The Glue of Any Residence Hall: Resident Advisors!
LJ Varley, ‘27, presenting their research project, Revolution’s Blind Eye: Women in El Grito de Lares, for the Chatham Honors Program. On the right is their assigned residence hall, Rea House!
LJ Varley ‘27 always envisioned themself having a quiet career in the archives, preserving the past for future generations through manuscripts and aging databases. But when they had started working as one, they realized that the stillness was suffocating.
“I could not do it,” said Varley, who majors in history. “I physically needed to talk to people.”
Becoming a resident advisor, however, would give them exactly that.
“I really enjoy building community. I’m a people person.”
Building community
When Varley was a freshman, it was their RA, Savannah Ware ’25, who made all the difference for them and their transition to college life. Ware’s impact on Varley, coupled with their own growing desire to build community, is what pushed them to become an RA.
A drawing of a “dawg” done for LJ Varley by one of their residents.
“Savannah was such a stable presence in my dorm hall when I was going through so much change and homesickness my first year,” Varley shared. “She helped me to get involved on campus and always was willing to give advice and be a shoulder to lean on when I needed it.”
Since starting the position this past August, Varley has been able to foster a tight-knit environment in Chatham’s Honors Living Learning Community, Rea House. From “Dancing with the Stars” watch parties to inside jokes, Varley helped turn a typical residence hall into a true home-away-from-home.
“As somebody that kind of had a rough first year and a rough transition to college, having that support system and being a part of other people’s support systems in that way means a lot to me,” Varley said.
Varley is passionate about the importance of building relationships with residents and being a friendly face for them around campus. “I call them ‘dawgs.’ So, I’ve gotten drawings—of ‘dawgs’ —slid under my door,” Varley shared.
“It means a lot to me.”
Being a leader
Lower-campus RA and lacrosse extraordinaire Dani MacConnell ’26, and her primary residential assignment, the Linzer Apartments.
The prospect of gaining leadership experience as an RA was what drew in social work and criminology student Dani MacConnell ’26.
“The RA position is an excellent stepping-stone into a future career, working with people, assisting and assessing individuals’ unique needs, and responding to emergencies,” MacConnell said. Not only that, but the role would allow her to work within the University, which she found “appealing and exciting.”
Now, she’s entering her third year as an RA. “I have met so many amazing people and am honored to work alongside such intelligent, creative, and compassionate staff.”
Some of MacConnell’s favorite memories as an RA come from what’s known as "Take-To" nights—a community-building activity where RAs accompany residents to an event on campus. Her favorite moments included grabbing some late-night grub at Chatham’s Moonlight Breakfast and busting a move at Spring Formal, all with her residents.
“As RAs, we want to meet you, and we care more than you know,” MacConnell said. “We are students just like everyone else and genuinely want to connect and help in any way we can.”
Good work, good rewards
RA Chase Craig ’26 far from his room in Rea House—this is him during his studies abroad in Japan!
Along with the other RAs, Chase Craig ’26, who majors in immersive media, values the sense of community that comes with being an RA, as well as the opportunity it provides to connect with newer students. But he also came to appreciate some of the practical perks the position offers. “I haven't really found someone I could room with, so being an RA not only gave me a single room, but it also covered the cost of housing,” Craig shared, “which was a huge help.”
Over the two years he has spent as an RA, Craig developed a deeper appreciation for all of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the role. Whether it’s being the middleman for students and staff to acting as “first responders” during residential emergencies, RAs are constantly learning how to balance their own lives with those of their residents.
The position is hard work, but the rewards are clear. This role offers lasting fulfillment, leadership experience, and financial benefits for the RAs themselves, while also providing their residents with the support of dedicated, passionate leaders.
“It may be a party that you gotta settle down or literally help residents move from one place to another in the middle of the year, like I did,” Craig said.
“Sometimes people just need support in times of need, and being that support is important.”
Lyn Bigley ’26 is currently pursuing her BFA in creative writing alongside a BA in psychology. She works as a library aide and a digital content creator for Chatham University. In her downtime, she enjoys looking at pictures of animals, playing video games, impulse buying, and watching reality TV.