Thomas - Week 4 - MSU Admissions

With the conclusion of orientation, the MSU Office of Admissions is returning back to their normal schedule.

On Friday, we had around 50-60 families scheduled to visit the campus to participate in Bulldog for a Day. We had two shuttles reserved for the event, but they were both completely full with no empty seats by 10 AM and there were families who did not have seats for the campus tour. In a panic, we immediately had to make the most of our resources in order to accommodate our guests. We could not get another shuttle at such last minute’s notice, so what do you do? Ride them around campus in the Admissions mini-vans. This situation once again goes to prove that we never know what to expect with each coming day. We will never know who will walk in our office, and we never know what last minute bumps in the road will arise after planning an event.

The day was pretty typical – one of the counselors, Margaret Claire, and I guided our shuttle bus around campus, providing explanations of each aspect of campus,  answering any questions the parents and students might have, and providing them with a PowerPoint presentation explaining about MSU.

Throughout the day, I paid special attention to how the staff interacted with one another and the bonds that have already formed between the admissions counselors and I. I have witnessed the close friendships of the staff throughout the past month in the rush of orientation, but on Friday, I was actually able to slow down and watch them interact with one another. As the days and weeks continue, I grow closer with this group and actually feel like a member of the Admissions crew.

This further proves to me the importance of forming important relationships with colleagues. The Admissions staff are like one giant family, regardless of their differences, and as I reflect back on the past year, that is exactly what my colleagues and I have become. We are all so completely different from one another, but despite our differences, we are alike in so many ways and we have become our own student affairs family. We are constantly there for one another, helping each other out with problems, whether it is life or school.

No matter where I end up after graduate school, I know that through this program I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and I see the importance of continuing to form these relationships in my future career. Also, I feel that it is extremely important to welcome the newcomers with open arms in order to make them feel more included. I definitely appreciate the Office of Admissions for making me feel so welcome.

Megan T