RAs; Behind the scenes

Issue 13, Kirstie McPeek, Features - By Kirstie McPeek on Thursday, December 9, 2010 - 03:19

Have you ever wondered what your Resident Advisors (RAs) do behind the scenes?  You may be surprised to find out how much they do to make sure that you are comfortable and safe while at Whittier. Junior Steve Olvera, Turner’s second floor male Resident Advisor considers it a 24/7 job in terms of his residents relying on him.  RAs are also responsible for writing students up, weekly duty, Helping Hands Day, organizing monthly events and much more.
Each RA is given a certain amount of money for their monthly events. Every event has to fulfill two out of three of the following requirements: culture, community or education.
For some, the worst part about being an RA is writing
up residents for doing something that they should not have been doing.  “It’s really awkward the next day, Especially when it’s someone you know.” sophomore Joseph Larrea said , Stauffer’s first floor male RA.
RAs are expected to be role models, student leaders, and someone that other students can turn to during hard times.  Junior Flaka Radoniqi, one of the RAs for Johnson likes to leave her door open so that her residents feel welcome to stop by and chat.  She really likes to be as involved with her residents as possible.
Olvera really enjoys putting on the special monthly events for his floor mates.  He has already put on a Fear Factor night and a viewing of an Ultimate Fighting
Championship fight this year.  He has also put on educational events for alcohol awareness.  Olvera really enjoys seeing 30 or so of his residents at an event.
For some RAs the worse part about the job is having to deal with disrespectful residents.  Larrea recalled a particular event when someone had not cleaned up the kitchen after making food, which smelled horrible for days.
RAs also benefit a lot from their positions.  They all get free room and board (in a single room), 15 meals a week as well as Flex points.  Radoniqi really likes having a single room because it makes it easier to do her work..“I’m happy to have my own room,” Larrea said.
Larrea’s favorite and least favorite part about his job is that when there is a problem, he is actually able to do something about it.  He also thinks that puts a lot of pressure on him.  Radoniqi loves to meet and get to know the new students every year.  She thinks it is really meaningful when her residents are able to get close and comfortable with her.  Olvera’s favorite part is putting on the monthly events for his residents to help balance out school and fun.