“The coolest part of being an RA is that you get paid to build relationships with people and better yourself,” said Matt Leppek, a first floor Resident Assistant.

“I don’t think you can put a price on that,” said Nate Pupel, a ground floor RA.

Being an RA comes with many responsibilities and time commitments, but is an overall rewarding position. Not only do RAs get to build their own community with their residents, but they said they get to interact with so many different people.

“The greatest part of being an RA is being involved with a great team and being labeled as someone who is approachable,” said Pupel.

Kristina Henning, a third floor RA, focuses more on the community side to being an RA.

“I hope to always make it feel like a family.” said Henning.

One of the expectations of being an RA includes hosting both social and educational hall programs each month. When asked what their favorite and most successful hall events were, the RAs had a mixture of answers.

“We did a gentleman’s night where we served some dinner and shared some facts about being a gentleman and a nice person,” said Pupel.

“My favorite hall event was ‘Let’s Get Physical’ on Ledwidge lawn when the residents came out on the lawn and trained together as a whole,” said Henning.

“The puzzle piece decorating had to be my most successful hall event. I’m pretty sure almost everybody came and decorated a puzzle piece,” said Taylor Bissett, a second floor RA.

Bissett went on to describe the duties and commitments of being an RA. She said they are expected to be available and dedicated to their residents.

“I like when people knock on my door at midnight and tell me that they want/need to talk to me. It is like the perfect time. I don’t mind talking to people at any hour of the night,” said Bissett.

These student leaders play a huge role in the atmosphere of Siena and by all accounts represent it well. If one is considering becoming an RA, Henning assures students to not have any hesitation.

“If somebody asked me about becoming an RA, I would say go for it!” said Henning.