"Confidence. Commitment. Community."
The motto of good ole Westfield State College Residential Life.
I'm often asked what exactly a "CDA" (community development assistant) does. Well, we are RAs, who "work with students to create and maintain an atmosphere that fosters meaningful educational opportunities as well as valuable personal growth experiences" (according to the manual they gave me at the beginning of the year). But we are basically a "head RA" sort of person whose responsibilities include office hours, being a role model to the RA staff, helping the RD as needed, helping with RA selection and training and whatnot, overseeing the RA office, etc etc.
God, it's so awkward trying to explain what my job entails...
Anyway, last year I adored this job. More than anything. Sure, it stressed me out a lot of the time and things weren't perfect, but I felt like my job had a purpose. I was talking to a former resident who's now a good friend of mine, and I told him I miss my residents from last year. It got me to thinking.
I started this year out in a building I was uneasy about (To go from Lammers Hall with its section all in one area and everyone could easily meet everyone else...to Davis, a community-building DISASTER). With an RD I was uneasy about (I would have been uneasy about pretty much anyone cause it takes me a few months to adjust to a new boss). With an RA staff I was uneasy about (I am the staff member with the most experience and I wasn't really familiar with anyone on staff, unlike last year). I just came into this year with a negative outlook and a defensive wall built up.
Sure, it takes time to adjust to any job, but in this job, that can lead to an epic FAIL. The first few weeks are your chance to meet with residents, form a trust with them, and set the bar for the rest of the year. I might complain that I don't know some of my residents this year, but whose fault is that? Mine, of course. Last year I had enough confidence in my ability that I went out and made those bonds and connections in the beginning of the year, not afraid to knock on doors, stop by to say hello, etc.
Davis Hall sucks for community building, yes, but sitting in my room with the door shut isnt' going to help...
There's still time. I can fix this.
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1 comment:
heyyyy! the ResCollege here is a community-building disaster cuz its all suites and people leave the door shut. last year everyone came out of their rooms and watched the big screen in the lounge but this year it has been broken since the summer. Our communuity sucks but its sometimes not the fault of the RA, so don't worry about it :-)
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