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So where does that leave this philosophy of community?
I think it leaves it right where it started. The relationship between a student and their RA. Welcoming those who are new into the community of those who have space to offer. Creating a culture that allows people to enter and be seen.
And it leaves it in other places too. The relationship between staff members that bring an aspect of both accountability and support. The opportunity to be vulnerable, should you choose to invest.
And it leaves it in the relationship of mentorship between the RA and the AC. The gift of a voice of wisdom, but also the chance for mutual encouragement and investment.
And it leaves it in places far below the surface, should you choose to enter in. The opportunity to undergo deep, transformative change, turning over stones, casting light onto the darkened places. This gift of a safe place to grow, but the gift to choose to enter there. Not forced. Not required. But offered. Opened. Extended.
Much like ResLife as a whole. Never is community required. Yet at it's best it is offered. Opened. Extended. Made unique and significant by the individuals who choose to step in and sit down.
Because maybe, at it's deepest form, ResLife is simply an intentional way of life. The type of hello that truly wants to know how the other is. ResLife is for all types of people, for all kinds of students, for introverts and extroverts alike, because ResLife is for a filled form of community. One that seeks all. One that welcomes.

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Each one needing the previous to exist.

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And when someone has invited you into their space in order for you to call that home... it looks like a circle of community.

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This season of life found me in a place of stepping in. Stepping into the living room that was offered to me. Stepping into the spaces in my own soul, whether they be a space I was proud of or not. The act of kneeling in front of the weed or the flower, and joining the Gardener in tending the soil of my heart.
The act of hospitality is a huge piece of ResLife. Inviting others to come into your own personal space is a vulnerable sacrifice, and to offer the places in you that aren't put together is the start of rich, honest community.

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As with many other seasons of my life I found myself in a place of activity, responsibility, and frenzy. Yet I was not in my own skin. I started to feel the discrepancy between who I acted to be and who my soul was growing into. This season presented me the chance to say no to the frenzy. It also offered the chance to say yes, yes to the quiet sort of space that thoughts come to land. The space where light fills out the silence. Where it is okay to seek the answers that feel as though they ought to already be known.

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The first year of my ResLife experience embodies one of the values I hold as part of my philosophy. A large part of this year's experience for me involved the concept of stepping up. This included a time of my life where I gained confidence in hosting community, contributing to staff, and seeking guidance. This came simultaneously with a greater awareness that I did not need to have all the answers in order to step up into my role.

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Whatever that looks like.

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Time invested in life...

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Finding a point of connection and shared value.

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What does it look like to sit with someone.

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What does it look like to honor someone's story.

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AAC of RAE.
Senior Status.

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AAC of HAN.
Junior Status.

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Le Shana 2 West.
Sophomore Status.

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Intentionally stepping out of the ordinary.

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Inviting someone into your home. Your space.