Resident Assistants

Our Resident Assistants' Experiences at UMass Amherst

"I believe team work is one of the most applicable skills I developed after becoming an RA. I have learned how to respect everyone's opinion and ideas even when it is very different than mine. Actually, now I believe that the more different ideas and opinions exist in a group the better the group will be. I say that differences in groups are good because when you join different ideas together. The end-product will be more valuable and will benefit all the group members instead of only one person."

"My most significant and meaningful experience during my work as an RA was all of the times that I held a social or educational, and my residents would all willingly show up and thank me after for holding a floor activity."

"The most significant experience during my four semesters as an RA was the first time I helped a resident with a problem and I felt like I had made a difference. This is when I realized that the role of the RA is fundamental in resident halls and that we do make a difference in a students life."

"My favorite part was being part of a staff that I cared about deeply, beyond just a professional level; making life-long friendships."

"I think the most significant experience for me has been working with my current floor this year and developing positive relationships and a sense of community. I had an all first-year student floor and I think that I was able to provide them with guidance and assistance that will help them throughout their career at UMass. It has been really wonderful getting to know them and it has probably been the best year for me, as far as having a great floor community goes, in all my four years at UMass."

"I loved the staff I worked with; we had so much fun."

"I loved any instance when a resident told me they appreciated and or needed my help. Most recently a resident just really needed someone to talk to because he was so distraught and I am just so thankful that I could be there for him."

"My residents were respectful of the hall and each other. They took responsibility for their actions and came to me when they needed help. My staff included some of the most wonderful people I've ever met. It was an excellent experience."

"Residence Life is wonderful at UMass because there is a genuine feeling of camaraderie and warmth throughout the department. Residence Life makes it clear that they want you to be the best RA that you are capable of being, and they support their RAs and stand behind them."