The following story, written by Dee-Ann Enniss, is a first-hand account of what it means to her to be a resident assistant at Stetson University. 

Many students on this campus believe that they know what a resident assistant (RA) does on campus, and up until last year I was definitely one of them. If you had asked me, I would have told you that a resident assistant is probably someone you want to avoid. I would say this because if you are dealing with an RA you are probably locked out of your room, panicking as you search for the answer to some ridiculous question, having a large-scale roommate problem, or you are in serious trouble.

This was at least until I got hired and I went through RA training. So for those who don’t know, RAs go through an immense amount of training before school begins. It is an intensive two-week program that teaches students how to handle conflicts that occur within residence halls to the best of their abilities. Most students newly hired to the position look at the training schedule and doubt whether or not they will make it through the first week. This training is necessary, it teaches new RAs how to handle conflicts that occur in the residence halls, as well as how to keep fellow residents safe. Training teaches RAs how to work with their own personal skills to make halls great, how to address the tough topics like diversity, and how to encourage school spirit. Moreover, in case you were wondering, most of the newly hired RAs made it through the first week without the slightest sign of distress.

This year’s training, in addition to being Disney themed, was styled differently than previous years, thanks to RC Stabile with the combined efforts from the rest of the Residential Life staff. Perhaps more spectacular than the changes were the reactions to the changes from veteran resident assistants, many of whom felt that the changes that had occurred were for the best.

Kathryn Casano, a resident assistant for three years, stated: “With this being my third year I would have to say this is the best training so far. I’m really excited for the new group of resident assistants, and their positive energy.”

Senior year has started off perfectly showing that this year’s training not only affected how she thought the new resident assistants would fare, but also how much training impacted her own life. Personally, I agree with her. The things that I loved the most about training was that even though we didn’t get a lot of free time, we got a lot of fun time. A lot of training was not as bad as I personally had expected it to be when I looked at the schedule. Not only did I learn how to put on a good program, but I had fun doing it.

The Residential Life Coordinators (RLC) put on an amazing program carousel where resident assistants got to try out different programs. Not only did I bond with veteran resident assistants, but I learned from them as well, especially listening to them speak at the returners’ panel which is a meeting where new resident assistants got to ask the veterans how to be an RA and still have life. The guest speakers knew just how to capture our attention, and get us pumped. They added team-bonding events where you got to hang out and build an actual relationship with other RAs. As part of the bonding, the RA staff was taken to Blue Spring just to learn how to work together as a team. It was like RA summer camp, and I enjoyed almost every minute of it. For me training was more inspirational than anything I’d ever encountered at Stetson. I felt ready to tackle the upcoming school year, and I came away with more school spirit than I had ever had before.

Additionally, like Kathryn, I feel this is going to be the best year ever. I learned that a resident assistant isn’t just someone who enforces Stetson policy, but they provide a shoulder to cry on when necessary, a friend to encourage you at all times, and a person dedicated to making sure that other Stetson students feel safe and comfortable on campus. I not only became part of a team, but part of a family, and I bonded with others so different from me that I never would have guessed we would end up being such great friends.

I also came to have great respect for those who have been doing bulletin boards in my hall for the last three years, because this year I found out up-close and personal just how difficult it is to make one!

By Dee-Ann Enniss, pictured second row, fifth from right, along with all her fellow Hatter RAs