Millersville University - Touchstone Yearbook (Millersville, PA)

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Olga Riccardo takes care of some paperwork as she does her time In the Marbold office. Olga spent a great deal of time getting to know her wing and trying to feel comfortable at Mlllcrsvllle. Photo by Ken Crawford Olga Riccardo chats with some of the people on her wing. Olga felt that wing activities built a feeling of unity and a friendly atmosphere. Photo by Ken Crawford Life as a Resident Assistant: The Untold Story by Olga Riccardo Olga Riccardo is a Resident Assistant in Harbold Hall. This is her view of what it is like to be an RA. On campus, the RA is often viewed as merely being a disciplinarian. Although discipline is an important facet of the RA position; it is not the only concern or responsibility of an RA. As an RA. I have spent a great deal of time in merely getting to know my wing. I have made an effort to know and appreciate each person s individuality. this is very important to me because I want people on the wing to feel comfortable in coming to me with personal or academic problems. Dealing with personal or academic problems people are experiencing is indeed a large portion of an RA s position. People on my wing often come to me with personal matters and I try to be there and listen to their concerns. This can become exhausting at times but for the most part. I really enjoy this facet of the position. Also, the RA is often seen as being a source of campus information. Often, as I am walking down the hall, people will ask questions about campus policies or activities. It is important for me to cither answer these questions or direct them to someone who can. This aspect is ex- tremely valuable to incoming freshman. finally, the RA is someone who can effectively promote social Interaction on the wing. By being visable and friendly to everyone who lives on the wing, it often follows that wing unity will develop. Also, through developing wing activities a sense of cohesiveness develops on the wing. If this occurs, the wing will have a friendly and homey atmosphere. In concluding, the RA position contains many facets besides that of a disciplinarian. A good RA is a friend and confidant to the wing as well as a disciplinarian. ■ 22 Student Life

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Caught nil-guard by the photographer, this library assistant takes time to flash a quick smile bclore rushing back to her duties at the circulation desk. Library assistants helped run Ganscr Library and kept research material available (or students use. Photo by Mrrin Studios Some students that enjoy working with customers can work as cashiers In the University Store. Student cashiers were on hand to serve the heavy flow of customers during book-buying time. Photo by Merin Studios magazines and papers to be read, and also helping with information. The popular game room had a cashier available with change and game equipment. There were a number of other specialized jobs available to students on campus. Tor those qualified the job of a lifeguard at the pools in Brooks Mall and Pucillo Gym was always available. There were clerical jobs available in each department for those students with the necessary skills. Millcrsville University students this year saw that there were many opportunities available for employment on campus, having a job was a big part of campus life and provided many opportunities for extra income and the chance to meet a lot of new people. ■ Tom Becker prepares an experiment to be used by a chemistry class. Lab assistants worked in Koddy Science Center to help professors prepare for their class demonstrations. Photo by Brian Morgan Student Life 21

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Another untold story about Life As A Resident Assistant ------------by Brian K. Morgan- This year I celebrated the end of my two years as a Resident Assistant here at MU. Looking back, I realized how little I know of this job when I moved into Burrowes Hall as a freshman and how much I d learned since then as a Resident Assistant in Bard Mall. I didn’t realize that RAs did more than strut around the building bellowing like wounded animals, Hey. turn down that stereo' and Hey get rid of that beer, you! When I first applied for the job, I practiced those two lines in front of my mirror for hours until I was sure I was ready. I never realized that RAs performed a number of other very useful tasks around campus. Over the past two years I learned CPR. had opportunities to work on various Resident Life committees, alcohol awareness workshops, time and stress management classes and more, all of which helped me to work better with other students. I especially learned how hard it is to discipline friends. After only a Brian Morgan makes the most of his time in the Bard office, choosing to relax In between writing term papers and doing program reports while on duty. As an R.A. for two complete years. Morgan found it especially rewarding to work with other staff members. Photo by Christie tterrotd couple weeks on the job I began to sympathize with people like Benedict Arnold and Vidkund Quisling, two other famous traitors. My Resident Life education began immediately. I had to know exactly what the University policies were that I was expected to enforce. As a resident I had never really taken the time to study the rules and regulations, so I d been blissfully unaware of how much I was getting away with. I also needed to be able to juggle and satisfy the needs and desires of thirty different people. The art of compromise became a badly needed skill that carried over into my efforts at developing interesting wing activities. In one semester I found myself programming everything from Bible talks to a tobacco chew-spitting contest. I remember many times doubting my desire to be a Resident Assistant, particularly on those long Friday and Saturday nights spent sitting in the Bard office while the rest of the world socialized in Brookwood. I also learned that no Resident Assistant is guaranteed a decent night’s sleep. It's not very uncommon to be rousted out of bed at two or three o'clock in the morning to go get a spare key for the guy down the hall who lost his key at the latest fraternity party. Of course I received more from the job than practical knowledge and sleepless nights. That biweekly paycheck was nothing to sneeze at. and I certainly appreciated having half of my room for free. The extra privacy that it allowed provided me the time to organize myself without interfering with a roommate. But more than anything else, I think the most valuable and rewarding opportunity I had as an RA was to work with the rest of my staff. I learned how to work as a team, but most importantly, I developed some very close friendships. ■