Here’s a saying we should all be fairly familiar with. I know I’ve heard it an enormous amount, probably mostly because at my summer camp counselor job, the camp director loved it so much. The director loved it SO much, she even put it on a T-shirt. Anyways, let‘s really think about what this means and it’s relevance when being a RA.
Teamwork makes the dream work is all on the basis of describing how important collaboration is with work. Nearly all components of my job is collaborative. We plan programs, in which we collaborate with others. We have team meetings, where we discuss what’s going on and we collaborate with others. We’re on duty always with a partner, we collaborate with others. If you wanna be successful in a job like this, you need to be able to work with others because that is simply the nature of this job. It all goes back to a united front. Something that we talk about strongly in the REO department. It is the idea that we back one another up and do not discuss negatively about others decisions or allow residents to know of any issues that exist. We are the leaders in the building and we cannot ruin one another's credibility. We are here to build one another up and not tear each other down.
With teamwork comes an interesting form of group dynamics. Dynamics change the way a group works together. I had the pleasure of taking a class which throughly covered this concept. I was able to figure out my strengths in a group. One of tests we took was a directional test, a discovered that I am tied in 3 directions being North, South and East. North identifying people are about getting shit done. We strive to accomplish the task and do it efficiently. South people are more driven on making sure everyone’s voice is heard and included in the decision. East people focus in on the big picture and making the "coolest thing possible." I think this mix makes sense for me. My method often adjusts depending upon the setting I am in and what is most needed. You can bet when we‘re clutching a last minute project I’m going North making sure we get it done, while if we have more time available to work on a given task I’m happy to go South and make sure everyone is happy with a place in the decision.
Group dynamics are affected by the people and the setting. I have seen a definite shift in group dynamics from my first year as a RA to this year during my second year. There are different people and also a much much larger staff. It’s been different, I suppose not good or bad, but different. Last year, I would say initially I was more hesitant to speak being it was my first year and I knew I had a lot to still learn. This year I walked in with confidence, but I still find places to listen and learn more from everyone else. There’s different vibes and different people. With such a large team, smaller groups are almost inevitable, which can tend to make the group dynamics a bit more complicated at times. It can cause different feelings and sometimes a sense of insecurity, but I can say I am happy to have found people I feel comfortable and vibe well with. Nonetheless group dynamics are in action and we’re all still trying to do what our whole job is mainly intended to do: create a better experience for 1st year students.
I can certainly say that I have most strongly seen teamwork makes the dream work present with my direct floor co’s. Though I might have previously mentioned it in a previous post, my first year floor staff really made my year last year. As a part East, I always have these big ideas that I want to accomplish and for me there is no limit (at least not until someone tells me there is). This Maya 3 group really helped me to accomplish the things in my head and make them a reality. My main idea was to have a surprise birthday celebration for my residents, and without the help of the lovely Jennifer, wonderful Katie and amazing Aaron, it would not have been what it became. I mean the balloons REALLY ADDED to the program to make it exciting and I cannot even blow balloons, I would’ve been nothing without them. I was blessed with a team that was supportive, hard-working and so loving. They were and still are everything to me and some of my best friends— hopefully they think so too😅. this was an obvious example of teamwork making the dream work. I loved getting to know each of them and I know in our alternate universes we are also immensely happy with one another. I learned so much from them and could not be any more grateful.
I was lucky to have another great floor staff again. The wonderful Katie is again on it, and now there’s also the marvelous Kellie and incredible Alex. Though the 4 of us might not be as close as last year, I still value each of them separately. Alex has really been a major support for me this year, she is ALWAYS down for the crazy things I want to do for our residents and even to do 100 squats with me every day at 8:11pm. We are what our team calls “co goals” and I think it’s because we developed such a strong relationship and are willing to step in and help one another whenever necessary. Plus we’re both vegetarians, so eating is really easy with one another.
Team work does make the the dream work, but I have come to see, you’re not always BEST friends with everyone and that’s okay. As long, as you can maintain respect and kindness to all those around you and those you work with, it is perfectly okay. I think if you can find your place with the people that matter most to you, that is then the most important. I love and adore the people that I consider some of my bestest friends and will spend my time with those who show me that I am important to them and they are important to me. Mutual love, mutual passion, and collaborative work to continue to make the dream work.
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