An Open Letter to RAs: Giving RAs gratitude for all they are doing this semester.

This semester has not been easy on any of us, but I think it’s safe to say that your semesters have been extra rough. Not only do you have to juggle the responsibilities of being a full-time student while making your halls a fun and safe place to be, but you now have to ensure that social distancing guidelines are being followed in your halls, that students who are affected by the pandemic in any way are okay and have what they need, and take care of your own physical and mental health through it all.

First things first, many of you took on this role after the semester had already begun due to complications regarding COVID and other stressful factors, meaning that you had to go through training and build up community within your halls while getting used to new class schedules, building policies, and social distancing guidelines. That is no small feat, and we are so grateful that you willingly stepped up to the plate and took on these responsibilities in order to better the residential communities on campus.

There are also some of you who have been in and out of quarantine, and doing your job as an RA, let alone your schoolwork, while being away from your friends and your typical university environment can’t be easy. Thank you for continuing to promote community and friendly, safe behaviors even when you’re
not physically with those in your hall. You’re here in spirit, and we appreciate all that you
do.

You’ve been extra passionate and creative with hall events this year as well, and it’s so nice to see that now more than ever, there is still enthusiasm and willingness to be together, even if we all have to stay six feet apart. It can be daunting to get to know new people, and with a pandemic and people
being encouraged to keep to themselves more often, group gatherings are becoming more and more complicated but more and more necessary.

Your bulletin boards and hall decorations fill the dorms with brightness and joy in often overwhelming and lonely times, and it’s nice to know that there’s always someone like you there for us to talk to if we need it. Keep up the good work, even though it may not be easy. We appreciate you more than you
know.

Sincerely,
An Eastern Student