It's crazy to think that just a year ago I was busy writing cover letters, perfecting my resume, and putting off homework just so I could work on grad school apps. I had no idea where I was going to be in a year, and that thought thrilled and terrified me at the same time. After hours of researching, list making, and list editing, I finally settled on 4 schools. 2 were super competitive, long-shot schools, 1 was my alma mater, and the other was one that my mother had talked me into. "It's got a wonderful program, and it's only 45 minutes away from home. We could get you a little car and you could commute." Needless to say, I wasn't entirely sold on that plan, but the program and GAships looked good so I kept it on the list.
I'm ashamed to say that my fear at that time was "getting stuck" in the Midwest. Now, I wish I had been a little bit more practical and listened to all my mom's advice. You see, she warned me about applying to such big-shot schools. I had the experience, yes, but with flailing around in 4 different majors, well, let's just say I had to put an "Explanation of my GPA" at the end of my personal statement. I guess schools that receive 300 applications for 20 spots don't want a girl chalking up those 50 engineering elective credits as "a lesson learned the hard way."
Regardless, last October, I visited the campus on a quiet Saturday and found myself unknowingly imagining what would be my life here. I even took a Muleskinner (the campus paper) home as a souvenir, and to this day haven't actually read one as a student. A lot of people have asked me lately how my transition has been, so if any of you read this, here's my "advice" for grad school/life in student affairs:
1.) Listen to your mama! Or daddy. Or whoever you know that has that wisdom that only comes with age (even though you don't look it, Mom :) ).
2.) Be practical. I so badly wish I would've applied to only 1 big-shot school. While the rejection letters are flattering, I would've rather had more options. And my 100 bucks back.
3.) Be YOURSELF, not some cookie cutter version of what you think people want. Tell your story. People come into student affairs for a variety of reasons, and I'm not the only person in my program that had to fail time and time again before realizing I could use those negative experiences to help others.
4.) Take time for yourself. This one actually was my mentor's advice for me, but it's definitely true. It's so easy to over-work yourself in grad school, especially when you have a GAship that you love. But it's also easy to freak out & wonder why the heck you're doing this to yourself. Balance is everything.
5.) Remember, this isn't undergrad, so don't act like an undergrad. You are a mature adult now. Don't skip class just because you think you can, & don't procrastinate. Writing a paper the night before it's due will result in a point being docked for APA citations because you typed "and" instead of "&".
I don't want to ramble too much, but this is what I've decided is key with my many many long days of experience :). At the end of the day, I am so happy that I'm temporarily "stuck" here in the Midwest. The beautiful thing about my life in student affairs is that I have no idea where it'll take me, but I know I will love it along the way.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Saturday, September 28, 2013
"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall." F. Scott Fitzgerald
It's the most wonderful time of the year folks! These next 4 months or so are my absolute favorite. For me, nothing beats that first morning waking up knowing that the heat of summer is gone (at least for a brief minute in Missouri), and that colder weather is on it's way. Fall daylight savings time is a close second though :).
Every year, I go back and forth with winter and fall being my favorite seasons. After it snowed on my last day of undergrad classes in May, however, I think I am officially a fall convert (though snow will always hold a special place in my heart). As a kid, even, I halfheartedly looked forward to summer, but the second it was time to check out the "Back to School" section at Target I was raring to go! I have always loved school. My parents may even argue that it's a tad too much since I'll have officially put off the job search for 7 years by the time I graduate. And who knows, that doctorate degree is looking better and better each day :).
This year, however, is especially magical. My last post, I was definitely feeling the stress of trying to adapt to grad school life. A month later, I'm having the time of my life. It's like I'm finally getting that redo of college and am making the most out of it! I have been surrounded by the most wonderful co-workers, friends, and classmates. I know I've said that before, but it's so undeniably true!
I came into grad school hoping to meet a good friend or two, and I've ended up with a couple handfuls! I expected Student Activities to be a great learning experience with Admissions as the end goal. But now, I'm starting to think I've become a Student Activities convert as well! Every single day at work is an adventure. I've done things I never expected to, like running a talent show or becoming the tech expert for My Central or having a creepy Easter bunny interrupt me mid-report at a meeting. The students I get to work with make my days at work, no matter how stressful it may have been, fun and rewarding. Admissions will always be dear to me, but I'm starting to realize how blessed I am to have multiple options and paths to take within this field that I love so much.
So, to kick off these magical months, here's a list of reasons why it's the most wonderful time of the year:
1.) colder weather = snuggling up in boots, scarves, and sweaters
2.) football season--still basking in ISU's win two nights ago
3.) holiday decor = my apartment will be festive non-stop until well after my birthday in January
4.) a holiday each month (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & my golden b-day!)
5.) pumpkin flavored everything
6.) the best season of candles from Bath & Body
7.) new classes and new school supplies
8.) leaves changing and snow falling
9.) Hocus Pocus in the background at all times
10.) breaks from work and school to spend with loved ones
Frank says it better: the best is yet to come :).
Every year, I go back and forth with winter and fall being my favorite seasons. After it snowed on my last day of undergrad classes in May, however, I think I am officially a fall convert (though snow will always hold a special place in my heart). As a kid, even, I halfheartedly looked forward to summer, but the second it was time to check out the "Back to School" section at Target I was raring to go! I have always loved school. My parents may even argue that it's a tad too much since I'll have officially put off the job search for 7 years by the time I graduate. And who knows, that doctorate degree is looking better and better each day :).
This year, however, is especially magical. My last post, I was definitely feeling the stress of trying to adapt to grad school life. A month later, I'm having the time of my life. It's like I'm finally getting that redo of college and am making the most out of it! I have been surrounded by the most wonderful co-workers, friends, and classmates. I know I've said that before, but it's so undeniably true!
I came into grad school hoping to meet a good friend or two, and I've ended up with a couple handfuls! I expected Student Activities to be a great learning experience with Admissions as the end goal. But now, I'm starting to think I've become a Student Activities convert as well! Every single day at work is an adventure. I've done things I never expected to, like running a talent show or becoming the tech expert for My Central or having a creepy Easter bunny interrupt me mid-report at a meeting. The students I get to work with make my days at work, no matter how stressful it may have been, fun and rewarding. Admissions will always be dear to me, but I'm starting to realize how blessed I am to have multiple options and paths to take within this field that I love so much.
So, to kick off these magical months, here's a list of reasons why it's the most wonderful time of the year:
1.) colder weather = snuggling up in boots, scarves, and sweaters
2.) football season--still basking in ISU's win two nights ago
3.) holiday decor = my apartment will be festive non-stop until well after my birthday in January
4.) a holiday each month (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & my golden b-day!)
5.) pumpkin flavored everything
6.) the best season of candles from Bath & Body
7.) new classes and new school supplies
8.) leaves changing and snow falling
9.) Hocus Pocus in the background at all times
10.) breaks from work and school to spend with loved ones
Frank says it better: the best is yet to come :).
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Hump Day
While I try to keep this blog positive, exciting, and emotion-free, I think after a few months I can make an exception-post. For those of you looking for happy, sunshine-y, "this is so awesome" light reading, look elsewhere (i.e. the last post or two.) Things are about to get REAL. Also, if you want to skip past this vent-session, I've included stage directions/notes.
(begin 'Rant')
(begin 'Rant')
Today was a struggle. A comedian I saw last week for Spotlight joked about how some people have to ride the struggle bus from time to time, and sometimes you're even the one running after said bus because you were too late to get on it. Today, I was that person running. Let's start with this morning.
Not only did I wake up 2 hours before my alarm, but by the time I fell back asleep I woke up too late to be on time to work. My hair wasn't cooperating, and outfit number 2 didn't really work because of an important piece I left at home, but since there was no third backup outfit (which I've never actually needed to have planned until today), I had to make it work. My microwave decided that today it was just going to run but not heat things, so I had half soggy/lukewarm oatmeal for breakfast, AND I wasn't able to make my pour-over coffee. The latter should've been a sign that I was better off going back to sleep and skipping today.
Once I finally made it to work, things with the event weren't running as smoothly as hoped. Once we got set up outside, I had to attempt to look professional and put together as my face flushed and dripped in the 200 degree heat index weather.Folks, this was only 10 am. (Sidenote: My iPhone actually overheated later in the day and wouldn't work until I let it cool down. I didn't even know this was a real thing!)
The 55 pages I sped-read yesterday for my noon class went unused as an APA orientation took place instead. What's worse, I knew about this orientation ahead of time, but had forgotten, so I stressed about reading all those pages anyway. I also had to actually act as a supervisor today for the first time with mine out of the office. Most people think it's fun being in charge, but when everyone is staring at me--the Queen of Indecisiveness--to make a decision, I'd gladly delegate any day. I can only hope that my spontaneous answers were good ones.
Finally, when writing this post, I attempted to spell "included" with an "e". I got 3rd place in my 6th grade Spelling Bee guys. That might be the most heart-breaking fail of all.
(end 'Rant')
By now I'm sure my boyfriend and my mentor from Iowa State are both a little amused because I'm about to give them a big "you were right, tell me you told me so" moment. Grad school is a LOT of work! I'm literally busy allll the time. On top of the 115 pages I'm expected to read in a day, I also have to actually work. *sigh*
Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to spew off a list of complaints, and I definitely haven't changed my mind on loving this whole experience that I am very fortunate to have, but today was just one of those days. This is still just the start, and I'm still trying to figure out my routine. I know there'll be plenty more of these days ahead; they come with any job. But I also am happy that the good days far outweigh the bad. It's like a relationship right? Some days you just want to (figuratively) kill your partner, but you don't because you would miss them.
I hope the rest of you are having a better Wednesday than myself. But if you're not, maybe this will cheer you up. :)
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Burg Bound
WOW have the past two weeks flown by! College may not have been the best years of my life, but I have a feeling these next two years are gonna be one for the books! The past two weeks have been so hectic and I've loved every minute of it. Here's a little recap:
I spent an amazing 4 days in Illinois with Austin and his family. I was SO nervous meeting his parents at the airport, but those nerves quickly disappeared :). Words cannot describe how much I loved those few days there, and it was definitely hard to leave! But after returning home I had about one day to gather allll my clothes and shoes and other miscellaneous belongings before moving to Warrensburg for good. For the first time I was completely nerve-free on the drive!
Now, the business cards, name tag, and polo have arrived, and I have been an official employee for the past week! The google calendar is color coded and packed to the max (goodbye social life! ;) ). But the past week of training has been such a fun learning experience. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, and to be surrounded by some awesome coworkers (that includes my 5 new undergrad advisees!).
Class starts this Wednesday and I feel quite prepared after adjusting to my minimal sleep schedule. Rachel found her dress yesterday, so the Maid of Honor duties will come rolling in soon as well and I could not be more excited! I don't think I've stopped moving, and probably won't anytime soon, but all is well :).
I spent an amazing 4 days in Illinois with Austin and his family. I was SO nervous meeting his parents at the airport, but those nerves quickly disappeared :). Words cannot describe how much I loved those few days there, and it was definitely hard to leave! But after returning home I had about one day to gather allll my clothes and shoes and other miscellaneous belongings before moving to Warrensburg for good. For the first time I was completely nerve-free on the drive!
Now, the business cards, name tag, and polo have arrived, and I have been an official employee for the past week! The google calendar is color coded and packed to the max (goodbye social life! ;) ). But the past week of training has been such a fun learning experience. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, and to be surrounded by some awesome coworkers (that includes my 5 new undergrad advisees!).
Class starts this Wednesday and I feel quite prepared after adjusting to my minimal sleep schedule. Rachel found her dress yesterday, so the Maid of Honor duties will come rolling in soon as well and I could not be more excited! I don't think I've stopped moving, and probably won't anytime soon, but all is well :).
Saturday, July 27, 2013
What an IMPACT!!!
The last post I did NOT want to write at all, but this one I've been looking forward to all week!!! It's funny how the past few times I've been en route to Warrensburg, I've been excited but extremely nervous, but once I'm there I never want to leave! Even in March when I was there for interviews I couldn't get over the "homey" feeling the campus evokes.
These past 4 days I got to help make sure the IMPACT retreat--which is a leadership retreat for incoming freshmen--ran smoothly. Everyone kept telling us newbie GA's that we were being "thrown to the wolves" having to help work this event with little training, but I absolutely LOVED it!! Thanks to my obsession with personality tests/quizzes, I've discovered in the past that I work best when I just jump right into something and figure it out as I go, and this event was the perfect time to test that. And even though the week wore me out pretty good, I can't wait to do it again. It felt so good just to be working again, especially with some pretty wonderful people! The retreat definitely made an impact on me, and now I know the next time I go back to Warrensburg the nerves will be left at home :).
Here are a few of the highlights and lessons that I didn't expect to learn from the first few days on the job:
In other news, I now have a few days to wind down before I get to fly out to Illinois and see Austin and meet his family! Then it's back to the Burg for good! :) Below are a few pictures though of my new office and apartment!
Best part of the apartment: I get two closets!!! Roll your eyes all you want, but this is exciting people!
He insisted on being in the pictures, but thanks to him and Nate I got all set up really well :)
And now I'm home with this beautiful face, in her typical attention-getting position of course.
These past 4 days I got to help make sure the IMPACT retreat--which is a leadership retreat for incoming freshmen--ran smoothly. Everyone kept telling us newbie GA's that we were being "thrown to the wolves" having to help work this event with little training, but I absolutely LOVED it!! Thanks to my obsession with personality tests/quizzes, I've discovered in the past that I work best when I just jump right into something and figure it out as I go, and this event was the perfect time to test that. And even though the week wore me out pretty good, I can't wait to do it again. It felt so good just to be working again, especially with some pretty wonderful people! The retreat definitely made an impact on me, and now I know the next time I go back to Warrensburg the nerves will be left at home :).
Here are a few of the highlights and lessons that I didn't expect to learn from the first few days on the job:
- You get to learn campus real quick when you're driving a golf cart back and forth across
- ALWAYS check the toilet for unnamed cockroach/beetle/crustacean/even-the-"I have no problem with bugs"-girl-gets-freaked-out-by bugs
- Keep it simple when building a boat out of cardboard and duct tape
- Patience is key, especially when your 2 BR apt goes to a 1 BR for 3 people at the crack of midnight (no glass slippers were lost in the move)
- If you want to see the President, you better be able to stand for 5 hours
- 4 grad students and an engineer got stumped by a sound speaker
- Never turn down drinks when the waitress gives a low "ish" price
- Talking in a megaphone is a once in a lifetime experience
- Don't doubt a girl's capability or seriousness in finishing a 1/3 of a gallon of ice cream
- AND long days end best when you can talk it out with other GA's
In other news, I now have a few days to wind down before I get to fly out to Illinois and see Austin and meet his family! Then it's back to the Burg for good! :) Below are a few pictures though of my new office and apartment!
Best part of the apartment: I get two closets!!! Roll your eyes all you want, but this is exciting people!
He insisted on being in the pictures, but thanks to him and Nate I got all set up really well :)
And now I'm home with this beautiful face, in her typical attention-getting position of course.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
"This isn't goodbye..."
I can't decide which task I don't want to do more: pack..or write this post. My belongings lie completely untouched on the floor, and I've been staring at this blinking cursor for the past 10 minutes.
In the words of one of the most influential people in my life, I have been nothing but an emotional basket case all week. Some of you (myself included) are probably thinking..."When aren't you an emotional basket case??". Well my friends, the pre-moving Erica can hereby be referred to as impassive, calm, and collected. I will miss her dearly.
I thought leaving Ames would be similar to how I felt leaving Sioux City, and I was so very wrong. Leaving Sioux City, I was beyond excited and ready to get out of there. And while I'm still excited to leave Ames and move on with the next adventure in my life, I'm finding that leaving here is much much harder. Ames has been my home for the past 5 years. It has been my comfort zone. But I guess the only time you really see how much you can be and grow is when you go out of your comfort zone, right? Am I scared and nervous? Most definitely. Am I ready though? Most definitely.
I'm going to have to keep this very short and sweet, because the more times I delete a sentence or paragraph, the more I realize I truly can't say any of this the way I'm trying to or want to. So I'll keep it simple.
Thank you to everyone who has spent these past few years, weeks, and days with me. Thank you for the endless support and encouragement you provided that helped lead me to this path. Thank you for helping me say goodbye. I will miss all of you very much.
In the words of one of the most influential people in my life, I have been nothing but an emotional basket case all week. Some of you (myself included) are probably thinking..."When aren't you an emotional basket case??". Well my friends, the pre-moving Erica can hereby be referred to as impassive, calm, and collected. I will miss her dearly.
I thought leaving Ames would be similar to how I felt leaving Sioux City, and I was so very wrong. Leaving Sioux City, I was beyond excited and ready to get out of there. And while I'm still excited to leave Ames and move on with the next adventure in my life, I'm finding that leaving here is much much harder. Ames has been my home for the past 5 years. It has been my comfort zone. But I guess the only time you really see how much you can be and grow is when you go out of your comfort zone, right? Am I scared and nervous? Most definitely. Am I ready though? Most definitely.
I'm going to have to keep this very short and sweet, because the more times I delete a sentence or paragraph, the more I realize I truly can't say any of this the way I'm trying to or want to. So I'll keep it simple.
Thank you to everyone who has spent these past few years, weeks, and days with me. Thank you for the endless support and encouragement you provided that helped lead me to this path. Thank you for helping me say goodbye. I will miss all of you very much.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
God's Country
I have lived in Iowa for 18 years now. My family moved to Sioux City when I was 5 from Miami, Fl. I'll never forget standing outside my cousin's house pouting and wishing we weren't leaving. Now, due to my semi-insane and sometimes ambivalent love for winter, I am SO glad we didn't stay in the sunshine (aka so humid I could die) state--no offense cousins!
When my parents moved to Lee's Summit, MO (outside KC) shortly after dropping me off in Ames, I couldn't help but be slightly thrilled. After 13 years in the same city and same house and same boring state, I was so ready to move to the bigger city I'd always envisioned myself in. I was by no means a "country girl", and just knew I was destined to move to New York City after graduation and live á la Carrie Bradshaw.
Sometimes I think that there should be a limit to how many times your parents can say "I told you so." It seems that the older that I get, however, the limit does not exist--cue Mean Girls GIF. So mother, as you sit there on your horizon-broadening-throne, I hope--and know you'll prove me wrong--that this is one of the last times I'll have to say this, "you were right." And yes, that's as loudly as I can say that without hurting my pride.
You see, every time I expressed my desire to be far away from home living the ultimate single girl life in some fabulous city, my mother reminded me that a time will come that I won't feel that way, and that that dream most likely won't happen. And sure enough, now that I've graduated, I'm not "the ultimate single girl", and I'm moving closer to home. 45 minutes away to be exact. And you want to know the irony of this whole situation? I'm SAD! I'm truly completely 100% upset that I'm leaving Iowa. (My 17 year old self is sitting here saying "ummm...excuhUSE me?? What is wrong with you?")
As my best friend Tabitha and I drove through the northern part of Ames this past weekend looking at houses we determined brain surgeons live in, I couldn't help but gaze longingly at the beautifully flat fields we passed by. The closer I get to leaving Iowa, the more I secretely wish my boyfriend was a farmer and not an Aero E major telling me "there are no good jobs in Iowa for what I want to do". (Sorry Austin! :) ). But it's true! I long to be a country girl. I so desperately want to be surrounded by never-ending corn fields and blue skies. I crave the idea of a house in the country surrounded by nothing but family and animals and God's good earth.
I could go on about the beauty of Iowa that it seems only true Iowans will really appreciate, but it's not just the land that amazes me, it's the people too. See, growing up in Iowa shaped my character in a way I'll never forget. Iowans are hard working and truly value this land that God gave us. They're so very friendly and down to earth. Compassionate. Patient (though maybe I'll need to live here another 20 years to fully develop that trait ;) ). And maybe I'm generalizing, and I'm surely not saying other places don't have people like this either, but I'm just proud of where I'm from.
It's too bad that it takes leaving a place to truly appreciate it. It's hard to believe I have 3.5 weeks left in a place I've known almost all my life. And it's not so hard to believe I can't write a post without getting all emotional, so I'll leave it with a quote from a Raygun shirt I should've purchased when I had the chance. "Iowans: the few, the proud, the extremely attractive."
When my parents moved to Lee's Summit, MO (outside KC) shortly after dropping me off in Ames, I couldn't help but be slightly thrilled. After 13 years in the same city and same house and same boring state, I was so ready to move to the bigger city I'd always envisioned myself in. I was by no means a "country girl", and just knew I was destined to move to New York City after graduation and live á la Carrie Bradshaw.
Sometimes I think that there should be a limit to how many times your parents can say "I told you so." It seems that the older that I get, however, the limit does not exist--cue Mean Girls GIF. So mother, as you sit there on your horizon-broadening-throne, I hope--and know you'll prove me wrong--that this is one of the last times I'll have to say this, "you were right." And yes, that's as loudly as I can say that without hurting my pride.
You see, every time I expressed my desire to be far away from home living the ultimate single girl life in some fabulous city, my mother reminded me that a time will come that I won't feel that way, and that that dream most likely won't happen. And sure enough, now that I've graduated, I'm not "the ultimate single girl", and I'm moving closer to home. 45 minutes away to be exact. And you want to know the irony of this whole situation? I'm SAD! I'm truly completely 100% upset that I'm leaving Iowa. (My 17 year old self is sitting here saying "ummm...excuhUSE me?? What is wrong with you?")
As my best friend Tabitha and I drove through the northern part of Ames this past weekend looking at houses we determined brain surgeons live in, I couldn't help but gaze longingly at the beautifully flat fields we passed by. The closer I get to leaving Iowa, the more I secretely wish my boyfriend was a farmer and not an Aero E major telling me "there are no good jobs in Iowa for what I want to do". (Sorry Austin! :) ). But it's true! I long to be a country girl. I so desperately want to be surrounded by never-ending corn fields and blue skies. I crave the idea of a house in the country surrounded by nothing but family and animals and God's good earth.
I could go on about the beauty of Iowa that it seems only true Iowans will really appreciate, but it's not just the land that amazes me, it's the people too. See, growing up in Iowa shaped my character in a way I'll never forget. Iowans are hard working and truly value this land that God gave us. They're so very friendly and down to earth. Compassionate. Patient (though maybe I'll need to live here another 20 years to fully develop that trait ;) ). And maybe I'm generalizing, and I'm surely not saying other places don't have people like this either, but I'm just proud of where I'm from.
It's too bad that it takes leaving a place to truly appreciate it. It's hard to believe I have 3.5 weeks left in a place I've known almost all my life. And it's not so hard to believe I can't write a post without getting all emotional, so I'll leave it with a quote from a Raygun shirt I should've purchased when I had the chance. "Iowans: the few, the proud, the extremely attractive."
Monday, June 10, 2013
"Iowa State Admissions..."
So this post required hardcore digging and creeping...on my own Facebook page of course! For the past 2.5 years, I spent about 20 hours a week answering the phone with the classic "Iowa State Admissions". Over time, I've acquired more than just a love for admissions and customer service, I got some pretty good stories as well! :)
From wishing we had a "reject" button, getting responses of "Hello Iowa State Admissions" or "extension _____", and the glorious moments we spent talking to that one British guy asking for the director, our small but mighty group of 9 had the most exciting job on campus, though the parking division may claim otherwise.
Now before I get all emotional in my ongoing attempt to "hang up the phone" (punny?) on this amazing job, I'll leave you all with this conglomeration of the best calls/moments I can remember. While there are many other great stories from my fellow coworkers, these I got to experience firsthand.
Lady: Yeah I'm from Arkansas, is that considered "out-of-state"?
Me: Yes, anything that's not Iowa is out-of-state.
Incoming freshmen called today to verify the admissions address and pronounced "Ames" as "Ah-mes": two syllables, sounds like amen.
Me: Iowa State Admissions
(random jumbling and scrambling)
Me: Hello?
Guy: Hello?
Me: Hi
Guy: Who is this?
Me: This is Iowa State Admissions.
Guy: Oh hi.
Me: Hi
Guy: Did you call me or did I call you?
Me: No you called me.
Guy: Oh oops must've pocket dialed you. Sorry. *Click*
A mother just spelled an email with "n" as in "knife" over the phone today...Oh how I love my job!
Guy: Hi how do you get admission?
Me: to the university?
Guy: This is a university?
Me: Yes this is Iowa State University
Guy: Oh. Yeah how do you get admission?
Me: Well you have to fill out an application first.
Guy: Oh you have to apply.
Me: Yes, will you be coming from high school or a different college?
Guy: Uhhh...hold on...(talking to someone in background)...Nevermind. Just nevermind. I had my facts wrong. Nevermind. *Click*
Guy: Yes we're sending our daughter to school there next year and I was wondering where you're located.
Me: We're in Ames, Iowa.
Guy: Iowa? That's over by Montana right?
Me: No, it's actually ........(proceed to give geographical explanation)
Lady: Hi we're flying into Ames, I mean Des Moines, since that's where flights come in now, to see the school and go to a football game so I'm wondering what time the game starts so we can book the flights.
Me: Okay what weekend?
Lady: Nov. 3. The website says "to be announced" for the game but we need to know what time it is 'cause our flight depends on it.
Me: Okay well they typically don't schedule the times for the games until a couple weeks before each one....(this was at least 2 months out)
Lady: Yeah but we're flying in so we need to know now so we know what time to fly.
Me: Alright well I'd talk to the football or ticket office then and see if they know.
Lady: Okay can you send me to the ticket office then?
Guy: Hello I applied a few weeks ago and wanted to check the status.
Me: Okay can you spell your name please?
(Proceed to try to look him up, multiple times, respelling and triple checking name to no avail.)
Me: Sir I'm really sorry I can't find you in any of our systems. How did you apply?
Guy: Hmmm, are there other schools in Iowa?
Me: Yes, there's the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa.
Guy: And what cities are those in?
Me: Well the U of Iowa is Iowa City and U of Northern Iowa is Cedar Falls.
Guy: I think it was the Iowa City one. Can you give me their number?
Elderly lady: Yes ma'am, you probably haven't ever gotten a call like this, but I'm from New York and my grandson is attending Ohio State in the fall and I'm gonna make him an afghan and wanted to know what your colors are.
Me: I'm sorry this is actually Iowa State, not Ohio State.
Lady: Oh yeah that's what I meant! Iowa State.
Me: Okay well our colors are cardinal and gold.
Lady: Cardinal? Is that like bright red?
Me: Umm, it's not too bright, but not dark either. Like in the middle red.
Lady: Not like maroon right?
Me: No more like classic red.
Lady: And gold? Like yellow?
Me: Yes cardinal and gold.
Lady: Okay thank you!
Me: Iowa State Admissions
Guy: Yes does Iowa State have a college?
Me: Yes this is Iowa State University.
Guy: Well does the university have a college?
Me: Well we have 6 academic colleges within our university.
Guy: Well what are the requirements to come to the college?
Me: You need to meet our general admissions requirements for the university and then you can pick whatever major you want within the colleges.
Guy: So if I didn't get into the university I can't come to the college?
Me: Right, you'd have to meet our university requirements to be able to attend school here.
Guy: Oh...well I didn't get in. So nevermind then."
And finally, saving the best for last, except maybe Austin being my last call ever. This is coincidentally the most recent as well.
Me: Iowa State Admissions
Lady: Yes is this the University of Iowa?
Me: No, this is Iowa State University.
Lady: Oh, is that the same as the University of Illinois?
Me: No, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Illinois are three different colleges.
Lady: Oh, can you help me with the number for the University of Illinois please?
Me: I'm sorry I don't have that number, you may have to Google it.
Hope this makes you smile or laugh, and if you're ever feeling deprived of a good story or status update from me then you can find them here! :)
From wishing we had a "reject" button, getting responses of "Hello Iowa State Admissions" or "extension _____", and the glorious moments we spent talking to that one British guy asking for the director, our small but mighty group of 9 had the most exciting job on campus, though the parking division may claim otherwise.
Now before I get all emotional in my ongoing attempt to "hang up the phone" (punny?) on this amazing job, I'll leave you all with this conglomeration of the best calls/moments I can remember. While there are many other great stories from my fellow coworkers, these I got to experience firsthand.
Just had someone calling to ask for the extension office 'cause he wants to find an aquifer. I call horticulture and say that I have someone who wants to get an aquifer and didn't know where to go. Apparently, an aquifer is an underground source of water contained by rock.
Lady: Yeah I'm from Arkansas, is that considered "out-of-state"?
Me: Yes, anything that's not Iowa is out-of-state.
Incoming freshmen called today to verify the admissions address and pronounced "Ames" as "Ah-mes": two syllables, sounds like amen.
Me: Iowa State Admissions
(random jumbling and scrambling)
Me: Hello?
Guy: Hello?
Me: Hi
Guy: Who is this?
Me: This is Iowa State Admissions.
Guy: Oh hi.
Me: Hi
Guy: Did you call me or did I call you?
Me: No you called me.
Guy: Oh oops must've pocket dialed you. Sorry. *Click*
A mother just spelled an email with "n" as in "knife" over the phone today...Oh how I love my job!
Guy: Hi how do you get admission?
Me: to the university?
Guy: This is a university?
Me: Yes this is Iowa State University
Guy: Oh. Yeah how do you get admission?
Me: Well you have to fill out an application first.
Guy: Oh you have to apply.
Me: Yes, will you be coming from high school or a different college?
Guy: Uhhh...hold on...(talking to someone in background)...Nevermind. Just nevermind. I had my facts wrong. Nevermind. *Click*
Guy: Yes we're sending our daughter to school there next year and I was wondering where you're located.
Me: We're in Ames, Iowa.
Guy: Iowa? That's over by Montana right?
Me: No, it's actually ........(proceed to give geographical explanation)
Lady: Hi we're flying into Ames, I mean Des Moines, since that's where flights come in now, to see the school and go to a football game so I'm wondering what time the game starts so we can book the flights.
Me: Okay what weekend?
Lady: Nov. 3. The website says "to be announced" for the game but we need to know what time it is 'cause our flight depends on it.
Me: Okay well they typically don't schedule the times for the games until a couple weeks before each one....(this was at least 2 months out)
Lady: Yeah but we're flying in so we need to know now so we know what time to fly.
Me: Alright well I'd talk to the football or ticket office then and see if they know.
Lady: Okay can you send me to the ticket office then?
Guy: Hello I applied a few weeks ago and wanted to check the status.
Me: Okay can you spell your name please?
(Proceed to try to look him up, multiple times, respelling and triple checking name to no avail.)
Me: Sir I'm really sorry I can't find you in any of our systems. How did you apply?
Guy: Hmmm, are there other schools in Iowa?
Me: Yes, there's the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa.
Guy: And what cities are those in?
Me: Well the U of Iowa is Iowa City and U of Northern Iowa is Cedar Falls.
Guy: I think it was the Iowa City one. Can you give me their number?
Elderly lady: Yes ma'am, you probably haven't ever gotten a call like this, but I'm from New York and my grandson is attending Ohio State in the fall and I'm gonna make him an afghan and wanted to know what your colors are.
Me: I'm sorry this is actually Iowa State, not Ohio State.
Lady: Oh yeah that's what I meant! Iowa State.
Me: Okay well our colors are cardinal and gold.
Lady: Cardinal? Is that like bright red?
Me: Umm, it's not too bright, but not dark either. Like in the middle red.
Lady: Not like maroon right?
Me: No more like classic red.
Lady: And gold? Like yellow?
Me: Yes cardinal and gold.
Lady: Okay thank you!
Me: Iowa State Admissions
Guy: Yes does Iowa State have a college?
Me: Yes this is Iowa State University.
Guy: Well does the university have a college?
Me: Well we have 6 academic colleges within our university.
Guy: Well what are the requirements to come to the college?
Me: You need to meet our general admissions requirements for the university and then you can pick whatever major you want within the colleges.
Guy: So if I didn't get into the university I can't come to the college?
Me: Right, you'd have to meet our university requirements to be able to attend school here.
Guy: Oh...well I didn't get in. So nevermind then."
And finally, saving the best for last, except maybe Austin being my last call ever. This is coincidentally the most recent as well.
Me: Iowa State Admissions
Lady: Yes is this the University of Iowa?
Me: No, this is Iowa State University.
Lady: Oh, is that the same as the University of Illinois?
Me: No, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Illinois are three different colleges.
Lady: Oh, can you help me with the number for the University of Illinois please?
Me: I'm sorry I don't have that number, you may have to Google it.
Hope this makes you smile or laugh, and if you're ever feeling deprived of a good story or status update from me then you can find them here! :)
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