Exploring the lives of two CSB+SJU Resident Assitants
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an RA? Bennie and Johnnie RAs share snippets of their life?
T’nya Butler, a junior global business major with a double minor in strategic communication studies and entrepreneurship, keeps herself busy as a Resident Assistant (RA) at St. Ben’s.
Butler is from the Bahamas, is heavily involved with the Donald McNeely Center and recently founded a book lovers club on campus.
Butler begins her day like any other student.
“In the morning, I usually just wake up and get ready for class. On my way out, I see a couple residents, so I stop to say hi,” Butler said.
After her two classes, Butler returns to her room to hang out with her friends, read a book or hang out in the lounge.
“I go into the lounge where residents can come and ask some questions,” Butler said.
Butler then goes to the gym where she usually sees a resident she knows, and then she gets dinner.
On a day that she’s on duty, which is around every two weeks, Butler has rounds and office hours.
“I do rounds around 8 p.m. and then I head into our office to do office hours from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. That’s the time where residents can come in and talk to us or spend time or just ask questions. Then we do rounds again at 12 a.m.,” Butler said.
Butler’s favorite part about being an RA is being able to connect with students that she probably wouldn’t on a day-to-day basis.
“I meet a lot of people, and then I have residents, and I meet their friends, so it’s just a matter of getting to know so many people and learn more about them and where they’re from and connect with them,” Butler said.
Senior Tony Olson also keeps busy as an RA for Bennet Hall at St. John’s. Olson is a biochemistry major, plays in the jazz ensemble and likes to play soccer and racquetball.
Olson balances being a student with his RA duties every day.
“Most days, I wake up and go to class as normal and say hi to the folks that I know. When I’m back in the evening, I make a conscious effort to have my door open and be present on the floor and handle needs as they come during a standard weekday,” Olson said.
According to Olson, as RAs move up in cohort rank, resident needs tend to be lower because older students have fewer questions about printing, registering for classes or general information. However, every RA makes themself available to help their residents.
“Being present and available for a handful of hours throughout the day, I think that’s the biggest thing,” Olson said.
In Bennet Hall, there are three RAs and two Faculty Residents. On a given weekend night, one of them will be on duty.
“We start duty around 9 p.m. and end around 2:30 a.m. We walk around the building every so often, just being a little bit more attentive, not necessarily waiting for people to find you, but seeing situations as they come. It’s making sure that any behavior that is happening is safe and healthy for not only the people there, but for everyone around them as well,” Olson said.
Olson’s favorite part of being an RA is helping people with their personal needs.
“I love being able to help people when they’re in crisis. Ultimately, it is their life, it is their decision, but getting to navigate that with them,” Olson said.
