A Day in the Life: A GSP Resident Advisor
Claire Kaltenbach, GSP-Murray State
I never dreamed it possible to be excited to wake up each morning to the buzzing of my alarm for a summer job. As an RA at GSP, every morning I heard the “beep, beep, beeping,” a feeling of enthusiasm engulfed me. Although there was a basic structure to each day (classes, meals, seminar), I never quite knew what that day would hold. As a GSP Resident Advisor, opportunities abound. During my tenure as an RA, I led a hiking club, an ultimate Frisbee club, and a tennis club. I was paired with an amazing faculty member, and attended the classes he held on utopias of the past and present. I conducted a seminar composed of seventeen students, where we discussed issues pertinent to the lives of the rising seniors. Additionally, I was able to assist other faculty members in chaperoning academic field trips relevant to their courses-- I accompanied a class on many canoe/hiking trips, went to a psychiatric hospital, and saw a musical on the Declaration of Independence on the 4th of July. As you can see, my daily activities were not typical of the type of summer employment college students normally hold. I looked forward to each new day’s activities, and took advantage of my opportunity to be a role model as I actively participated in the scholars’ pursuits.
A highlight of being an RA is the relationships that are formed. The Governor’s Scholars Program emphasizes and facilitates the creation of a “community” to both scholars and faculty. There is a certain camaraderie that exists between all those participating (and those who have participated in the past) in the program. I made great friends with the teachers, the scholars, the staff employed by Morehead State University, and even the members of the “outside” Morehead community. Everyone is working towards the same objective: encouraging both academic and personal growth. With this comes a sense of support. As I completed my job, I always felt as though someone was a hundred percent behind me. Although there were times when I had to make decisions (sometimes tough ones)--I never felt alone. This is important to me as an employer, and the support the faculty provides to one another is one of the reasons why the Governor’s Scholars Program is so successful.
Finally, as an RA, change was a large part of my experience. As the five weeks played out, I saw a change in the scholars. As their experience unfolded, they grew exponentially. However, I also noticed that not only were the scholars growing—I was as well. As an RA, you will get to see evidence of the difference you are making on others—as well as the difference others are making on you. Working for the program was an absolute privilege. The two summers I was employed are summers that I will never forget. I recommend those interested to apply and experience my sentiments first-hand.