Fall semester was interesting to say the least. For once I felt like I was at home when I stepped out of that elevator on the 4th floor of Constitution Hall. I'm used to friends kickin it at my house; watching movies,eating, playing cards, just laughing and enjoying each other, ect. Family and friends are people of great value to me. Considering that my family mainly resides in Louisiana and Georgia I don't get to see them as often as I would like to. So I enjoyed seeing the 4th floor (as well as our drifter residents from the 5th and 3rd floors) Warriors interact and open up to one another. I have never seen the bound that exsists amongst my residents in a residents hall. I dig the community vibe!
NOW JUST REMEMBER WE CAN HAVE A GREAT TIME BUT QUIET HOURS ARE JUST THAT: QUIET HOURS.
What did I expect as an RA? Right or wrong my expectations consisted of expecting these individuals to act as young adults,to learn from their experiences by becoming a better person in the end, to respect one another including myself, and of course to "Think Different, Think Righteous, and Mellow Out." Growing up I had plenty of freedom. The kind of freedom where as long as my parents knew where I was and that I was safe it was ok. My parents know that I am responsible and that is based on trust. By no means am I comparing myself to a parent because I am not that. I'm a student just like my residents. I feel like my expectations are simple so at times I felt some of my residents behaviors reflected me. What wasn't I doing to get to them? When I would sit down and think about it I realized that in a way it did reflect me because I wanted them to learn from their decisions; positive or negative....But I still wondered why or what would drive you to do something so silly and idiotic? With that I wondered about the things going on in their lives that may drive them to be destructive at times. The thing is, everyone doesn't get it the first time. Sometimes we may need a run in or two with campus police to realize wow I need to change what I am doing.
Realizing that my residents are human just like I am. Individuals are not perfect and we may make silly irresponsible decsions at times. Which leads me to my second expection of learning from your experiences and becoming a better person in the end. I have a great amount of respect for my residents and I am proud of them because they are in college. Whether you think it or not-you should KNOW it! Being in college is a big deal. I'm a calm person I don't enjoy yelling, infact I don't really think it's effective 90% of the time. Rather I liked to be talked to. Talking and listening are two things that are very important, everyone needs someone to listen. This brings on the third expectation of RESPECT for all. People don't realize how one ounce of disrespect can effect another person and in all reality can change your thoughts about someone. Respect for others means respect for self.
"Think Different, Think Righteous, Mellow Out". What does this phrase that I use consistantly mean? Well I admire my history. The history of the Rochon/Shaw family and the history of African Americans. If you haven't noticed I rarely speak about religion but often times you see Asian symbols on my bulletin boards or in my room, ha even on the back of my shoulder. These symbols are important to me because they speak volumes. To me they represent life and the characterists that I believe in; the characteristics that I strive to uphold.On top of that I wanted to create a open environment as far as if you have a question you should feel comfortable to ask it. When entering college you meet people that you probably would not have met in your highschool communities. There is a great importantance in allowing yourself to understand the things that you do not. The genuine attempt to understand one another is what will eventually make the world I, We live in a "different" place. When I walk outside each day I feel my exsistance. It's like a spiritual power that is difficult to put into words. I feel it though and hopefully as I speak life you will too. So let me ask you- What does that phrase mean to you?
"So why does there only have to be one correct philosophy?
I don't want to go and follow you just to end up like one of them
And why are you always telling me what you want me to believe?
I'd like to think that i can go my own way and meet you in the end."
Song lyrics by: Hoobastank "Same Direction"
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