"I’m advocating for the rights of Residential Assistants because I would like the younger RAs who I worked with to have an experience that was as rewarding as my own, or more so."
To the Editor,
For the final three semesters of my college career, I served as a Residential Assistant at Ohio University, and I remain grateful for that opportunity. The experience provided decent compensation (for my needs, at least); treasured connections and relationships with both my residents and my coworkers and valuable skills that I believe have helped continue to help me in my post-graduate career and life.
However, reaping those rewards required (and, I imagine, continues to require) a great deal of effort. Being an RA is not a nine-to-five job — you are expected to make yourself available to residents whenever possible, often in very sensitive situations. Furthermore, it is understood that your private behavior and personal life are considered a reflection of the Residential Housing department, which constantly informs the ways in which you conduct yourself.
ResHousing asks a lot out of RAs, and entrusts them with a great deal of responsibility. It would seem only fair that, in return, RAs be allowed a voice in the discussion of what it is that’s being asked and expected of them, and whether or not they’re being fairly compensated for it. If RAs are responsible enough to respond to crises, investigate violations and advise young students, surely they are responsible enough to have a say in how they are compensated.
I’ve moved on from Athens and OU, and have nothing to lose or gain from changes to the Residential Housing program. I’m advocating for the rights of Residential Assistants because I would like the younger RAs who I worked with to have an experience that was as rewarding as my own, or more so. I would also like to see future Bobcats guaranteed that same opportunity. Perhaps the only way to ensure that progress is to give RAs a seat at the table now.
Patrick Grieve is a 2014 alumnus of Ohio University.
