By: Logan Troester Photo supplied by: Milligan College
It’s that time of year again: Resident assistant applications are now available for a spot on the residence life staff for the 2013-2014 school year.
With the opening of the new dorms, there are more positions that need to be filled. The current staff is looking for about nine new students.
“People should apply because it gives them the opportunity to meet new people all the time and bring new ideas to res life,” said Anna Lennox, a junior RA. “People who are eager to be in community with others should definitely consider applying.”
“Being an RA is definitely a lot of work, but it is also just a lot of fun,” said Shelby Esterle, a sophomore RA. “It is a great way to meet people you might not otherwise meet.”
“I want RAs to be leaders among their peers,” said Anderson. “I don’t want all the RAs to be the same either. I love having students from multiple majors, hometowns and athletic teams on staff. Being a diverse group helps the staff better relate to the student body as a whole.”
Anderson said RA applicants should be outgoing, assertive, organized, approachable and self-motivated.
Anderson also encourages community and fellowship with others, and one of her goals for the RA staff is to create just that.
“By being an RA, you get to be a part of the heart of the Milligan community,” said sophomore Sarah Blessing. “Over half of the relationship building is done in the dorms, and being an RA allows you to facilitate that process.”
Interviews are conducted by Kate Anderson, an RD or Milligan staff member and a graduating RA. Interviews are used as a tool to learn more about each applicant, figure out if he or she would be a good fit as an RA and then decide which age group or building he or she would fit in best.
“This is my first year as an RA and I enjoy where I was placed,” said Austin Chhut . “My hall is mostly guys my age, so I already knew most of them on some social level. It has been interesting to try and maintain friendships, but also be a good RA.”
“RAs have a significant role in working with faculty and staff, they are a great link between students and administration,” said Anderson. “They are a really important part of what we do hear at Milligan.”
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