Putting Out Fires

This is probably the craziest thing that has ever happened to me while on RA duty.  When it comes to residents who are unable to get along with their roommates or other members of the floor, RAs are required to help extinguish these fires.  But would you ever expect an RA to have to put out a real flame?  

As many of you know, RAs walk up and down the hallways in the dorms a few times every night making sure there's nothing dangerous going down.  One thing that is fairly popular, particularly among first year students, is setting fire to bulletin boards.  For some reason, people think it's okay to light fires in buildings.

While on rounds in my building, I was coming down one of the hallways when I caught sight of and smelled smoke.  When I came around the corner, a piece of paper on a bulletin board was burning.  I'm not talking about a full-fledged inferno; the paper was just smoldering.  Regardless, it was very scary.  I quickly removed the paper, and brought it to the bathroom where I ran the paper under cold water.

My question is, why do people show so much disrespect for others' work?

Drama at Financial Aid

Now, I'm sure many people have had to tango with the Financial Aid department at one point or another in college.  Many come out completely stressed and upset because, well, tuition payments are a big deal and Financial Aid can get pretty nasty.  However, this particular story is most tragic.  It occurred yesterday, when I went to Wingate Hall to figure out why my late fee was still on my account.  Supposedly, it had been waived because it was a matter of UMaine waiting on one of my scholarships.  Luckily, my story had a happy ending.  I can't say the same for the guy ahead of me.

As I'm walking to Wingate, I see the aforementioned guy walk through the door.  My initial thought was that I'd have to wait my turn like I usually do.  Wingate's generally a pretty busy place.  But no... I walked through the door and the guy I saw earlier was already being waited on by the girl at the counter.  I came in just in time to hear him thanking the girl for already helping him with his financial aid.
"Oh, that's so nice of you!  What's your name?" she asked.
The two shook hands.  Then Financial-Aid-girl says, "I'm really sorry, but I have a boyfriend."
What?!  Talk about an uncomfortable situation!  I didn't hear this poor guy ask Financial-Aid-girl out, but the look of heartbreak was on his face as he left Wingate Hall.  Meanwhile, Financial-Aid-girl has a huge grin on her face, giggling about how "awkward" that was.

So if you ever have to deal with Financial Aid, here's the moral of the story: Don't fall for the Financial Aid workers.  They're specifically trained to break hearts, regardless of whether they're taking your money or turning you down for a date.

A weekend of RA craziness!

Well, it's officially February!  Which means it's almost Valentine's Day!  Or Singles Awareness Month, depending on how you look at it.  The past weekend was super busy for this RA!  Duty Friday and Saturday nights, two bulletin boards made and put up, and a Making Valentines/Watching "Dirty Dancing" program with fellow RA Christine and a bunch of really awesome residents!  Saturday night was filled with decoupage, red and pink construction paper, and a whole lot of Patrick Swayze.  I guess it was a good thing the group consisted mostly of ladies!

I'm also particularly proud of one of my bulletin boards entitled "Booze News," which is about the myths you've often heard regarding drinking in college.  If you're ever hanging around the fourth floor of Cumberland Hall, check it out!