The Unexpected Journey of Becoming a Resident Assistant

Resident Assistants, ResCom Dorm
University of Tampa,
1990 to 1991

When I was a senior at the University of Tampa, I had the distinct honor of serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) for three of the four years I was there. As an RA, I was responsible for overseeing a floor of students, helping resolve conflicts, planning programs, and serving as a bridge between students and the university.

Before college, I had never even heard of the position. During my freshman year, I had two different RAs because I lived on two different floors, but even then, I never considered becoming one myself. RAs are seen as student leaders, often acting as the first authority figures outside of a student’s family. They play an integral role in shaping the college experience for others.

When I applied for the position at the end of my freshman year, I honestly didn’t think I stood a chance. Attending a predominantly white, private institution filled with students from privileged backgrounds, I questioned whether I had anything to offer. So, you can imagine my shock when I was selected to become an RA starting my sophomore year.

By the time I reached my senior year, I had not only grown comfortable in my role but was also entrusted with training new RAs. Out of approximately 40 to 50 RAs on campus, only five of us were selected to lead and facilitate training sessions. I vividly remember guiding incoming RAs through conflict resolution scenarios and delivering presentations on diversity, helping them understand the unique challenges faced by students from different cultural backgrounds.

Looking back, if someone had told my freshman-year self that I would become a student leader—let alone a mentor to future RAs—I wouldn’t have believed it. Yet, as I entered my senior year, I found myself in that very position.

College is often viewed as a place to gain academic and professional skills, but one of its hidden advantages is the unexpected leadership opportunities it provides. Taking a chance on becoming an RA allowed me to develop skills that continue to serve me today. I am grateful that I applied, even when I doubted myself, because the experience shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.

What unexpected leadership opportunities have shaped your journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#Leadership #CollegeLife #ResidentAssistant #StudentSuccess #PersonalGrowth #HigherEducation #DiversityMatters

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