ON APPRECIATION

Today is the second of two "RA Appreciation" days on campus. Yesterday, we had goody bags full of candy prepared for each of our 128 RA's, as well as posters to put up outside their rooms. All of the supervisors wrote paragraph blurbs that were distributed to the RA's en masse, just to get an idea of our feelings on the position.

Today, however, was the "carnival," and I use the loosest approximation of the word. We had cotton candy, sno-kones, and some snacks. Ooh, plus a pinata! This get-together was scheduled from 12n-2p. For the first forty-five minutes, there was one RA present.

As supervisors, we started to get a little frustrated. We had spent time and effort putting this day together, and no one was showing up. Previous years' efforts had also had poor attendance, and it seemed like kind of waste of time and resources. Ultimately, about twenty of our 128 RA's came through and enjoyed some appreciation, which felt pretty good.

Here's the rub: does it really matter if they show up or not? We are sending the message through these events that they are appreciated. And whether or not they choose to attend the meeting, or to complain about the quality of the goody bags, that's their prerogative. It doesn't change the fact that they are appreciated. It's the gesture, right?

Part of me feels like we, as supervisors, owe it to these people to uncomplainingly present events or goody bags, and not care if our efforts at appreciation are appreciated. It's like giving someone a gift for their birthday. If I give someone a DVD and they exchange it for something else, it shouldn't bother me. It's theirs to do with what they wish.

I mean, I still DO care, but I shouldn't.