Resident Assistants, also known as RAs are commonly seen lurking about the hallways in the wee hours of the night.

But what do they really do? Are they just there to issue written warnings and sabotage all attempts to have fun? Not so says one RA, Clayton Ramey, who currently resides on 4 North.

Q: “What do you like the most about your job?”

A: “The personal interaction with the students. I mean you meet so many different people whether it is the C-store staff or the every day people that you see walking back and forth. Each person is different and I enjoy meeting them.”

Q: “What have you learned most about being an RA?”

A: “I guess it would be to learn where that fine line between being respected and being liked is. You want the kids to like you, but then you need to also be respected by them. And I believe that I have succeeded in this. They like me, yet they respect me in the position that I chose.”

Q: “Would you be an RA again?”

A: “Definitely, in fact I’m already reapplying to be one again next year.”

Q: “Are there any programs that you found successful on your floor?”

A: “Yes, actually bungee jumping was the most successful of them. It was at the beginning of the year and really gave the kids a chance to get to know each other. They sat around in a circle at floor meetings, but weren’t allowed to talk with each other because it was a meeting. However, when they got out there [bungee jumping] it gave them a chance to talk to each other, and really meet each other. You had to have guts to jump off, and the kids were very supportive of each other. It really brought them together.”

Q: “What are the positives that would give a person an incentive to become an RA?”

A: “Definitely free room and board. Some people have their money situation taken care of, whether it be an athletic scholarship or education one and others need help, but it is definitely a plus. Then there is the staff. You get a chance to meet some awesome people and the kids, of course.

I really enjoy meeting everyone it’s great to get to know all types of different people.”

Next time an RA tells you to quiet down or stop having fun, they are doing their job to help make the University of Denver a safe place. Besides, you never know. They might just turn out to be a wonderful person.