Reflection 4

What do you think are the most unrealistic expectations placed on Ras by students/residents? Administrators? Why do you think they expect those things, and how will you manage those expectations if chosen to be an RA?

I feel that the most unrealistic expectations placed on R.A.'s by students/residents are that R.A.'s should know everything about any question presented to them. I also, feel that students/residents think that an R.A. only has to concentrate on being an R.A., when in actuality they are college students and much more, just like the other students/residents.

Students/residents most likely expect their R.A. to have an answer to everything, because they figure that if you are an R.A. then you must know everything or at least know a whole lot more than they do as a first year or transfer student. If I am chosen to be an R.A. I would try to clarify and misunderstandings of an R.A. before they occur. I would ask the students/residents what they think the job of an R.A. may consist of and give them feedback, so there will not be misunderstandings throughout the year. This way, I can avoid the negativity that some R.A.'s receive.

Furthermore, students/residents seem to forget/do not realize that R.A.'s are "human" so to speak. R.A.'s are just like them and except they have another/more dominant role in the school. If I am chosen to be an R.A. I would make it known to the students/residents that I am here to help them, but that I also need time for myself just as anyone else does. I would try to make it known that I do have other priorities such as, education and family that will have to come first sometimes if need be.

Those are the two unrealistic expectations that I could see occurring next year, if I were chosen to be an R.A.