I went to NC State University’s campus. As an Independent Educational Consultant/College Admissions Coach, one of the things I do is go visit college campuses to learn more up front about what is going on at the campus. I go to information sessions for freshmen and transfers and love to listen to the questions students and parents ask. It helps me understand better where those who are looking at colleges are at in their process and what is important to them.
I have been to NC State University’s campus many times, but not in the role of taking an official tour. When I went last week, it was pouring down rain. Not the light misty rain we sometimes get in North Carolina, but the type where you wonder if you should start building an ark.
I thought ok – I will wear boots and bring a large umbrella. All good and smart things to do when the rain is like monsoon season and even ducks are taking cover. I make my way to The E. Carroll Joyner Visitor Center for the information session. I go to the entrance of the building, and the heel of my left boot falls off in a big chunk. Being the able College Admissions Coach I am, I took it in stride; I picked up the chunk and threw it into the garbage can and went into the building.
I checked in and went to wait at a small table before the session started – the right heel of my boot came right off. Well, I think, now at least I am even on both feet. I go into the information session with bits of my boots are littering the ground as I walk. I take a seat and listen to the presentation.
After the presentation, we are welcome to join the tour across campus. One needs to drive to another parking structure and walk over to meet the tour guides. I admit I hesitated as I walked to my car and I could feel the water seeping into my boots, no one but me would know I had not joined the tour. And gosh darn it – it was raining even harder. Being the good Independent Educational Coach/College Admissions Coach I am; I soldiered on and went on the tour.
The tour was wonderful and perhaps even more beautiful in the rain. I saw the campus from our tour guide’s perspective. Their excitement of the events that involved student participation was resounding and clear despite the large campus size where it might be easy to get lost. They spoke of farmer’s markets, student clubs, and other fun activities that many students might enjoy. I overheard a student in the library talk about how long they had been in the library, only the wet presence of the twenty-so people on the tour brought to their attention it was raining outside. It was a badge of honor – I’ve been studying, but I am still enjoying myself. The rain means nothing to me!
As we rounded the last stop, the new Talley Student Union, I noticed a blue piece of my shoe sticking out (my boots were black). The bottom of my shoe had completely disintegrated, leaving its self all over the NC State University campus. My left sock was now the only thing between me and the beautiful white linoleum of the Talley Student Union. Again being the dutiful College Admissions Coach, I listen to my tour guide wrap up her presentation and tell us the exciting new parts yet to be finished in the Student Union. Overall, it was a wonderful and fulfilling tour.
With an umbrella protecting my head and both my socks soaked, I made my uneven walk to the parking structure feeling every rock on my exposed sock. The amazing part is I believe no one knew I was walking around the campus in a partial shoe as boot covered the top and only left the bottom part of my boot was exposed. I also know everyone on the tour was soaking in the information about the campus they had probably grown up around, but they had never set foot on as someone who might belong. As someone who might belong, that is part I love best about visiting campuses as a College Admissions Coach. It is a chance to try on a campus like an outfit in the mall. Does it fit well? Does it make me look good? Is it wearing me or am I wearing it – with style? The campus tour is that chance to find out as are many events prospective student events on a college campus you might are consider attending. Do I fit? Is it comfortable here? Is it me?
It is the great ah ha moment to discovering your fit.