Staying engaged in the position

It's past mid-semester now, and most of us are tired students. We're ready for Thanksgiving, and then winter break, and we're most certainly feeling "done" with this semester and our duties.

Or at least, I am. I feel as though I'm worn out and I've lost motivation. And while I fear that this will affect my grades, I fear that it'll affect my job as an RA as well. We're all beginning to feel it though - that desperate want for a break.

How do we as RA's stay engaged in our position when we're not engaged in everything else?

Whenever I feel like I'm slipping in this position (and as a third year RA... I'm feeling this the most this year), I like to force myself out of my room and into the common spaces with my residents. Even on nights when I'm not on duty, I force myself to see my residents, to invite them to the dining hall, or to invite them to something on campus. Anything, so that I'm hanging out with them and hopefully renew my motivation for this job. But sometimes, all I want to do is watch a movie, so what then? Well, often times, I write in our facebook page that we should have a movie night int he common room, so that I can watch a movie and engage with my residents.

Now, not all RA's will want to spend their free time with their residents, and that's okay. So, if you're someone who wants to go out on nights when you're not on duty (which is absolutely fair!) here are some ways you can continue to engage yourself. On duty, maybe you go around and ask residents what kinds of events they really want to engage in. That way, you're talking to them, but getting ideas for that next event that perhaps you aren't motivated to plan.

Ask your supervisor/staff/co what you can do to get more motivated! Your supervisor has probably been in your shoes... and they've probably built up some ideas for when they lost motivation. Ask your co-workers what they're doing in their hall, because maybe they're feeling the same.

Also, it's okay to take breaks! Spend those nights off of duty with friends, or in bed, or wherever you want! Take plenty of breaks, but also don't forget about your residents, and don't forget to check in with them. It can be easy to lose motivation, and to lose sight of this job, but remember: your residents need you, your co's need you, and your staff needs you. You're a part of a community, and your residents look up to you!