Road Warrior v1.0

Some call us “Road Warriors;” others simply “crazy.”

And so it begins; Travel Season 2K10.

Every fall and spring our admissions staff gears up for what’s simply known as ‘travel season.’  Travel season is a time when we’re traveling from state to state, town to town visiting high schools and college fairs to speak with students intrested in The University of Iowa.

Fall travel season is a bit longer, and more chaotic (I mean busier) than spring travel.  Reason for this? Fall is the prime time for you seniors to be visiting, applying to, and narrowing down your college choices so that when you apply for financial aid in January, your decision will be between a couple schools rather than many (stay tuned for a blog post containing advice on this process). Juniors, it’s a great time for you to start seeking information on institutions as well.

This week is the week I spend easing into my travel schedule. Yesterday was my first day out of the office.  I spent the morning driving to Bloomington/Normal, IL where I attended Articulation Unplugged, a college fair for high school counselors.  This event gave high school counselors a chance to ask questions about our admissions practices and policies as well as update us on trends in their individual high schools.  For me it was a great opportunity to see the high school counselors and also my other fellow “road warriors.”  Following the fair, I made the easy 3.5 hour drive back to Iowa City.

I spend another day in Champaign tomorrow before the I consider Tom Cochran’s Life is a Highway, my fall theme song.  I say this because I fly to Dallas, Texas (or as my fellow blogger Jade says “Tejas”) on Friday, and won’t be in the office much until Nov. 1st.  While I won’t be in the office much, I will be fortunate to make it back to Iowa City on most weekends to see the Hawks play and regroup/reorganize/repack for the week out.   But that’s not it; Iowa games mean returning alumni and my house = US hostel.  So, in addition to everything I hope to get done during the weekend, pile on hosting responsibilities, laundry and cleaning.  Yet that’s one reason I love Iowa City – everyone returns to see the city they love so much – luckily I live here so I get to see the people I love so much.

For a breakdown of my time out, here are my weeks and where I’ll be traveling:

(week starting) Sept 13th – IL, TX

Sept 20th – Dallas, TX

Sept 27th – Iowa/Wisconsin

Oct. 4th – Wisconsin

Oct 11th – Wisconsin

Oct. 18th – Southern Chicago, Illinois

Oct 25th – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Stay tuned for further updates – for now, cue Tommy.  Click—> Tom Cochrane – Life Is A Highway <—Click

“through all the cities and all these towns. It’s in my blood and it’s all around.”

Friday Before Football

Friday, I can’t believe you’re here already.  At this time last week, I was celebrating my birthday in the office.  I also learned that I share a birthday with Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi.  Unfortunately, I missed Iowa’s home opener against Eastern Illinois for another wedding in my hometown of Holstein.  Sadly, this was the first game I’ve missed since 2004; time to restart the streak.  While I was sad to miss the game, the weekend was awesome.  I was able to celebrate my birthday with my parents, friends from home, and the long weekend allowed for some time with friends back here in Iowa City.  I think the long weekend is also the reason why Friday came so quickly.

During this time of year I debate: Fall & Iowa Football >= Christmas morning?   Fall means I get to celebrate my birthday (presents); the excitement of not only Iowa Football, but also all of college football, NFL, and fantasy sports season; and also the birth of (what could be) history (Bowl Game?). Sound similar to Chirstmas?

It’s 10am I’m already dreaming of the 2:36 kick-off time tomorrow at Historic Kinnick Stadium thanks to the I-Club breakfast this morning.  The Johnson County I-Club holds a breakfast every Friday morning at the Sheraton Hotel, downtown Iowa City.  The breakfast kicks off at an early 6:30am, but one is quickly awoken by the “boom” of the Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band.  Once seated, you’re greeted by a high-five from Herky as the Iowa Dance Team, Spirit Squad, Drum Major, and Golden Girl make their way around the tables.

I-Club Breakfast

See more pictures from last Friday’s breakfast here—> I-Club Breakfast

After breakfast we were introduced the the I-Club Board, a guest speaker, and finally remarks from our head coach, Kirk Ferentz!  This week was exciting because the guest speaker was our new Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Fran McCaffery.

Basketball coach Fran McCaffery being introduced and given a "Beat State" t-shirt

As always, door prizes were awarded.  While I had my “touchdown dance” prepared, I wasn’t a winner.  I’m a team player though and was happy to see fellow counselor, Sheila win a Hawkeye football signed by Kirk following the event.

Captain Kirk Signing Sheila's new Hawkeye football!

All in all, a great way to start an (early) Friday morning.  This will be great practice for tomorrow’s 5am wake up call to enjoy some eggs, some pickled herring, and other tailgate goodies on the chilly, fall morning before a show-down between our rivals to the West, the Iowa State Cyclones.

ON IOWA, AND GO HAWKS…

Now Get READY. FOR THE. BOOOOOMMM….

Iowa Football Entrance Vs. Michigan, Oct 10, 2009

New Beginnings…

The beginning of a new school year is always exciting.  At Iowa this means the students back for classes, FOOTBALL SEASON, and of course (for us in the Admissions Office) “travel season.”  As many of you gear up for the start of the new high school year, I know you may be considering different colleges and universities.  Included in this are college fairs, campus visits, and also visits to your high school from campus representatives.   Ever wonder what those representatives are up to outside of those events?

Through this blog I hope to provide you with exactly that –  some perspective on the day to day life as an Iowa Admissions Counselor.  I will be updating you on my travel for work (high schools, and college fairs), my exciting experiences in Iowa City, and some unique/unexpected experiences that occur.

Have ideas you want to hear about?   Let me know…