#transfertoteal

[uncwadmissioncounselors-blog]

An Admission Counselor Farewell

Goodbyes are the worst, aren’t they?  How do you say goodbye to a place that’s given so much to you, and that you’ve poured your heart into in return? A place where you’ve met so many good people, passionate people, that have taken a vested interest in you and given you such great experiences and memories?  People that also ultimately gave you the necessary skills you needed to be able to take yourself forward into a new chapter in your life?

There never really are good answers to these questions.  As I write to you today I write with all of these questions in mind, and the only answer I can think of is to simply be grateful for the time you had, and do your best to pay if forward yourself.  This will be the last blog I write as a Transfer Admission Counselor, as in two days’ time I take everything I learned here- from this campus, from my colleagues and friends, my mentors- and begin to move forward into a new chapter and a new career.  It wasn’t an easy decision- my time here at UNCW, both as a student and a professional- has been full of great memories, and I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought I could.  In addition, the work I’ve done here helping students like you navigate the transfer process has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding.  I will miss talking about my love for UNCW, for all the great people I’ve met and resources I’ve had to help me succeed, and how they can help students like you achieve your goals as well.  But there comes a time and a place where you know it’s time to move on, to try something new and “take flight.”

So I won’t say goodbye. All I’ll say is “good luck.”  You all have incredible stories and incredible dreams, and the people I leave here know how to help you actualize those dreams. Don’t hesitate to ask them to help you with that either- that’s what is so special about the “the Dub.” Everyone here wants to help, and will go out of their way to do so if you give them the opportunity.  So take advantage of it, don’t give up, and good luck to you.  And most importantly…….GO SEAHAWKS!!

Tom

[vaworkassist-blog]

Our new VA Intern!

Hi everyone, my name is Rakia! I am currently enrolled in the Higher Education Administration graduate program at Drexel University and working on my co-op/capstone research project here at UNCW focusing on the admissions, advising, and support service programs offered to student veterans. While I am not a veteran, I have a lot a family members and friends who are active duty and veterans. What I want to take away from this experience is to have a better understanding of what UNCW is doing to prepare student veterans for academic success. 

I'm originally from outside of the Philadelphia area but have lived in the DC area for many years. I graduated from Villanova University with a major in Sociology and minor in Educational Policy and Leadership and interned with the AVID Organization in San Diego, CA while I was at Nova. Pursuing my graduate degree in higher education is a complete career change for me after working in Philadelphia and DC for the Department of the Navy and Department of State for ten years. During my time in DC I also volunteered with USO Metro for six years. 

When my head isn't buried in books or writing papers for school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, traveling, cooking, crossfit and other active outdoor activities. 

[uncwadmissioncounselors-blog]

Twas the night before Christmas: Admissions Style

Twas the day before Christmas break, when all through the office Not an Admissions Counselor was stirring, not even their coffee. The voicemails were read and the emails answered, In hopes that the Director would say go hibernate for the winter.

The applications were submitted and transcripts mailed, while anxious students dreamed of what their decision letters would tell. And the First-Year Counselors in their polos and Transfer Counselors in our khakis, had just settled down for a mid-afternoon snackie.

When out on Hoggard lawn there arose such a clatter, We sprang from our desks to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tripped over the chair and threw out my back.

The sun shining down on the freshly mowed grass, because there’s no snow in the deep deep south. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, Sammy C Hawk pulling a sleigh with tons of teal gear.

Flying about so lively and quick, we knew in that moment he was taking the place of St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his courser they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called us by name!

Now, Karla! now Kelley! now, Micah and Tammy! On, Jessica! On, Tom! on, our incoming Associate Director and Patty! From the beginning of Fall to the beginning of Spring, you’ve worked very hard and made a great team!

You’ve traveled the state and recruited the best, now it’s up to the students to pass the tests. Then he finally exclaimed as he flew out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

From our Admissions family to yours, Happy Holidays! We can wait to see you in 2017!

-Karla

[vaworkassist-blog]

I did it!!!

Well I did it, I survived the “trilogy” here at UNCW. I am still working on realizing that I do not have homework to do every night! I have finished all my classes here on campus and head out to my internship in Georgia on Jan 4th. I am excited for the new adventure that I will find there. I am interested to see how much new information I can get, and get the ability to use the information I have gained during my classes. I have made many new and lifelong friends that I will miss immensely, but I know we will meet back up and enjoy each other’s company.  I have had amazing professors who went out of their way to help prepare us for Rec Therapy life outside of the classroom. I have had great support from classmates, teachers, co-workers, and various organizations on campus. One final semester and I will be an alumna, and I am super excited! I can’t wait to walk across that stage with my cap, gown, and cords on and see the culmination of four years of hard work. My kids are already planning what they want the posters they are making to look like. This is just as much for them as it is for me; they have been there every step of the way, supporting and encouraging me. I have enjoyed my time here at UNCW and look forward to what comes next!     

-Elizabeth

[uncwcurrentstudents-blog]

Losing a pet…

I remember being five years old and stopping by in the middle of the road in Puerto Rico to check out the doggies people were selling. I didn’t think my parents were actually going to buy one, but a few moments later, a cute little Miniature Pinscher quickly became ours, and we decided to name him Twinkle. My sister and I thought that was too girly, so we changed his name to Twinkey (don’t judge we were only 5 and 6 years old haha). A few weeks later, my mom was picking my sister and I up from day care, and as we opened up the car door, we saw a cute, little plush toy. We suddenly realized the head was moving, and found out it was actually another pup! My mom’s boss gifted her an adorable little Poodle, who we later named Oreo. As the years passed by, he became fully blind, but we still loved him unconditionally. They were my sister and I’s best friends. We grew up with them. They moved everywhere with us, from Puerto Rico, to Florida, to North Carolina. Like I mentioned earlier, I was only five when they first came into my life, and fifteen years later, I still had them. They were the biggest blessing to our family.

This past summer, my parents, sister, and I decided to take a trip back to Puerto Rico to see our family since it had been so long. Both Oreo and Twinkey were sick, but we were sure to care for them until they were healthy again before leaving them at their doggy hotel. The day before our trip, we decided to take them on a ride around town. When they were younger, they used to love riding in the car, so we figured since we were going to be out for so long that we should give them a special day before we left. While we were on our trip, we received daily calls from the vet at the hotel caring for them to let us know how they were doing. A few days before our trip was over, my parents received the most devastating news. None of us saw it coming. They were both gone. My heart shattered into a trillion little pieces. They were my whole world. Who was I going to run to when I went home for the weekends and play outside with for hours? Who was I going to get sweet, soft hugs from when I was feeling down? They were my best friends, and now they’re gone. I never saw this day coming, and I was in no way prepared for it. I miss them more than anything, but I know they are now resting peacefully over the rainbow bridge waiting for me. I can’t wait to see them again! I’ll love my sweet Oreo and Twinkey forever and always, and I’m thankful for the best fifteen years I got with them.

-Brigiett

[vaworkassist-blog]

Thanksgiving & the end of another semester!

Hi all, 

It is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and I am looking forward to my husbands fried turkey! My family will be staying home and enjoying a quiet holiday. We are planning a full meal turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green bean casserole, and rolls. Then for dessert we have pumpkin and pecan pies. My favorite part of the holiday is spending time with my family, and of course the leftover turkey sandwiches the day after!

On the school front there’s lots and lots of work to do. My three group projects are coming to a close and we are making the final touches to our papers and preparing the posters for our final presentations. I have six more class days including my finals days until I am done with this semester. I cannot wait, but I will miss the time I get to spend with the friends I have made here. On the other side of this semester is my amazing internship and graduation! I am looking forward to a couple weeks with no homework before my internship begins, and lots of naps!

Hoping you all have a great Thanksgiving; remember to think of all the things you are thankful for and eat lots of food!!!

-Elizabeth

[uncwadmissioncounselors-blog]

UNCW Student Ambassadors: Going for the Gold!

UNCW Student Ambassadors is a student organization that consists of 40 current students whose purpose is to serve students: Past, Present, and Future. They are an enthusiastic group who promote UNCW through working with the Chancellor, the Alumni Association, UNCW Advancement, the Office of Admissions, the community, and prospective and current students.

The Student Ambassadors represent the UNCW Office of Admissions through giving daily campus tours and helping out with various campus events and open houses. If you have ever visited campus for a campus tour, a Student Ambassador was more than likely one of your tour guides! They are one of three student groups that gives tours on behalf of the Office of Admissions. Joining Student Ambassadors is a great way to expand your UNCW experience through gaining leadership skills, learning the value of teamwork, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

The Ambassadors are currently recruiting and accepting applications for the upcoming semester, spring 2017. If you’re interested in becoming a UNCW Student Ambassador, please visit the following website to learn more: http://student.uncw.edu/org/ambassadors/.

-Hannah

[uncwadmissioncounselors-blog]

Have you seen us?

If you have come to campus for a tour, speak to a counselor, or to turn something in to the Admissions Office, you have probably met some of our incredible guest relations specialists that work at the front desk of the Office of Admissions.

These are current UNCW students who work at our front desk to help visitors and counselors with our everyday tasks. These students field guests that come to visit, assist individuals via telephone and chat, send out information that is requested from prospective students, and overall provide a smiling face when counselors are swamped with reviewing applications. These students keep counselors on their toes and remind us each day that sometimes college can be difficult, but it is worth the end result.

Many of our guest relations specialists will be graduating soon. Check out when each will be graduating and what their plans are:

Ben (top row, middle) 

Major: Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing; Expected Graduation Date: December 2017

Plans After College: I plan on moving back to Raleigh to get a little work experience before I pursue a Master's Degree.

Betsy (bottom row, middle)

Major: Business Administration with concentrations in Entrepreneurship and Development and also Operations Management; Expected Graduation Date: May 2017

Plans After College: Plan weddings for a few years then transition to planning non-profit events. I plan to change the world one smile at a time! (Seriously though I am going to make a difference in the world, I just don't know how yet!) 

Cassidy (bottom row, right)

Major: Communication Studies; Expected Graduation Date: May 6, 2017

Plans After College: Move to Wilmington and work toward owning a studio for my photography business - Cassidy Bailey Photography 

Darius (top row, left)

Major: Geography/GIS; Expected Graduation Date: December 2016!

Plans After College: Work for the DoD as a satellite imagery analyst. 

Isaac (top row, right)

Major: Communication Studies; Expected Graduation Date: May 2017

Plans After College: Attend grad school for higher ed or college counseling. I hope to one-day work at a university in some student affairs facet. I think I would be really good in an office of multicultural affairs because I have a passion for helping everyone, especially those who are often under represented and are just trying to find their place on campus. I just love college and want students in the future to have the best experience they can possibly have! 

Melissa (bottom row, left)

Major: Communication Studies; Expected Graduation Date: May 2018

Plans After College: After college, it is a dream of mine to move back to a big city like Boston (where I'm from) and work for a publishing company. I enjoy reading and writing, so I working for a big publishing company would allow me to do what I love.

So the next time you come for a visit, please feel free to congratulate our guest relation specialists and let them know they are Tumblr famous!!

-Kelley