Stepping back into the Resident Assistant or student staff member role for a second (or even third) year is both a privilege and a challenge. You’re no longer the newcomer. You bring with you experience, insight, and the unique opportunity to deepen your impact on your residents, your team, and yourself. But with familiarity can come complacency. That’s why returning RAs must take time to reflect on their “why.”
Revisit Your “Why”
Your first year as an RA likely came with excitement, nerves, and perhaps a desire to serve others or grow as a leader. As you return, ask yourself: Why did I come back? What continues to motivate me in this role? Consider discussing your “why” with your supervisor or co-RAs at the start of the year. This can help your team understand what drives you and foster greater support and collaboration. It can be the first step in bonding together and creating a stronger team.
Maybe your “why” has evolved. Perhaps you now feel driven to mentor new RAs, build stronger community traditions, or improve how residents feel supported. Whatever it is, write it down and put it in a place where you will see it every day. Re-centering on your purpose not only strengthens your daily work, but helps you make more intentional decisions when facing challenges or burnout.
And, no, the compensation you receive from this role is not your “why.” It may be a significant part of your decision to return. I would not have been able to make it through college without this job, so I know how big of a difference the RA position makes on the affordability of a degree. But if compensation is your sole why, everyone will see it. Your residents will see your lackluster effort, your peers will be angered by your indifference in the community, and your Hall Director will hold you accountable for when things fall through the cracks.
Build on What You’ve Learned
Returning RAs are in a unique position to lead by example. You’ve already navigated the complexities of the job. Now, it’s time to refine and build upon those experiences:
- Mentor and Model: Take the initiative to support first-time RAs. Share what worked (and what didn’t) from your experience and encourage their growth without overshadowing their learning. Being a mentor enhances your own leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Evaluate and Evolve: Reuse what worked well, but don’t be afraid to innovate. Could your floor meetings be more engaging? Did your bulletin boards last year resonate with your residents? Reflect on past programming and consider how you can meet the needs of this year’s residents more meaningfully.
- Be a Bridge: You now understand the RA role and how your residence life team operates. Use that insight to advocate for your residents, streamline communication between staff, and help mediate when new staff members feel overwhelmed.
Use the Role as a Launchpad
Being an RA is more than a job. The skills you’ve gained are directly transferable to future careers and personal growth. Conflict resolution, time management, communication, leadership, cultural competency are competencies that employers are looking for. Here are a few ways to make the most of your returner status:
- Document Your Experiences: Keep a running list of specific examples that showcase your leadership and problem-solving abilities. These will be helpful for future resumes, interviews, and graduate school applications.
- Seek Out New Opportunities: If your department offers the chance to serve on committees, lead training sessions, or help shape staff recruitment, take them. These added responsibilities can help you grow your resume and broaden your network.
- Connect Your Work to Your Future: If you’re interested in counseling, student affairs, law, education, or even business, consider how your role intersects with those paths. Think about conducting informational interviews with professional staff or exploring internships related to your interests.
Deepen Relationships with Intention
As a returning RA, you already know that meaningful relationships are the heart of the role. But now, with your foundational experience in place, you can focus on building deeper, more intentional connections, not just with your residents, but also with your staff, supervisors, and campus partners.
- Go Beyond Surface-Level: In your first year, you may have focused on making sure everyone knew each other’s names or came to events. This year, focus on cultivating spaces where residents feel seen, heard, and valued. Ask more personal questions during one-on-ones. Invite residents to co-create programs that reflect their identities and interests.
- Invest in Your Staff Team: Staff dynamics can make or break an RA experience. As a returner, you have the chance to foster a culture of support and trust. Be the teammate who notices when someone’s struggling, celebrates others’ wins, and brings humor and humility to team meetings.
- Build Professional Relationships: Make time to connect with campus partners. These connections not only help you serve your residents better but also introduce you to professionals who may become mentors or future references.
Set Intentions for Your Next Chapter
Embrace this time as an opportunity to both serve and grow. Take stock of who you are becoming through this experience. Don’t lose sight of the privilege it is to shape the campus and ResLife experience for others. Remember that legacy matters. How will your residents remember you? What lasting impact will you leave on your team? Returning to the RA role means you have the wisdom and agency to be intentional. Push yourself to achieve excellence and to continue building off your foundation from the previous year. Reconnect with your “why.”
