Mackenzie Veselik/Winonan
Prentiss Resident Assistant (RA) Amanda Witthuhn sat down to explain a typical day that comes with her job.
A side to the job that many students may not be aware of is the training involved prior to gaining the title of Resident Assistant.
“We take an RA class and have training over the summer. We move in a couple weeks early,” Witthuhn said.
The class helps in the majority of RA situations, but time and time again problems arise unexpectedly that are not necessarily taught in training.
“We need to know the protocol while on duty or at the desk. Sometimes random things happen,” Witthuhn said. “A girl came by the desk when I was working, and she had cut her hand open. You have to think quick on your feet.”
As an RA, Witthuhn is in charge of brainstorming ideas for events and hosting them. Her ‘Make a Dream Catcher’ and ‘Free Taco Night’ programs were both popular with her residents. She also holds viewing parties for the show “The Vampire Diaries” Thursday nights at 7 p.m. in the Prentiss-Lucas basement.
However, being an RA requires more than just event planning. RAs have desk shifts as well as open door hours. “I’m on duty on average once a week. We have what we call ‘socials’ or ‘rounds.’ We go around and make sure everyone is obeying the policies,” Witthuhn said.
In the past, many residents have experienced complications with the delivery of mail items. Misplaced packages are a legal issue, which makes this aspect of an RA’s job particularly tedious.
“You need to know how to sort and distribute mail. Renting out items, we need to make sure we’re doing that properly,” she said.
One of Witthuhn’s biggest responsibilities is enforcing the residence hall rules. Sharing a residence hall with peers and friends sometimes makes this awkward.
“Another sticky situation is busting a friend,” Witthuhn said. “Something I have to know the difference between being a friend and being an RA.”
Awkward busting aside, being an RA also has a decent amount of perks aside from just a paycheck. According to Witthuhn, RAs receive free room and board and a free meal plan.
“My least favorite thing is just how time-consuming it is,” Witthuhn said. “Until you actually experience it, you have no idea. It’s hard to balance my RA life with my school and educational life.”
For students interested in becoming an RA next year, Witthuhn has a token of advice. “Sign up right away. Don’t wait, and don’t hesitate,” she said. “A lot of people apply to be an RA, but there’s only so many spots.”
Overall, Witthuhn said she enjoys her job and is grateful for the opportunity.
“Being an RA, you have to manage your time. But it is so rewarding; all the bonds and relationships you make,” Witthuhn said.
As the academic year progresses, RAs everywhere are seeking to make dorms feel more like home and encouraging social activities of all sorts, whether that’s keeping the building safe or just watching “The Vampire Diaries” on Thursdays.
“I think it’s really cool to make connections with people,” Witthuhn said. “It puts a lot of responsibility on us, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
Contact Mackenzie at [email protected]
