Ever wonder how admission counselors do all the traveling they do? Mileage points obviously! No but seriously, admission counselors spend days, weeks, sometimes months away from family and friends as we hop on one plan after another. There have been times when I had forgotten what time zone I was in because I had been traveling for so long. It's great in the beginning (especially for new counselors), but if we don't take care of ourselves on the road... it can be a lonnnng fall travel season.
That's why I make the most of my travel. This is a time for me to step away from the office and take advantage of the opportunity for self-reflection and a much needed break. Now I am not saying that travel in the admissions world is all fun and games (but you can include some of it when appropriate), but fall travel allows many of us to step out of our comfort zones, take the road less traveled, get lost because of wrong directions from the GPS (believe me it has happened to us all), experience exciting new places and most importantly, spread the message about our respective institutions.
This will be my second year on the road and I am more than excited! The first time around new admission counselors make mistakes (I mean come on we are all human) and we learn what worked well... and maybe what did not work so well. This fall (or this weekend actually) I will be visiting some familiar places (Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Washington, etc.) and some new places as well (West Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, along with Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties).
So wish me luck as I finish packing for my first trip of the season (HOTlanta... I mean Atlanta!). I can assure you that the core values of Pitzer will always be my "guiding light" this travel season. From all of us here at the Pitzer College Office of Admission: HAPPY TRAVEL SEASON... TIS THE SEASON (well a different season at least).
