RA LIFE. Shasta Hall. Second Floor, Best Floor.

As I sit here picking sand out of my hair and still sore from laughing at the Mr. Shasta competition, I can’t help but to smile. Tonight was one of the most memorable nights of my college career and I spent it with some of the most incredible freshmen to walk Chico State’s campus. It started by crying of laughter watching some of the men compete in a Mr. Shasta competition hosted by my amazing residents to playing mud-volleyball in the rain at midnight during one of Chico’s biggest storms.

When I got the position to be a Resident Advisor, I had absolutely no idea that it was going to be one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences of my life. I originally signed up to be a RA because I liked people, it was a great way to get connected, I enjoy planning activities, and I have a ton of camp experience. I never expected my experience to be so life changing and never expected that being a Resident Advisor would have such a positive impact on my life.

Shasta Hall, Second Floor is full of some of the most incredible men and women that have walked on the Chico State campus. They are leaders. They are compassionate. They are motivated. They are honest. They are unique. They are hilarious. They are kind and they will always hold a special place in my heart. Prior to this semester, I thought that my interactions with them would be minimal and I would basically be someone to provide them with information, program activities and enforce policies. While those have all be parts of the job, those are by far the most insignificant. The most valuable part of this job included the late night talks about life, getting tackled in a puddle of mud, the impromptu trips to Chipotle, the Capture the Flag event with 150+ people, watching our men compete in a swimwear contest, listening to our musically talented residents in the lobby, playing pranks on each other, having inside jokes, hanging out late at night, studying together, watching movies, playing ping-pong, and participating in Wednesday Night Game Nights. I never would have believed that the women and men on Shasta Hall Second Floor, would have influenced my life in the way that they have. My residents are now my friends. They are people that I want to stay connected with, and people that I believe in and want to succeed. They are people that I want to invite to my wedding and people who I deeply care about. This semester has been one of the craziest I’ve ever had, and when I was supposed to be the one supporting them, they supported me. They comforted me, and loved me when I was struggling.

 

What I learned this semester is that my life story is really a story of everyone I’ve ever met. The people I have met while being a RA all have a unique and an important story. I’ve realized that each person on my floor, is so different and brings something so unique and valuable to our floor and to this world. They have impacted my life in such a special way, and I know they are going to impact this world in an amazing way. I’ve learned that doing the right thing isn’t always the easiest, but in the long run it is best. I’ve learned that if you give respect, you will get it in return. I’ve learned the importance of knowing names and using names when you speak to them. I’ve learned that being uncomfortable is okay, and sometimes making hard decisions won’t make everyone happy. I’ve learned to ask for help. I’ve learned that staying up late talking about nothing is one of my favorite things to do. I’ve learned that bending the rules is sometimes more beneficial. (Sorry Mark) I’ve learned so much from my residents and I am so grateful. Even with the lack of sleep, and the crazy amount of lockouts and awkward situations, this has been one of the best experiences of my college career.  The men and women of Shasta Hall, Second Floor, are going to do amazing things. They have already inspired me and made this community a special and safe place. Love you guys.

Words cannot express how much I love my residents. This semester has been wild, and I don’t think I would have gotten through it without the support of my staff and my residents. I am going to miss this group so much, but I am so confident that they are going to thrive and do amazing things. I am so honored to have walked through life with this group for a semester. You will always be #secondfloorbestfloor.