Reading Places

One of the most profound centers for communication, for me, is in the dorm.  It may not be the most excting place, but it a huge part of college life when you are living in it.  Also, I am an Resident Advisor, so part of my job is mandating and encouraging this conversation in the hall.

We communicate to the residents through many media texts, but most is through face-to-face talking.  We have white boards to write messages, and flyers we publish, and I will print surveys, but we get the most feedback when we go and physically talk to people.  This really is beneficial because part of being an RA is letting the residents know I am approachable and that I am not out to police the hallway. 

What is the best aspect of the dorms is that it has a certain feel to it- everyone is living there, so right from the start we have something in common.  The dorms communicate a sense of security and, to a certain extent, independence.  Some people may not agree with the regulations, but there is no doubt that they are made safe.  

This form of communication is not to merely speak to those around you.  It is to build a comfortable community that makes the college experience for the girls a memorable one.  

Something that affected me greatly was when I was a freshman moving in to the dorms was that I was shocked to see my door had my name and my roommates names on the door.  Instantly, my perception of the dorm changed.  It was more like a summer camp feel that an apartment building, and I knew it was going to be more personal than I thought.  Also the halls were decorated, making it more fun and homey. ( I also think this has more of an effect on girls than guys in this instance.  Correct me if I am wrong. I don't know if they take the time to think about the influence).

Now that I am the one making the door tags and decorating the halls, I am able to influence others perceptions of the dorms as well.  It is the little ways we communicate through the time we put into making the halls comfortable and fun that make such a difference.  We all enjoy ,making them, and I don't think the residents know how disappointing it is when they are torn down (Really. Stop doing that!).

I know that these little messages, decorations and just saying hi to people in the halls makes a difference.  It was something I appreciated when I was a resident, and now I can appreciate the outcome of it more now that I am an advisor.