Serving as a resident assistant (RA) at Geneva is more than just a student leadership role. It’s a job that requires you to build community, support your peers, and grow personally and professionally in many ways. If you’ve ever been inside the residence halls, chances are you’ve seen the product of an RA’s work — whether that’s the door decorations or an event planned, prepared, and hosted by an RA.
At it’s core, the RA experience is all about cultivating an environment where students feel welcome and supported. As an RA, you’re a friendly face in the hallways, an event planner that brings together all your residents, and a person your residents can come to when they need help or advice academically, socially, and spiritually. This may look like hosting a game night, encouraging residents to go to campus events or club activities, or simply taking the time to listen to someone. These small acts help forge friendships and a community that will last to graduation or even beyond.
Being an RA can be uncomfortable. You often have to handle situations that push you out of your comfort zone and require quick decision making. You also have to make sure you’re caring for people throughout these challenging situations. You may have to handle roommate mediation or offer a connection to campus resources such as Counseling Services, Health Services, or the Student Success Center. Being in this role helps you to grow your leadership and communication skills, which helps to prepare you better for life after college.
Planning events for your hall is an additional way that RAs are able to promote fun and build community. You learn to engage with people who have a wide variety of personalities and interests, inviting them into spaces where they can be comfortable, have fun, and grow. These moments of engagement with your residents can help to develop your confidence as you grow as a leader.
Geneva College Residence Life is about much more than enforcing policies and following procedures; it’s rooted in creating a God-honoring community. RAs across campus are encouraged to build community through care that reflects biblical love and compassion. That often means the role extends to spiritual encouragement, genuine care, and support for students facing challenges. RAs at Geneva could be more aptly described as “culture makers,” the hope and idea within the job being to reflect Christian values to help build a community that shapes not only life in college, but individuals throughout their lifetimes.
The role of an RA isn’t always easy or fun. Sometimes you have to stay up late having difficult conversations or face moments that test your patience. However, these challenges can become meaningful, learning experiences. The moments when you see a fellow student have a breakthrough, feel at home, or simply smile because of an event you planned is what makes it all worth it.
Being an RA teaches you to lead with care, intention, and humility. It’s a role centered on service and growth, one that leaves a lasting impact on individual residents as well as the individual RAs. If you’ve ever been interested in the position of resident assistant, I highly recommend you apply through the application process in the early spring semester!
By Noah Crawford ‘26
Header image: Students pose with their artwork at the annual Arms Art Show.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
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