A Glimpse Into the Life of a Resident Assistant at OSU

DeJanvier and his dog, Elsa -photo provided by Geoff DeJanvier

     At 8 p.m. on a work day, Geoff DeJanvier will head down to the Carrie Halsell Residence Hall's service desk, turn on the duty phone, and remain available to talk to residents, lend out equipment, handle conflict, and more. He will make two to three rounds of the building during his shift to be sure that nothing is amiss. When his shift ends at 10 p.m., he will bring the duty phone back up to his room on the third floor where he will go to bed, but remain available to answer students' calls until 8 a.m.

     As you may have guessed, DeJanvier is a Resident Assistant, or "RA" at OSU. He is from Grants Pass, Ore. and hopes to use his degree in atmospheric science to become a meteorologist. Soon after transferring to OSU from Rogue Community College in Grants Pass, he became heavily involved in Hall Council. When asked about his reason for transitioning to working as an RA, he said, "It was kind of a natural continuation of making an impact in the residence hall. I knew I had the skills that I could do it, I could build community. So I thought, 'Oh, I could try.'"

     According to DeJanvier, there are many benefits to working as an RA including opportunities to meet "awesome residents," gain leadership and professional skills, and network. RAs also receive a free room in the residence hall to which they are assigned and a meal plan. When asked about his favorite part of the job DeJanvier said, "My favorite part of being an RA is the relationships that I build. I have some really awesome residents who I've grown really attached to."

      DeJanvier also appreciates the relationships he's built with his staff. He said, "I have a really awesome staff. I think we bonded a lot at the beginning during training."

     When asked what makes DeJanvier a good RA, coworker Kayla Chang said, "I think the biggest characteristic that makes Geoff a good RA is the fact that he is pretty good at asking questions. As student-staff, RAs can have a hard time asking questions and getting help because they feel like they should already know all the answers. Geoff on the other hand, is really good at asking questions whenever he is uncertain. This makes him stronger as an RA because it means he is still willing to learn, grow, and change so he can be better at his job and be a better steward to his community."

     Sophia Illas, sophomore at OSU and current resident of Halsell Hall, had nothing but good things to say about DeJanvier. She said, "Geoff is not my RA, but I do see him around Halsell a lot. He is always smiling and friendly and seems like he enjoys what he does. I do feel like I could come to him with any questions and he'd be happy to help."

      As with practically every aspect of of life, the job does not come without its challenges. However, DeJanvier believes that despite the challenges, the job is very rewarding. He said, "It's tiring and draining sometimes," but went on to say "Sometimes when you deal with major crises, it's kind of stressful, but once it's over, it's kind of like 'Wow, I made a difference.'"

     DeJanvier also feels that he has been able to make a positive impact on students' college experiences. "I think that I have not necessarily been like in the forefront of their positivity. I think that I help them feel comfortable with where they live. It's really important to feel like you can go to where you live and feel comfortable and okay."

     LBCC students planning on transferring to OSU should consider applying to be an RA. As aforementioned, the job comes with many benefits. The sense of community that forms with fellow RAs is a huge advantage to new OSU students (transfer students included) because it offers them a support network and the potential to make lasting friendships.

      To apply, you will have had to live in a residence hall for at least one term. The application opens before winter break in December and closes in mid-to-late January. If you are selected, you will go to an interview. DeJanvier's advice for the interview is to "be real and honest." If the interview is a success and you get the job, you will attend a three-week training program and start work the following academic school year.
   
 At a Glance: 

• Geoff DeJanvier, from Grants Pass, is an RA at OSU. He is 22, studies atmospheric science, has three dogs, and enjoys watching political dramas on Netflix. 
• Working as an RA provides experience and skills that can transfer to your future career. Some examples are interpersonal skills, office management, accountability, and leadership.
• Learn more about how to apply for hall staff positions. 
• Learn more about job and application requirements to be an RA. 
• Learn even more by reading a detailed job description.