What dogs can teach us about being RAs

There's just something about dogs. Like there really is. And this isn't just because I'm biased and my spirit animal is a dog. Like legit is. See this dog... yeah. That's me.

I mean I would love to just sleep all day, eat whatever I want, and anytime I get messy it's revered as cute instead of, "unprofessional." But it's more than that. Dogs can teach us so much about life. Sometimes it really is the little things that we take for granted. Imagine coming home from a long day and having someone so excited to see you. The only thing that matters in that moment is that their person is home. Why don't we do that to the people we love? Why don't we jump up and down when our loved one walks in the door?

I mean just look at that face. Can you really want more in your life? 

Now I think this is actually a really good lesson for how we are as Resident Assistants, Programmers, SAHD, RHDs, or Directors. Sometimes the little things can be the difference maker for your residents. Sometimes when we think of being impactful, we think of these large extravagant gestures when really that's not what it's about. That can be part of it. But the real work is in the small things. Noticing when a resident is having an off day... Remembering your residents birthday... Making sure to invite the quieter resident when you go out to dinner with a group of your residents... If you want to be a mentor or a positive influence to your residents, start with the little things. Trust me.  

I want to end with this quote from the Movie, Marley and Me, "A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if your rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?"