Darrah Essay

"Hey!" A punchy and cheerful voice spoke from behind me. I turned around, and saw the short and wild-haired speaker swiftly approaching me. "I'm Billy, your CA." Having just moved in, I immediately had a sense of reassurance about my new lifestyle. Through this minor exchange he accomplished one of the most important tasks a CA does. Of course all of a CA's jobs are important as they keep a handle on things that are happening in the building. Knowing this it is easy to see that CAs carry a lot of responsibility, and that they have to always carry this responsibility without intermission. In this case you may ask yourself "Why would someone want to be one?"

Billy in Elwell Hall

Sophomore William Turner "Billy" answers the question easily. "Anybody that's devoted would enjoy being a CA." Explaining that here is no certain personality or type of person that would enjoy the job. "As long as you are passionate about the community." Different personalities and mindsets are encouraged as they provide different solutions to problems, and can speak out to a wider variety of students. In terms of what you get out of the job, You have the chance to meet many new students in a much quicker way than any normal student. Although memorizing names and faces would be considered a "responsibility," getting to know new people is regarded by many CAs as a perk.

Unfortunately, there are thresholds to cross before you get to have an opportunity like this. The road to becoming a CA is difficult, and can take a year or longer. Through this path, you have to prove your devotion by enduring lengthy meetings, gathering recommendations, and proving your character and integrity through a series of interviews. This isn't the end, however, as there are still hardships to face. When asked, Billy expressed that the hardest part of being a new CA was being unsure of how to act, and facing criticism from more experienced CAs. Another difficult part is others not recognizing you as a CA, and not listening to you when you tell them that something is against the rules. He never regretted trying to become a CA at any point, both during and after the initial process.

The building's CAs

Many people may mistake a CA for a type of police, making them afraid of their authority. In reality, CAs would rather be treated just as another student, and be friends with their residents. As your friend they want to assist in allowing you to realize mistakes before you make them. Additionally, they would rather hear about someone's misconduct directly from the person instead of from other people. Billy added that when you tell them directly, it makes it easier for everyone, and can make a punishment less severe, similar to a plea bargain. The most dreaded part of their job is making the calls and doing the paperwork about a disorderly resident that causes them to lose their housing.

 To answer the initial question, the chance to meet new people, to improve your character through new responsibilities, and to gather experience to benefit you in your future far outweighs the burden of accepting the new responsibilities themselves. It is almost unanimously agreed upon by all CAs that the feeling of being able to point people in the right direction and set them up for greatness gives them immense satisfaction. Overall, CAs are here for the safety and happiness of their residents. Though they do have to be stern sometimes, their main objective is to ensure safety, befriend residents, and make them welcome. Treat them as just another student, but always keep in the back of your mind what their duty is, and that they are vigilant and will do it when they need to.