Inspiration for Resident Assistants

During the spring of 1998 I was lucky enought to attend Tony's amazing seminars at my college. I was in need of some insperation and got more then I ever thought I would from a college leadership seminar. I was ready to take on the world when I left. Before I left the building I was looking at the College Blue book and had to have it. I engaged in a conversation with Tony and excited to read it. Since that night I have read that book over and over. The next school year I worked for residential life and found it to be a very tough but rewarding job. I will never forget those days! After I graduated from college and right after Insperations was published I was visiting his web site, reflecting on my accomplishments since the night I meat Tonday. I e-mailed the company to share my thoughts. My e-mail was forwarded to Tony and he wrote me back. I couldn't thank him enough. I ordered Insperaions and when I recived my copy he had signed it and wrote me a little note. I quickly read the book and have reread it a few times. Each time I am inspired by the stories and happy to reflect and remember my days as a res. lifer. If you are or have worked in residential life you must read this book!I will never forget the inpact Tony made on my life and the amazing books he has created. Thanks again Tony!

There is no other position in college like it. Being a resident assistant is by far the most rewarding, yet challenging position for college students worldwide. As soon as you walk into your building of residency, you are immediately "on call" (regardless if you are scheduled for duty). As a Friday or Saturday night approaches, you don't know what is in store for you. Will the sprinklers accidentally go off? Will a student pull the fire alarm? Will a party get too crazy and out of hand? Or will you find a resident crying hysterically in the hallway? You are called to be a friend, a counselor, an administrator, a teacher, a problem solver, and a mentor on a daily basis.Being a resident assistant can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a college student's career. However, with these "rewards," comes along many long nights and challenging experiences. "Inspiration for Resident Assistants" offers the much needed encouragement that resident assistants are seeking so desperately to find. This paperback is a collection of inspiring and insightful stories; some are encouraging, motivating, humorous, touching and even serious. Additionally, the book serves as a wonderful (and much needed) resource for resident assistants, student affair professionals, and residence life staffs. This is a valuable tool for trainings, conferences and meetings throughout the entire year.I hope you find the lifelong lessons in each story. Thank you to Anthony, Dan, and Amy for having the fortitude to turn your "vision" of creating this book into a "reality." We are all grateful to your visionary leadership, because this book was the kick off to a phenomenal "Inspiration book series." Thank you!!!

As a former RD, I wish I had access to this type of book for my RAs when I was in the halls. I would have bought one for each member of my staff. It's great for times when it just feels like no one appreciates the job an RA does. This would have been particularly good to have given out when I was at Ohio University right before Halloween! If you are an RD, check it out. I recommend it for all Res. Life staff. A great pick me up!