Going to college can be a daunting task for some. There is so much to experience; between finding new friends, figuring out and keeping a grasp on classes, joining and participating in various clubs and, above all, having the money to do it all.
College is fun, but it does come with a hefty price. Most students struggle to have petty cash for a social life while still trying to pay bills all while figuring out how they are going to pay off their student loans.
Cabrini students are no different when it comes to that struggle. But just like most colleges, Cabrini has an option for students to live on campus in one of 11 residential halls. By having that option, Cabrini has the responsibility to make sure that the residential community is safe and positive.
This is where the Residence Life Department comes in.
The Residence Life Department is made up of the Director of Residence Life, the Assistant Director of Residence Life, an administrative assistant, Area Coordinators or Graduate Assistants (depending on your school), desk assistants and resident assistants (RA).
There are currently 33 RAs at Cabrini and it is a position that is available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The position is one that has to be applied to and the application comes out toward the end of each Fall semester.
Being an RA is a great job to have, as it allows students to have a leadership role on campus, interact with so many different students in so many different ways, create programs that help bring together a community, learn how administrative work is done and a great benefit to the role is not having to pay what is called “Room & Board.”
Paying for “Room & Board” is a big part of the tuition at any higher education institution. Not having to pay it will help pay for the education being received and greatly help student loans.
But do not let the discount of the role be the only motivation to apply. As I said, you get to interact with students, which is a truly fantastic experience. You see students on their best days and their worst days.
You have the opportunity to help students find their best friends by creating programs like an ice cream night or an inclusivity night. You help them through roommate and/or friend conflicts and when they are stressed over a class or two.
Being an RA is also very demanding. You have to be on duty so many times a month as well as create floor meetings. Being on duty varies from weekday to weekend, but the long hours never change.
Being on duty entails checking the buildings that are in your area and being able to help solve any issues that arise during the hours you are on the clock. Most nights there are not any situations, but other nights there are multiple.
Being an RA can be hard at times, but it is the most rewarding opportunity on any college campus for students. I highly suggest being one at least for a year!