Interacting with his residents is Jonathan Morley’s favorite part about being a resident assistant.
“You get to know their personalities, and you get to see their progress throughout the year,” says the Grand Rapids senior.
In addition to learning how to collaborate with a group, Morley, who has been a RA in Gelston Hall for two years, says he also has learned how to adapt to different situations.
“A lot of what happens is unexpected, and there is no training for it,” he says. “We’re prepared for a lot, but sometimes you have to figure out all the kinks on the spot.”
Luckily, his staff is helpful.
“It’s challenging to have to rely on other people to get things done, but, at the same time, it is nice to have a team to rely on,” says the math and computer science major.
Despite these challenges, Morley wouldn’t trade the job for anything.
“It’s an excellent way to make a difference in people’s lives,” he says. “Because you’re so involved in your residents’ lives, you actually get to see the result of your work.”
