They are living among us. Studying in the library, eating in the dining hall, attending classes. They appear just like any other student, but they are much more. They are resident assistants. Who are these people, and what role do they play on campus?
As both an RA and resident coordinator, senior Noah Pratt provides insight into the responsibilities of RAs.
Pratt says that the main responsibility of RAs is to ensure the school’s rules are followed. This includes making sure quiet hours and curfew are observed and completing clean room checks in Dickson Hall.
Pratt then explains the significance of RAs being the initial rule keepers.
“It’s important to have RA’s. They can manage the dorms closely because they live in the dorms with the kids,” Pratt says.
Sophomore Andrew Baxter also points to the benefit of having RAs live alongside students when talking about junior Bryson Chambers, third floor RA.
“Bryson has the perfect balance of being a good RA but also being chill,” Baxter says.
Relationships are also important to senior Caleb Allen, first floor RA.
“One of my favorite aspects of being an RA is the relationships I’m able to build with the guys on my floor. Often I have a large variety of people from many different walks of life, so it’s really nice to have a way to be able to make friends outside the music department,” Allen says.
Junior Sierra Burrow, second floor RA, also shares the relationship opportunities that being an RA provides.
“The most fulfilling part is getting to know the girls on my floor and growing in relationships with them,” Burrow says.
As Pratt pointed out, the RAs may have a job to do, but relationships are still high on their priority list.
When discussing the fulfillment that comes from her position, Burrow pointed to her ultimate goal.
“You also get the opportunity to talk to them about God,” Burrow says.
(Photo above) Serving as RAs this year are sophomore Grace Vandergriff, senior Caleb Allen, junior Ashanti Williams, junior Bryson Chambers, junior Sierra Burrow, and senior Noah Pratt.
