Residential Advisors. Commonly known as RA’s, or when you are a freshman, Mom or Dad. They helped you transition from seniors in high school to Bucknellians! They told you where your classes were, gave you advice, and planned tons of awesome activities! I got the chance to pick the brains of three upperclassmen RAs throughout campus to see what their job is truly all about! Meet Jen, Fred, and Alex!
Tell me a little about yourself…
- Name- Jen LaBarre
- Age- 21
- Class Year- 2014
- Hometown- Walnutport PA
- Activities on Campus- Biology Research Lab Assistant, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
- RA: Smith Hall – Discovery Residential College
- Name: Fred Guo
- Age: 21
- Class Year: 2014, Senior
- Hometown: Plainsboro, New Jersey
- Activities on Campus: Brother of Chi Phi; Bucknell Science Tutor; Dr. Charles H. Clapp Research Lab
- RA: Swartz Hall
- Name – Alex Eckard
- Age – 21
- Class Year – 2014
- Hometown – Frederick, MD
- Activities on Campus – Young Life, EX football player, Intervarsity, Tutor, Referee
- RA: Silberman Gateway
Why did you decide to be an RA?
JEN: I decided to be a first year RA because I wanted to be a positive influence and leader for the incoming first year students at Bucknell. I believe that Bucknell’s culture can be a shock for many incoming first year and I want to be the person who helps them be true to himself or herself and pursue their desires in their four years here.
FRED: I’ve always played a role as the older brother. I’m interested in contributing to the Bucknell community by playing big brother for my residential hall. I believe that there is tremendous potential in this position to make a difference, particularly for first year students.
ALEX: I am a people person. One of the things I enjoy most in life is being able to build relationships with others. When I heard about what an RA was I knew that it was what I wanted to be. What could be better than meeting new students, building relationships with them, and helping them transition/get the most out of college?
Fred and Alex you have had freshmen and upperclassmen residents, any major differences?
FRED: Both communities have unique challenges. It’s harder to reach out and communicate on a regular basis with upperclassman residents. On the other hand, first years are far more unpredictable and often require more attention
ALEX: There is a big difference between the two. Being an RA for freshmen was a great experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. You get to be one of the first upperclassmen that they meet and that gives you the opportunity to show them what it means to be a college student. It is fun because they look up to you and are willing to be a part of a new community. A big difference is that the upperclassmen already have established friend groups. This means that it can be more of a challenge to program and to foster community on the hall.
Jen what is it like being the RA of a new residential college?
JEN: For senior year, I am the RA for the new first year residential college, Discovery. This is a res college for the Science lovers on campus. I am so excited to help mold and shape something new at Bucknell.
What activities do you all have planned for your residents this year?
JEN: A lot of the activities for the Residential College are top secret! The Discovery Res College is going glass blowing in a few weeks, which should be SUPER awesome! I am also planning a series of programs on Self Care. I feel that at college, especially Bucknell, we join so many clubs and make so many commitments that we forget to pamper and love ourselves. I want to do programs on proper eating (how to avoid the Freshmen 15!), yoga and meditation, religion, and organization! I feel that first year students will truly benefit from these lessons.
And obviously, there will be plenty of Freez trips :)
FRED: Swartz Sportz, a field day type event, was organized by my RA staff to bond first year halls by pitting them in friendly competitions against one another. Swartz residents have expressed plenty of interest in sports and health. Thus, the Swartz RA staff put together an event that included soccer, capture the flag, volleyball, basketball, relays, and an art component, to bring everyone together.
ALEX: We will be doing a Gateway wide picnic as well as some exciting events throughout the year.
Which building has been your favorite to be an RA in?
JEN: Smith is by far my favorite. It’s an incredible location for dinners downtown with the residents. The common rooms are awesome for group meetings. And Smith has a computer lab and ac, what more could you want?
ALEX: The Gateways are great because of how nice the apartments are and I get to live with my friends. But if I could choose any building I would choose McDonnell because each hall has its own common room which is so helpful in providing a place for community to be developed.
What is your favorite part about being an RA?
JEN: My absolute favorite part about being an RA is seeing one of my residents succeed. I feel like such a Mom but I cannot express how awesome it is to see first year students get an A in Orgo or finish first in their track meet or have a fun weekend with lots of stories.
FRED: Building new relationships. The type of relationships that you forge living among a close-knit group are unique and a big part of Bucknell culture. Every Bucknellian remembers their first year hall.
ALEX: My favorite part about being an RA is the relationships. I get to meet so many new people from all different walks of life and help them make the most of their time here.
What is the hardest part about your job?
JEN: This is obvious, being an authoritative figure to your friends. Hate to break it to you, but I HATE walking in on a party in a dorm room on a Friday night. It’s not fun for me to make other people unhappy. However, part of my job as a university employee is to make sure the dorm obeys Bucknell’s rules.
FRED: Not everyone gets along. Being inclusive to everyone and integrating hall members sometimes seems impossible.
ALEX: The hardest part about being an RA is being on duty. It can be tough to spend a whole night not knowing whether the phone will be silent or will ring and you will have to handle a tricky situation.
What is the funniest or most ridiculous RA phone call that you have ever received while on duty? (Only answer if you guys are allowed to!)
JEN: Sadly I have not, maybe you should prank call me….
ALEX: Can’t answer this one J
What have you learned while being an RA?
JEN: Easy, the biggest thing I have learned is that even though YOU think that YOU know the best path for someone to take in their life, it’s not up to you decide or judge. Life has ups and downs, good decisions and bad decisions, and happiness and sadness. It’s not up to you to direct the people you care about, but rather be a loving person for them to turn to. Everyone has his or her own journeys.
ALEX: I have learned that Bucknell has a lot to offer. We sometimes complain about the price of school here, yet with that price we have access to a great deal of resources. It is just that we don’t know about them and do not seek them out. Being an RA has allowed me to learn about these things so that I can tell my residents.
What would you say to someone considering about applying to be an RA?
JEN: Go for it. Being an RA, in particular a first year RA, is an incredible opportunity. The relationships you build are so meaningful. As you are helping others, you are going to learn a ton about yourself.
FRED: Be the change that you want to see. It’s a long-term commitment; you are a role model no matter how your first impressions go.
ALEX: Do it. It has made my time here at Bucknell above and beyond what I could have expected. There are some challenges, and it is a commitment, but seeing the relationships pan out and watching your residents grow through their years of college is incredible!