As a new Resident Assistant, I have now been on both ends of the spectrum: the nervous, anxious and shy freshman moving into a scary new dorm; and the cheerful and peppy RA helping first year students move into their dorms.
As a freshman I had many anxieties concerning move in and getting around campus. I think my biggest regret as a first year student was being to shy to ask questions. And so even though speaking up is daunting at times, I recommend that all first year students ask as many questions as possible. By asking questions, students not only interact with new people, but they also learn much more about their new environment.
As a Junior (WOW, time goes by that fast) and also as an RA, I have learned how to detect many issues that students may have. For example, about three days ago a very shy, nervous international student was moving in during my specific move-in shift. With a burst of energy I welcomed him into the building, and all he could muster up to say was “the airport lost my bag.” As any other compassionate person would do, I did my best to help and console him. Three days later, I saw him in the hallway and decided to check up on him. Although the airport did not find his bag, he did seem delighted that someone truly cared about his lost bag. As a matter of fact, this shy gentleman even asked me where he could find me in case he had any more questions.
I believe that moments just like the one I described above, are what makes such a crazy, hectic and chaotic event, that is move-in day, such a wonderful experience. And to think it all started with a simple concern!