CA [see-ayy] / noun / a safety patrol, a life counselor, a friend.

CA Micaleya Otto

    "You can come to your CA for roommate problems, mental health problems, academic problems, honestly almost anything," says CA Micaleya Otto. Mica, as she prefers to go by, is experiencing the life of a CA for the first time this year. "Me and my CA last year got along really well, and most of the time I can be a very social people person, so I wanted to try it and see how it goes, and I ended up really liking it a lot." Everyone who lives on the fourth floor of Elwell west know Mica for her affable, outward demeanor. Whether its in the hallway, the lobby, or even the bathroom, she greets everyone with her bubbly bright eyes, friendly smile, and warm welcoming wave. Her favorite part about being a CA? Getting to interact with the her residents. "Each one of you guys are different," she notes, "I have track girls so I get to talk to you guys about track, I also have a basketball player so I can go to his games, and I have a football player so I'll go to his games as well." 

Not only does she enjoy having casual conversations with her residents, she's also more than willing to make time to sit down and have conversations regarding more serious matters. Sarah Hessler was a former fourth floor Elwell resident who recently made the decision to transfer to a different school. During her time at Bloomsburg, she had frequent interactions with Mica. Sarah was having difficulties adjusting to college life, as many freshman do, and sought advice from Mica on several conflicting topics. "Mica was one of the first people I told I wanted to transfer, she was so kind and caring about it. She just helped me through the entire list of pros and cons to what I would chose. And then later when I was having issues with a friend, she got involved and helped talk me through how to safely and effectively confront her and how to make it the best for all parties involved."

Although addressing the mental well being of residents is a large part of being a CA, they are also obligated to ensure the physical safety of every person in the building. This includes sitting at the lobby desk in the evenings and doing multiple safety checks throughout the night to assure that everyone is alive and well. "CA's are required to work desk once a week between Monday and Thursday," Mica states, "the shifts are either 7-9, 9-11, or 11-1." CA's are also required to work every other weekend. They can choose to work both Friday and Sunday or just Saturday. After each shift that a CA works, they are required to do a safety check. This includes checking all bathrooms and lounges, fire extinguishers and alarms, and even the trashcans. Although these shifts may be inconvenient, you're constantly around the same people. While you're "working" in the lobby,  you get to socialize with the other CA's who are also working. Mica remarks, "I've met some lifetime friends that I know I'll always have."

Every CA has dealt with some sort of challenging, funny, or memorable experience. Mica recalls an experience she had recently, "Just the other day," she sighs, "there was man with no pants, in the lobby. No underwear, he just had on a hoodie and socks." She acknowledges that dealing with residents and their "weekend festivities" can be difficult at times. When people return to the building late at night, "That can always be a roller coaster too because you don't know if they're OK."

Upon walking into Elwell, a tall boy in jeans and a black t-shirt, is immediately greeted by the large front desk of the lobby, spanning across all 4 doors. At the desk, Mica sits and watches the two other female CA's on duty quiz each other on organic chemistry. They pause the studying as they see the boy come in.

    "Welcome back!" one of them says in a friendly tone.

A few seconds after the boy walks in, two girls both wearing tiny tops cropped at the midsection and ripped jeans come out of the elevator and make their way into the lobby smiling and whispering amongst themselves. The dark haired girl has a gallon jug of some unknown mixed drink in her left hand. They walk up to the door and begin to push it open.

    "Have a good night!" Mica says as she waves to them.

    "Thank you!" they say in a conjoined response.

    "Be safe, have fun!" she adds as they pass through the doors.

The lobby desk and rooms are used for more than just the CA's to sit and talk with one another. One of the best parts for not just the CA's, but also the residents, is all the different types of events that are hosted in the lobby throughout the week. As a more enjoyable obligation, CA's get to plan and host these optional events for the residents to participate in. These events can help give them something fun to do on days where they may be bored, or just need a break from the busy life of a college student. The activities can include game nights, crafts, free food, and more, and are available to anyone in the building. Typically, these events are also a great way for the CA's and residents to have fun with each other and build long lasting friendships.

There are several pros to becoming a CA besides making lifetime friends. One of the top benefits, BU will pay for your room and board. Mica notes one aspect that can be fairly annoying at times, "Definitely lockouts" she nods "When it's like 3:00 in the morning and I'm dead asleep and I get a knock on my door like 'hey I locked myself out'. We have to go down and get the key, come back, unlock it and then take the key back down because we can't keep it on us." It's important to remember that CA's are also students. They are taking the time to check up on all the residents on top of all the school work and personal problems they may be dealing with as well. "The hardest parts are finding a balance between social life, school life and CA life because they all tie together." she adds that sometimes it requires them to make sacrifices. "Let's say if my friends want to go out to eat or something on a day when I work and I'm on call, so I can't go." It's also important for CA's to keep some aspects of their social life private. "As they put it, we live in a fishbowl. All of the residents see what we do. We have to be careful with what we do in regards to our extra activities." 

Regardless of the cons, Mica highly recommends becoming a CA to all of her residents. Even the people who think they are too shy. She indicates once you get into the job, It forces you to break out of your comfort zone whether you want to or not. "It can be a lot, but it's a good experience." Her message to everyone, "College is a lot, have fun with it. Stay on top of your work but don't let it consume you."