Major Budget Success for DS (In College)

[Julia M]

We just had great new regarding our oldest ds, who just finished his first year in college.

He was chosen as a Residents Assistant (RA) for next year. The process was long-it started in February. The kids applied, there was a group intervies, individual interviews, then a 3 week seminar, then another individual interview. The choices were made after grades were posted.

It's a big budget help. He gets full room and part board (don't know how much yet) and a $200 per month stipend. We anticipate it being worth about 10K. Of course, dh and I would have to earn even more than 10K to pay for it!

Even more inportant, this has been a big deal for ds. HHe's always been more shy and quiet and this experience has given him so much confidence. He followed through with the whole process and brought up his GPA by .5.

We are so excited!

Julia

 

[charming23]

That is great news. Some of my friends were RA's in college and while it is a hard job they all found it rewarding.

 

[MrsPete]

I was an RA for three years in college, and it was a financial lifesaver (because I paid every dime myself). It was a good experience for me too. I loved living in the dorms but having a private room.

A couple things I can say about it:

- Being able to move in a week ahead of everyone else is wonderful; no waiting for the elevator.
- Training week is busy, but it's also fun. They used to take us out to parks to hike, to Lazer Tag, all sorts of fun things. Throughout the year, we also enjoyed outings, meals occasionally. He'll enjoy it.
- He will work very hard the first two weeks (checking people into the building) and the last two weeks (checking people out). In between, it's a lot of being "on call".
- He may well be faced with an emergency. I had a person commit suicide on my floor. These things always seem to happen in mid-to-late April, when it's become apparent who isn't going to make it academically. Anyway, you might make a point to send him a care package or make a couple extra phone calls at that tough time. He will be well-trained in how to deal with all sorts of emergencies.

 

[Julia M]

I was an RA for three years in college, and it was a financial lifesaver (because I paid every dime myself). It was a good experience for me too. I loved living in the dorms but having a private room.

A couple things I can say about it:

- Being able to move in a week ahead of everyone else is wonderful; no waiting for the elevator.
- Training week is busy, but it's also fun. They used to take us out to parks to hike, to Lazer Tag, all sorts of fun things. Throughout the year, we also enjoyed outings, meals occasionally. He'll enjoy it.
- He will work very hard the first two weeks (checking people into the building) and the last two weeks (checking people out). In between, it's a lot of being "on call".
- He may well be faced with an emergency. I had a person commit suicide on my floor. These things always seem to happen in mid-to-late April, when it's become apparent who isn't going to make it academically. Anyway, you might make a point to send him a care package or make a couple extra phone calls at that tough time. He will be well-trained in how to deal with all sorts of emergencies.

Thanks for those comments. I will keep them around!
DS has three weeks of training and "bonding" type activities. The RA's move in on August 4 and start their training August 5. Students arrive August 26. He ends up staying the weekend after finals and goes back a couple of days earlier in January and stays a bit longer in June.

As I said, we are so thrilled!

Julia

 

[chris31997]

Congrats Good luck

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

My older daughter did this one year. It was great financially but she grew tired of it quickly. If your kid wants to live on campus it's a great deal!