This is not an attack, but a mirror reflecting what I have witnessed over my last four years living on campus. Through my time, I have met far more good RAs than bad, but there are undoubtedly bad apples in the bunch.
On any given night inside the residence halls on campus, the sentence “oh sh*t, she or he is on duty” can readily be heard from freshmen and seniors alike.
The advent of these feelings undoubtedly comes from the truth that not all, but some, resident assistants abuse the power that comes with their titles.
In return, RAs are sometimes alienated by the rest of the school community because of built-up animosity and stigma that surrounds these key components of Residence Life’s staff.
This umbrella of stigma, I personally believe, should cast a shadow on some of them, but there are others who are not-so-deserving. Upright, community-oriented RAs are on this campus, but those who seem to crave the power and confidence that a clipboard and threats of a “write-up” gives them taint their titles.
A good RA gives chances, not punishments, and they empathize with a resident’s situation, not capitalize on it. I am not sure where the issue lies in the chain of command of Res Life, but I believe it is, in fact, with those on the ground.
I think some RAs have a misconception as to what their job really entails.
According to the Resident Assistant tab on cabrini.edu, “RAs are full-time students who live in the residence halls and provide individual support, build community, and promote the health and safety of residents.”
Nowhere in that statement does it say for RAs to seek out underage drinking so they can slap a fine on students, pick and choose who they let get away with “misconducts,” or use lies to get into suspected parties rooms.
This happens. We know this happens. It needs to stop.
With all this being said, I believe that Pro Staff is not the issue.
Akirah Massenburg, Sue Kramer and Mike Mullin have been some of the biggest influences, both directly and indirectly, for making my experience here at Cabrini as amazing as it has been.
With the amount of times Pro Staff has tolerantly listened and found solutions to this campus’ many complaints regarding room picks, roommate changes and meal plans, we have so much we owe to them. It is the invaluable support in these areas that keep this campus running as smooth as it does.
Again, the problem is not with all, but some of the Resident Assistants on campus.
We should not fear RAs, but welcome them as part of our experience as Cabrini students. It is the shoddy few that make this a great hesitation. The sad fact is that their actions foster distance between students and Residence Life and dilute the community that Cabrini College so desperately needs to maintain.
When you know that “oh sh*t” RA is on duty, be conscious of their “round hours,” keep the clinking of bottles to a minimum and remember that no RA has the right to come into your room unless they have evidence that gives them the privilege to do so.
