A Resident Advisor Teaching Fellow

By Kristen Hales (junior)

There are two things at ECU that I have never regretted doing. I have never regretted accepting the Teaching Fellows scholarship, and I have never second guessed my decision to become a Resident Advisor. The perks of the job are amazing, with Teaching Fellows and the RA job, I have a full ride to ECU. My parents were ecstatic, and so was I, upon finding out that I got my own room! A single, for me!

However, being an RA also has its drawbacks. Even though it’s a fun, creative, hands on job, there are oftentimes when you face unique challenges. From domestic disputes to roommate problems, even to the “I’m locked out of my room” scenario, you get to see it all.

Despite these occasional drawbacks, this job is giving me valuable learning experiences as well. I want to be a high school teacher, and what better way to learn how to handle students of that age group than by managing a bunch of freshmen who are the same age or younger than most high school seniors. I also get to make informational bulletin boards – as a future super creative and innovative teacher, this is a great way for me to learn about diverse topics, from vegetarianism to energy conservation.

Being an RA is tough, but the experience will last me a lifetime.