Personality Typing

It takes a special kind person to be RA. In fact, the type of people that become RA's are so special, you could basically classify them all in the categories listed below.

The Attention Whore - these types make the worst RAs. They have some complex where having an entire hallway forced to listen, agree, and follow commands is a craving they need to feel. Think of it like a boss considering his workers to be both servant and built in friends. RAs classified as such often give trust too easily to resident's (creating to many fresidents) by partying with them and letting them off the hook. This bites them in the ass when they ultimately and inevitably get taken advantage of.

The Townie - these RAs are most often native to our beloved state. They see being an RA as an escape from living at home and an opportunity to make some money while they're at it. Usually, these are some of the more normal RA's (as normal as natives can be) but they are never around because their entire town goes to HC and they are off gallavanting with them.

The Financially Dependent - sometimes this type will overlap with "the Townie". These RAs couldn't care less about the job or the community building etc., but they need the money. Temperament with these kids is the most varied because they may rigidly enforce rules to keep their employment safe or they may let the chaos reign because they are only in it for the money.

The Power-Hungry - This asshole is probably one of the worst RAs you can get. Their motivations for becoming an RA may have other sources, but their joy in the job comes from having absolute control over their residents life. Think of these kids as little Fidels-in-training. Most often these RAs will reside strictly in freshman dorms where they are more likely to maintain power over froshies and have no gainsay against them.

The Resume Builder - We all know our fair share of over achievers, and the RA community is no exception. This type will push all the goals of RAs such as programming, community building, etc. Some students may chafe at having such an actively (possibly overwhelmingly so) RA, but ulitimately they will benefit from this type. This type is also seen most often in freshman buildings, as they find the apathy of upperclassmen discouraging.

The Others - these RAs are miscellaneous. They probably have become RAs because the job is fairly easy with excellent pay and guaranteed housing. They sort of float all over and are usually the perfect mix of laid back and disciplined.

There are of course RAs that can't be categorized so easily, or perhaps are a bit of several of the described types. But for the most part, this list can pin down your RA's personality perfectly.