Name: Rebecca DeWall

Age: 25

Major: Art Education

Occupation: Resident Assistant

Years with NIU Housing Office: two

What does your job entail?

I'm a counselor, someone to keep things organized on the floor. I provide information for the girls on the floor. Sometimes a disciplinarian, always a friend. Last year I had to be a firefighter for a night. Sometimes I do things I don't feel I have the experience for (like emergencies) ... sometimes I'm a mother, sometimes a sister.

What do you like most about your job?

I think it's kind of helped me learn how to organize my time, and it's helped me to look beyond people's problems and focus on the direct problem. It's helped me to be a better listener, and it's helped me whenever I'm faced with an emergency or situation that has to be dealt with right away.

I like the staff closeness, the camaraderie. We really support each other; you know you can turn to them. Sometimes you need an answer from someone else. We always play jokes on each other.

What do you like least about your job?

I guess I like it least when there is a situation that I don't feel I know how to handle ... We've been told of every place people can go to with problems, and even with the availability of help you can get, and you can't help someone with it ... it's really frustrating. That's the biggest thing, not being able to help someone when they need help.

Do you have a favorite on-the-job anecdote?

With the fire last year—It was about 3:15 in the morning. We go through fire training, but I just reacted on instinct. I've never had a fire extinguisher at home, but we keep one in our rooms. I grabbed the extinguisher for electrical fires, not the one for cushion fires, which is what this was. If you're not prepared, you can wake up at 3 a.m. and find yourself in a daze ... fortunately, I was able to deal with it and put the fire out.

Also, last year, another RA put a balloon between my matress and springs, so when I sat down it popped. Like I said, we're always playing jokes on each other.

Why did you choose this job?

That's so hard to say ... Of course, one nice thing is the room and board and financial rewards. It's nice to have a single room. But mostly because I like being responsible for people. I'm like a counselor—a person people can always count on. That makes me feel good, being able to help people out. I like the group of friends and the teamwork. It's like being part of a team.

How does your job benefit NIU students?

A lot of people ask why there needs to be an RA on the floor. The RA is definitely soemone to provide activities to break up the monotony, someone to keep law and order on the floor, and to provide assistance in emergency situations. The fire was an exact incident.

I can be an objective person in an argument situation. I can help someone deal with their roommate or boyfriend. I try to make myself open to the girls on my floor. I know I always felt safe (as a resident) becuase my RA could always help. My RA became one of my best friends.