The Role Model

CA Nate

"I like being a CA, because I can have a good influence on other people. I can be a role model," stated Nate, the second floor CA in Lycoming Hall. CA's or community assistants are Bloomsburg's version of resident assistants or RA's. "People think we are trying to police, but in all honesty we don't control what you do. We only report things that are a safety hazard to yourself or others. We are here to help," proclaimed Nate. He will always tell residents that he isn't trying to pry into your personal business, he just wants to help people make the right choices. Nate and other CA's try to spread messages of virtue. Examples of their crafts can be seen all around Lycoming Hall. From smirking, green Shreks and Pac-Man ghosts to thoughtful messages of radiating positivity and inclusiveness. CA's are here so students can receive assistance on making choices and to promote a positive influence.

Some people may think that for CA's, with great responsibilities, comes great nuisances. "I get woken up from sleep about two to three times a week," sighed a begrudged Nate as he rolled his brown eyes somewhat sarcastically. Most students only see a CA's job as opening up those lovely dorm doors for forgetful people. Consider those people somewhat right. "A friend of mine that's also a CA, but in Elwell, had one student get locked out of their room five times in one week. Like at that point you aren't even trying. You don't even care if it's that many times in a week," laughed Nate with a hardy chuckle. Being a CA is more than just opening up locked doors. CA's have to stay on call and sit at the front desk during the night. Regardless of how late it is, they welcome you warmly with a radiant smile and a friendly tone. One night, two intoxicated people came stumbling through the door. The girl that lived here was trying to bring her male friend into the hall, but the stern CA wouldn't allow it. He did that only to protect her from anything that may happen as a result of drinking too much. They also have to go on walks around the building making sure people remain safe for the night and ensure the order of things. When you pass one, you can expect a hello. "One thing that many people don't pay attention to is that we have planned programs and activities," declared Nate with a melancholic tone and harshly furrowed brows. Some might forget, not just their student ID's, but that CA's are students too. "The biggest drawback of being a CA is that you can't choose when things happen. Anything could happen at any time and you may need to be there no matter what you want to do or had to do," Nate divulged kind of indifferently. Every job has its responsibilities and annoyances, but there's always something that keeps you coming back.

Front desk of Lycoming Hall

Who would take a job if it was only full of drawbacks? "Being a CA has its perks. I get free housing, it looks great on resumes, it helps develop leadership skills, I get paid, I love being a good role model, and I can make easy connections with people," insisted Nate with a slight smirk, reflecting on the positives of the job he chose. Free housing can get anyone excited, but you get paid as well? That's definitely very intriguing. Also, for less selfish people, you can develop leadership skills and be the role model you've always wanted to be. 

Anyone convinced of being a CA have an arduous road ahead of them. The application process itself is more intimidating than an angry Terry Crews. It's not a simple application where you put your name and such, but a whole creative piece on yourself needs to be provided. For example, maybe an essay about how you can be a leader and positively influence others. Next comes a trial of interviews and tacky team-building exercises with other applicants. Higher-ups eye your every move during these moments. If chosen, a soon-to-be CA will have to go through more sessions of team-building exercises in the spring and then come back again in the summer to listen to presentations and receive training. Policies become known by CA's like the back of their hand. A lot needs done to be a CA, but that's for students' own safety. 

"My favorite thing about being a CA is honestly connecting with a bunch of different people and being effective in the community," stated Nate seriously, but with a sweet touch of friendliness. CA's do an important job that can be underappreciated. Who else would you go to for a locked door? For every locked door or problem you're facing there's a Nate waiting around the dim dorm corner. CA's will always stay out of your personal business, or what you choose to do. Community assistants will always be around here for safety, advice, and for locked doors of course.