life.

More importantly however, are the facts.

The article mentioned the low retention rate of Resident Assistants for this past year and attributed it to unhappiness in the position; however the numbers reflect differently.  

The past two years the Office of Residence Life has employed 78 Resident Assistants. During the 2011 new RA selection, 42 students were hired.

This year had a higher acceptance rate because a large number of RAs graduated in May 2011.

For example, on my staff last year seven graduated, leaving only three returning RAs.  

The retention rate ebbs and flows each year depending on graduation and students deciding to study abroad.

 Another aspect "RAs experience internal conflicts" failed to mention is the positivity that surrounds our organization, especially the camaraderie felt amongst all the Resident Assistants.

The strong bonds RAs formed during our two-week training at the beginning of the year are long lasting and genuine.  

We become close friends that talk about not only the ups and downs of the RA experience, but life outside the halls as well.

Furthermore, Resident Assistants are a group of community-minded individuals.

We are leaders who hope to better college life for students with programs and peer support, not worsen it.

Personally speaking, I sincerely love getting to know my residents and I work hard to make their experience on-campus welcoming and fun.

If you look past the RA tag that is in front of my name, you'll see a student that is just like everyone else.

 Like most students, I rather not have gossip spread about my peers.

Sincerely, Kelley Wallace ‘12