Life as an RA can be a little blurry to those not within the role. It is not the hardest job day to day, so I will let you know what a day on duty looks life for an RA. After I wake up I brush my teeth and head to class. When I return from class I perform my first RA duty which is changing the "on duty" board. This is a board we have in the lobby that shows the building who is on duty that day. After this I do a "day round". When doing "a round" an RA walks the halls on each floor, taking note of residents in the halls and community spaces, noise coming from rooms, smells on the floor, broken walls or ceiling tiles, and trash on the floor.
After the board change and the day round I do not have many RA duties during the day. This is until after 6 o'clock when the Housing and Residence Life office gets to go home for the day. From 6pm to 8pm it is the RAs turn to answer any questions, key residents into their rooms when they inevitably lock themselves out, or answer phone calls. When 8pm hits, we have what is called "desk duty" where we must sit downstairs in case anybody needs assistance and every hour from 8pm until midnight we do "rounds" again. Then at midnight, we do our last round and head to sleep.
Some nights that is all that happens, but every night is not that simple. Sometimes we have residents smoking in the building, having parties, struggling with suicidal thoughts, or something else that we offer assistance for. But, it's all in a day's work. If it means keeping the residents safe and comfortable in Oak Hall, I would do it.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide or suicidal thoughts call 988 or visit 988 Lifeline
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