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Behind the Scenes: Resident Assistants

By UNC Asheville

November 30^th, 2020

By Tris Lashea ‘22

UNC Asheville resident assistants always go above and beyond to help their residents, from focusing on safety and well-being to planning social events, all while balancing their own lives and school work, which has been even more important during this semester of COVID-19. Much of the work that the resident assistants do is behind the scenes, especially in this time of social distancing. Here, we’ll meet three UNC Asheville resident assistants (RAs) and learn more about how they make campus residence halls a home.

Nikola Cubric is a junior studying computer science who has just first semester of being an RA, working in Ponder Hall. Even though he never previously thought about being an RA, he came to think of the opportunities to meet new people and get out of his comfort zone. Now it’s a decision he is very happy about.

Zoe Horvat is a sophomore studying in management who also just finished her first semester as an RA, currently in Founders Hall.

“I decided to become an RA because I wanted to become more active in the campus community and make a difference,” Horvat says. “I was also a freshman mentor, student-teacher, and customer support intern during high school, so I wanted to be able to continue helping others while in college through the RA position. It makes me happy knowing that what I do can make a positive impact on someone’s life, no matter how big or small.”

Dannia Ruiz Mata is a sophomore studying computer science and Spanish who is an RA in West Ridge Hall, and has been for ten months.

Find out more about Cubric, Horvat and Mata, and how they’ve taken on the challenge of caring for their residents in the midst of a pandemic:

What do Resident Assistants do?

● “The RA position mainly focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the residence halls and being attentive to the safety and security of residents. We try creating a comfortable, safe and supportive atmosphere for the residents in our halls,” says Cubric.

● “Responsibilities of an RA include hosting programs, enforcing policies, and being a resource for residents! Because of the COVID pandemic, more policies have been put into place (such as required face coverings, one-way stairwells, and no overnight guests) so it’s become more important than ever to ensure residents are complying with these rules to keep everyone safe and healthy!” said Horvat.

● “Responsibilities include checking in on residents and building community throughout the hall. It is difficult for people to connect especially in times like this so it is nice when residents connect especially if they are just down the hall,” says Mata.

What have been the best and the hardest parts of being an RA?

● “I would say the hardest part would be being on phone duty. Usually, it's nothing bad and it's just residents calling for lockouts, but it can be tough to spend a whole night not knowing whether the phone will be silent or will ring and you will have to deal with a tricky situation. I would say the best part is making a connection with new people, and being able to help someone. It feels amazing when you can help someone, and guide them in the right direction,” says Cubric.

● “The best part about being an RA has been getting to interact with so many different people and making lots of new friendships, not just with residents but also with fellow RAs! On the flip side though, it can sometimes be hard to have these frequent interactions,” says Horvat.

● “The best part is seeing my residents become friends with each other, especially since so many of them are first-years,” says Mata.

What has it been like being an RA during COVID?

● “Making a real connection with your residents isn't easy when most of the things we do now are virtual. And it's just a few other minor things. I had trouble at the beginning of the semester with names and faces, since the masks made it more difficult to connect a name and a face,” says Cubric

● “The current pandemic situation has got me feeling anxious, but despite everything going on in the world I’m enjoying being an RA! I’ve been able to meet so many great people thanks to this position, and the friends I’ve made along the way have been a really big support for me during these unprecedented times,” Horvat says.

● “It has honestly been difficult especially since a large part of our job is to plan events. Online events are not as enticing,” says Mata.

What are the events that you have been doing, and how is that going?

● “The purpose of my events most of the time is for my residents to learn something new and be able to have fun as well. Last month we watched the movie Moonlight, and we discussed what we learned from the movie. The main purpose was for my residents to realize how important it is to be kind to other people and feel empathy for others. Because of COVID, we do have to plan out every event carefully. For my events, I try to create the options for attending the event either virtually or in person, whatever they prefer,” says Cubric.

● “Some of the programs that I have hosted this semester include DIY glitter jars and a pizza party. I wouldn’t say COVID has had a detrimental effect on participation because I think despite the circumstances, I still had a good turnout to both events. When hosting programs though there are many things I have to keep in mind to maintain the health and safety of residents, such as enforcing social distancing at the program or preparing individually packaged food and drinks to prevent close contact/spread of germs,” says Horvat.

● “I have planned events such as pizza and a Kahoot game. We have also played skribbl.io which was super fun. The residents that try to engage brighten my day because it feels like I'm doing my job right,” Mata says.

How have you been keeping in touch and interacting with your residents due to COVID?

● “Every time I get an opportunity to talk to my residents, face to face, I try and use most of it. Every once in a while I would send out an email, or a message just to check in on everybody, and make sure everyone is doing alright. If my residents have something to talk about, I give them an option to do it in person or through a virtual meeting,” says Cubric.

● “I see a lot of my residents in the halls or around campus, so I always make sure to say hi and ask how they are doing! I also use Raftr or email to communicate with residents and make announcements!” Horvat says.

● “Every time I see them in person we either greet each other in passing or chat for a bit. Once I went to grab dinner and saw my resident so we ended up eating together. I also spam them with messages when we have a program,” says Mata.

What is something you wish people knew about RAs?Especially during this time?

● “I would like to share with everyone that all RAs care about their residents. When our residents are happy, we are happy too. I know sometimes it might not seem like that, but we genuinely try to help and give support to our residents whenever we can. It’s just sometimes we need a day off, and some time for ourselves,” says Cubric.

● “I want people to know that your RAs are here for you! We are always willing to talk and have tough conversations if needed. We care about you and your well-being, and part of that is upholding the policies put in place to keep you safe,” says Horvat.

● “I wish people knew that we are trying our best during these times. We are trying to be understanding and there for you, but we can't be if you don't let us. Also please wear your masks if you are not in your room, we have sent out countless emails. Yes, this includes lounges too,” says Mata.

Anything you want to add?

● “To all the students out there that are like me a few semesters back, thinking they will never be a RA, I would recommend stepping out of your comfort zone and at least consider applying for the job. You can only gain skills, learn new things about yourself in this position, and meet some new amazing people,” says Cubric.

● “Just a reminder that RAs are students too. We also want to connect and make friends so reach out!” Mata says.

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