More of "Home Away From Home"

Bonus content from the 75th anniversary issue of TODAY magazine

What Was Life Like as an RA (Resident Assistant)?

"Want to know the best part about being an RA at Gywnedd? The lasting relationships. It's been over 10 years and I still run into people who say 'You were my RA!' It's humbling to know you have residents and other RAs who remember you, and that you made an impact on them in some way. Even for years after graduating, there was a group of us RAs who would make a point to attend Philly Restaurant Week together a couple times each year. I have also had the pleasure to be part of alumni RA panels imparting my advice to current RAs in training. The messages I try to get across are: be prepared to be challenged, don't forget to enjoy yourself along the way, and most importantly be yourself. You have one of the greatest support systems in your senior staff, fellow RAs, and even your residents. No one knows what it's like to be an RA except to experience it, and that is where the lifelong bonds begin to form."  —Jim King '12

"When I became a Resident Assistant, I was already serving as the President of Student Government and entering my senior year. Naturally, I was anxious about which floor I would be assigned to. As it turned out, I was placed on 1 St. Brigid, which was predominantly occupied by seniors, members of the baseball team, and next to security. Initially, I worried that the residents would not be interested in participating in floor activities or events due to their busy schedules and the excitement of their final year. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the guys on my floor requested a tie-dye social. We organized a tie-dye and wiffle ball social, and the entire floor showed up. After that, the residents were enthusiastic about the door tags I created and took pride in their floor. I was able to assist residents with relationship issues, coursework, and even received help with tying a tie (which I still don't know how to do) from one of the residents. Fun fact - I still have the tied tie to this day!"  —Robert Nonemacker '08