Life as an RA

I think I've told you all, but in case I haven't, I'm an RA in Slusher Hall (Floor 11).  This makes my third year as an RA and the second as Senior RA (SRA).  The only additional work I have to do as SRA is work with hall council as well as make the duty schedule for the building.  There are 18 RAs in Slusher Tower and Wing, so you can imagine how hectic scheduling duty must be for everyone.  One plus of being SRA is I can put myself on duty when I know it won't be a bad night.  So before I hate on being a normal RA, let me tell you some of the bonuses.
First and most importantly, I have FREE room and board.  This is a huge benefit which has allowed me to study abroad and enjoy trips I wouldn't have normally got to go on.  Second, in addition to the stipend, I get paid.  No, it's not a lot, but it is really nice to see a paycheck twice a month, no matter how little it may be.  Third, I get a room to myself.  My girlfriend is a big fan of this benefit.  However, next year this benefit will be gone.  Finally, I gain skills such as leadership, community building, blah, blah, blah.
So now, let me tell you the negatives.  Living is Slusher is loud.  It's really bad on the weekends, but even on the weekdays it's pretty bad.  The walls seem paper thin so going to sleep is actually a chore.  Next, Slusher goes from hot to cold in 4.6 seconds.  From August to now, it is hot.  From now until about April, it is freezing in my room.  Luckily it heats up again in May.  There is no A/C, so my box fans have been on full blast since August.  However, I woke up this morning and it was 55 degrees in my room.  We do have heat, but it won't be turned on until the average temperature drops below a certain point for a certain amount of days.  The most aggravating aspect of being an RA is ignorant, immature Freshmen (sorry guys).  The last time I was on duty, I was walking through the Wing at 9 pm.  In the middle of the hallway there is a guy drinking a Bud Light.  Not in a Red Solo Cup or a coozie, just the bright blue can.  My duty partner and I stopped and asked why he was so irresponsible and naturally he gave us attitude, so we called the police and he ended up getting arrested because he was carrying a fake ID and lied to the cop about pretty much everything.
I understand you want to have fun and make memories and friends, but be responsible.  I was a Freshman once, but I like to think I have my head on right, so I was smart about partying.  That guy could have stayed in the room and he would have never gotten caught.  If you stay in your room with somewhat low music, the RAs will not question it.  By now, the RAs know who goes out and who stays in, so don't think you're sneaky.  We know you drink in your room, so be extra careful and look after each other.
I know I ranted about the negatives, but being an RA is actually not that bad.  I've met a lot of great people, not only my residents, but my staff as well.  Staff meetings are usually pretty chill and it's a good time to catch up with everybody.  If you are interested in becoming an RA, mandatory info sessions are happening this month as well as November.