March 4, 2008 issue
Being an admissions adviser? Well, it may not be the kind of job most kids dream about in high school, but I've wanted to work in higher ed administration almost that long.
I came to EMU as a freshman because I wanted to be a high school teacher. But, one of the things I noticed right away was how much everyone looked out for the students — the faculty, the staff, right down to the people who pick up trash in the parking lots. It was the whole community. I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.
After college, I knew it was just a matter of time before I found my way back here.
Now, I'm part of a team that works with incoming freshmen. I've been in admissions for four years and it's something different every day. We go out and visit high schools and represent Eastern at college fairs. We meet with students or families that come for tours. I'm also part of the team that does file review, where we're actually looking over applications.
High school kids are just such a neat and energetic population. Every year, I'm a year older, but the freshmen are always the same age. I'm always getting a chance to work with people who are excited about something new.
I've always liked working with people. I had done some teaching and this is kind of like teaching, except without the papers to grade. Sometimes we get desensitized to it, but it's a huge transition in students' lives. We admit a student and they cry, and you think, "What's the big deal?" But it is a big deal. It's a huge deal.
