When Faye Rippe was a freshman last year, one of her RAs inspired her to become one. Now, she is experiencing being one herself at Andre Hall for the first floor. Her first job was at a school, and she missed talking with her students and hearing about their day. Being an RA allowed Faye to continue those duties as she does daily check-ins on her hall residents to make sure they’re doing well. 

What values have you learned by being an RA?

I’ve learned the value of listening to people and being a background supporting character. We, as humans, often want to be the center of attention, but I’ve learned there is so much value in supporting others- just being that person that people can say “hi’ to in the Grind and cheer on their big and little achievements. 

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love getting to see my residents become accomplished. I’ve gotten to see freshmen who were nervous about leaving their families become confident in college. I’ve gotten to see girls finish musicals they spent countless late nights working on and see students finish their classes and leave. I feel honored to see the slow change in my residents’ lives as they go through college. 

How do you incorporate spiritual life with your residents?

My AMAZING RA partner (shout out to Leila) and I incorporate spiritual life at our hall worships every week. We read out of the Bible and then pray for our residents and each other. One of the biggest jobs we have as RAs is being open to be a spiritual mentor. Meaning we must first be focused on God ourselves.

How do you build a community in your hall, and with other residents? 

I love trying to build community in our hall. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job. For Halloween, we got some of the girls together and, with a big bag of candy, went door to door “reverse trick or treating.” We would give someone the bag of candy, then shove them in their room and pretend like they were an old lady giving us trick-or-treaters the candy. 

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Pioneers family?

My favorite thing is the community. It’s such a common answer, but it’s true. The people at PUC are very supportive and caring. To be more original, what sticks out to me is our trustworthiness because most people feel comfortable leaving their backpack and laptop unattended while they run to the Grind. 

What does being an RA mean to you?

For me, it’s about knowing everyone has someone to talk to at the end of the day. As someone who spends too much time in their room, I know it can get lonely. So, it’s nice to know that everyone gets the chance to tell someone about their day.