By Amy Lalor (Fresher 2023)
Home. It’s usually thought of as the place where one lives, especially as a member of a family or household. But what does it actually mean to feel at home? Is it possible to feel at home when you’re not with your family or in a typical household?
From the moment I first stepped through the doors at Sancta Sophia College, there was a feeling of being at home. It was an intangible feeling – one that was difficult to put into words – and it was even more difficult to grasp precisely what had, almost instantly, made Sancta feel like my own home away from home.
Having now spent a little over a year at Sancta, I think I can make a bit of a guess at why this place feels like a home to me, and so many other residents. It’s the people.
When I talk about the people at Sancta, I refer not only to the friendships that I have made or the support that I have received from the staff team, but also the Resident Assistants (known as RAs). As a recent addition to the RA team this year, I now know a little more about what goes into making Sancta feel not just like a place to live and study, but a place where one can feel at home.
![Sancta students pose for a group photo in the College Quadrangle](https://www.sanctasophiacollege.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sancta-Student-and-RAs-in-the-Quad.png)
What does it entail to be an RA?
There isn’t really a typical day for an RA at Sancta. From acting as the fire warden in emergency evacuations to being a safe and friendly face on a night out, RAs take on a multitude of roles. We are trained in emergency procedures, first aid, mental health, and College operations, and provide both pastoral care and academic support to the 15-20 students in our RA groups.
With all the training that I received, something that has really stuck with me was a returning RA describing the role as being a big sister. I think of a big sister as someone who I could turn to after a rough day or even when I just wanted to have a chat; someone who understood what I was going through and could give me advice, but not the kind of advice that my mum would give; someone who I could trust and someone who I could be comfortable to be myself around. This is exactly the kind of role that I strive to play as an RA.
![](https://www.sanctasophiacollege.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sancta-RAs.png)
What are the most rewarding aspects of being an RA?
One of the most fulfilling parts of being an RA is the opportunity to contribute to making Sancta a more comfortable and welcoming environment for everyone. By helping others settle into life at College, I have bolstered my own sense of belonging, and I’ve made so many more friends and connections. I have also had the opportunity to meet many of the new residents, particularly during Welcome Week, and through spending time getting to know my own RA group.
![Sancta Undergrad Student Leaders and Resident Assistants pose for a photo in the College Quadrangle](https://www.sanctasophiacollege.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Sancta-Student-Leaders-and-Resident-Assistants.png)
And the challenges?
At times, it can be a little bit difficult to juggle my university, personal and RA commitments. However, I am lucky to be a part of an understanding team of residents and staff who ensure that I am never alone in navigating my RA responsibilities, and who I know are there to support me the best they can.
Although I still can’t quite describe the feeling of being at Sancta, I know that so much goes into making Sancta feel like a welcoming home – one where everyone can feel comfortable and share a sense of belonging. The RA team are just one of the ways that Sancta works to achieve this, and I encourage everyone to get involved with the initiatives and activities run by their RA. Take this as a little reminder to have a chat with your RA because ultimately, we want to ensure that Sancta feels like a home away from home for each resident.
Learn more about Sancta’s Pastoral Care and Resident Assistant Program.