A Glimpse Into the Life of an RA

Whether you love them or hate them, there is no doubt that life on the AUBG campus would be very different without the Residence Assistance Department. Let’s take a closer look at what it means to be a Resident Assistant (RA).

 

To become an RA, one needs to go through a thorough process. That’s to see whether candidates are suitable to bear the responsibility that the job requires.

 

Skapto 1 RA Daniela Georgieva explains that at the end of every semester the Residence Life Office sends an email to all students inviting them to apply for the position of an RA. Candidates need to submit a motivational essay, with details about themselves and why they want to be considered for the role, along with two recommendations from their floor RA, and either another RA or a member of faculty.

 

Afterward, students are asked to schedule a short interview. During it they answer questions to further introduce themselves and show that they would be capable of bearing the necessary responsibilities.

 

“Every Skaptopara building has its own protocol on how to handle interviews,” says Daniela. “Our goal is to see whether a student fits the specific criteria for the Skapto in which they are applying.”

 

 

Every person has a different reason to apply for a position at the Residence Assistance Department. It could be because of the free housing or simply because of the pay.

 

After asking several RAs, however, it turns out that one of the most common reasons is the desire to socialize.

 

Skapto 3 RA Victoria Lee shares that the position presents many opportunities to engage in student life, which is what drew her to apply in the first place. She also felt very connected with the RA team before applying, and praised their friendliness and their capability to solve issues in the best way possible.

 

 “I always considered myself to be a shy person and saw a job at Residence Assistance as a great way to get out of my comfort zone and meet new people,” said Victoria.

 

 

When asked about his experiences on the job, Skapto 2 RA Mikayel Navarsardyan reveals that it is as smooth as it gets, and describes it as an overall fun and engaging ride.

 

However, one thing Mikayel regards as annoying, when working on a 24/7 position, is dealing with disruptive students late at night. “Then I am sleepy and exhausted and the fact they usually do not cooperate does not make it easier,” he said.

 

“Sometimes students don’t understand that, in order for all students on campus to remain undisturbed while studying or resting, everyone should do their part,” said Mikayel, “we are here to keep the peace and quiet because, at the end of the day, everybody needs and deserves it.”

 

 

Throughout their job, the RAs face many situations that seem stressful and even insane.

 

Daniela details one of her most memorable experiences: “One night, I was stationed at the front desk, taking the late-night shift, when a girl came and asked for an ambulance since she was feeling unwell. At the same time, a club president emerged and demanded an explanation on why his club’s usual meeting place could not be accessed.”

 

“And while I was trying to resolve both situations, a part of the ceiling in front of the TV fell and a pipe leak started.”

 

Daniela laughs: “Fortunately, the ambulance arrived, we found a place for the club and fixed the leak, but this remains one of my favorite and most bizarre experiences I’ve ever had!”