Thinking back to my first week of practicum, I have to say it’s going to be a very unpredictable, yet exciting, summer. As I arrived Wednesday morning for my first day, I was greeted by one of the admissions counselors – Anna Catherine. She sort of took me under her wing, introducing me to Naron Brister, the Assistant Director of Recruitment for the state of Georgia. Together, the two of them began to bombard me with information about their jobs and the office. It sort of felt like I was in a whirlwind but I listened closely, absorbed all the new information, and began my first task – a campus tour.
I met Sarah (a student worker/Roadrunner) who gives the campus tours this summer. She gave me a brief overview of what a campus tour consists of and we discussed how it’s important NOT to be a “standard tour guide.” While giving these campus tours, it is necessary to provide the prospective student and his or her family with information about the university, but it is imperative to begin developing a relationship with that student and family. Share personal experiences, be outgoing, and show them why MSU is a great institution. For many of these students, this is their first experience at MSU so it is important for the Admissions staff to welcome them into a comfortable environment.
We arrived at the Welcome Center to greet twins from Florida. I’m not going to lie; I was extremely nervous as we toured the campus with not one prospective student – but two. I helped Sarah with the tour, providing some facts about the university but also sharing some of my personal experiences and memories from my times here in Starkville. Upon finishing the tour, I sat in on the discussion between the family and the admissions counselor.
After completing the campus tour and visit with the admissions counselor, I was asked to drive the family back to their car at the Welcome Center. Yes, everyone, I checked another item off my bucket list: driving a white MSU minivan.
One thing I have yet to mention – during Orientation season, all admissions counselors come to Starkville to help out during the month of June. This includes the counselors who recruit in Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Florida. I was able to meet almost the entire staff (including staff members I would not normally meet) and discuss their educational and career paths, which was a goal I wanted to work toward this summer.
On a more serious note, my first week of practicum was nerve-wracking but also extremely rewarding. Even though I am only one week in, my love for MSU and Admissions has already grown tremendously.
-Megan
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