It's been almost a whole semester of a new academic year, and it's been a great one so far. I have an amazing student staff, so I want to take a moment to thank each of my RAs. I'll just use initials in case they don't want the whole world to know how great they are. ;) And RAs, if you're reading this and you want me to take your post down entirely, please let me know. But know that I still appreciate you inwardly, and you can NEVER stop that! :)
CB: I love that no matter how cold it is outside, you're going to be wearing shorts--it's like you're personally boycotting winter. And I'm all for that! You're also doing such a great job encouraging the community to grow on your floor--you're approachable, witty, and kind. Your students appreciate it and so do I!
DF: I wish I could rename "The Thinker" statue to your name. My ultimate devil's advocate on staff, I can always count on you to see another perspective that the rest of us have missed. I appreciate how you take the time to ponder your answers when I ask you questions. It's as if you have an aversion to the phrase, "I don't know." Yet, you're able to do all of this without being a jerk--you're tentative in your responses.
JH: You're doing so well on your floor! I appreciate the community you're building. I can always rely on you to get done what needs to get done. You're willing to try things that are out of your comfort zone, and you crave self-improvement as an RA. And you have great taste in purses, shoes, clothes, backpacks, etc.
SD: You're determined. I love that quality in you. You believe in dusting yourself off and trying again. You're also very honest, both with yourself and with me. You're kind, approachable, and easy to talk to. I'm excited to see the amazing things you do next semester on your floor!
LF: My world lights up when you come by to visit! I can always count on you for a laugh. And thank you for always being positive--even on the days when you're stressed, sick, tired, etc. You always surprise me!
TF: I miss you! Actually, the couch in my office misses you. We're both excited that you'll have more time to spend with us next semester. Your down-to-earth perspective and honesty are great for my emotional, counseling soul. I look forward to seeing where you go!
CJ: You're a kind-hearted soul! I appreciate that you crave honest feedback, and that you're open to it. You are well-organized, and your round reports are beautiful! Thank you for your presence in hall council and your willingness to step up and help whenever I need it. And thank you for having the determination to overcome fears. That's an amazing asset that will be so helpful to you throughout your life.
RG: You're my willing RA...always ready to do whatever! You're kind and approachable, and I'm looking forward to what you do next semester! I do wish I knew you better, so please feel free to come and chat with me whenever I'm in my office.
JS: Amazing hair, and giggles! That's what I think of when I think of you. Oh and you're from my part of Wyoming! Super positive, adventurous, and outgoing. You definitely belong in this job. The RA world and the science world both need people like you!
JG: You're such a perfect balance of being a "guy," but also being a "nice guy." I don't know if that makes any sense to you. When I think of you, I think of Jeeps, off-roading, outdoors, and Mountain Time with J.! But I also think of a kind soul, and a quiet spirit. I so appreciate having you on staff. You would do great with mediating conflict.
LW: I can always count on getting a "Good Morning, Becky!" from you...EVERY MORNING! It's a great way to start my day! And thank you so much for the awesome community you've built on your floor. I can tell that your students enjoy where they live. Oh and you're an awesome country swing dancer.
CS: I'm so sad to see you leaving next semester! You're a wonderful addition to our staff--smart, well-spoken, kind, understanding... you're a great example for our students to follow. You take academics seriously and you take the job seriously. You deserve this co-op, and I look forward to you coming back!
BH: You're the cookie-cutter RA--you love door decorations, events, prizes, games, colors, students--you're exactly what first-year students need. You're concerned about your students, and you develop meaningful relationships with them. Thank you for taking the job seriously, but also giving it so much time and creativity.
SN: Amazing hair! And hats! And you're so understanding and kind. Thank you for your patience when things don't go the way they should. You have developed meaningful relationships with your students, and I appreciate you taking the time to have difficult conversations with them when you're concerned about them.
BD: I'm sad to see you leaving next semester too! You have amazing icecream making skills! Not only that, but you're a very kind soul. You're also determined, adventurous, and busy! Thank you for making the RA job a priority even with everything else you have going on. I appreciate that you're willing to be honest with me.
NR: My favorite memory of you was last year when everyone on Facebook was doing the number game. You had nothing but kind things to say, and it was exactly what I needed in that moment. Thank you for your honesty--with yourself and with me. You're willing to look at what you need to work on, and you're always ready to do it. I'm excited to see what you do next semester!
HW: What can I say? You're the highlight to my day every day! I couldn't have done this job without you this year, and I'm so happy to know that you have my back this year. I cannot WAIT to see where you go in the future--you deserve nothing but good things, and I can't wait to "assist" you in your future adventures!
No comments:
Post a Comment