Unrealistic Expectations happen to RA’s all of the time. A Resident Advisor is not super woman. They will not be able to solve all of your problems, or always be on duty. An RA simply does the best they can with the situations that are given to them. Residents need to understand that they are among many other residents, that have just as many issues, and that the Resident Advisor can only do the best they can with the time they are given.
Many times when students first come to college they are unsure of everything. Anything from what clothes to wear for the Gateway Clipper party to how to register for classes, or even if they have made the right choice of college. Often times they rely on their RA to be there for them and their issues. But the truth in the matter is an RA can only do so much.
Yes, RA’s are able to talk things out with students, or to help GUIDE a student in the right direction, so they themselves can eventually solve their problems. However, it is unreasonable for a resident to think that their RA is perfect or on duty all of the time. RA’s will not have all the answers to res-life, family, friends, and educational problems, but they will try their hardest to steer a student in the right direction (whether that be to another RA, GRD or even a counseling service on campus)… which is a true quality of a leader.
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I think a lot of RAs have a hard time balancing when to step back, and when to stay involved. There is a definite desire of young women to be helpful, caring and invovled. When we talk about student developement a little, you'll see in particular what that means.
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