As I’m sure many of our students (current and prospective) would agree, I’m finding it more than a little difficult to believe that November is already upon us – and that December is approaching rapidly. It seems downright unreasonable to ask us to start thinking about holiday plans. The last three months have gone by much too quickly… I’m talking German Autobahn-speed here.
What happened to the glory days of summer, those beautiful, fleeting 2,208 hours that make up June, July and August? Wasn’t I just enjoying a butter-pecan milkshake outside on the patio at Dino’s Soda Bar, my most favorite gathering place in all of Denver? And taking in a foreign film at the Mayan, a wonderfully quirky little movie theater here in the city? And watching the Rockies NOT make it into the World Series? Ok, in all fairness, I suppose I could still do most of those things now that the leaves have unceremoniously dumped themselves on my front lawn… but it’s just not the same.
My summer was enjoyable for many reasons. Not only was I able to indulge in my share of frozen beverages and films with subtitles, but I received what I call… well, ‘the call’. To give you a little bit of background: I received my Master’s in Counseling in February 2007. Upon graduation, I found myself eager to learn more about the application process at a prestigious university. Since I’m fortunate enough to be a neighbor of the University of Denver, I didn’t have to venture far to find the experience I was looking for.
I took a seasonal position as a specialist in our enrollment division, where I was responsible for the initial processing of a good amount of the record number of applications that arrived for our 2008-09 academic year. I learned the ins and outs of the Common App., and I became fast friends with the other employees in the office where I was working. The end of our application ‘season’ was quickly approaching… but instead of yearning for a summer somewhat devoid of responsibility, I found that, instead, I was energized by the idea of staying on at DU.
When the admission counselor position became available, I felt as though it was meant to be. Stepping into the role of an admission counselor would mean having territory where I would visit students at high schools and college fairs… it would mean reading applications and making decisions on the kinds of files I had processed for six months… it would mean helping students get into the college of their dreams… and it would mean (and this was very important to me) much more quality face-time with prospective students and their parents. It was perfect - and I wanted it. Badly.
I was by no means a shoo-in for the job, however. I felt I was well-liked and respected within my department, but DU takes their hiring very seriously. There was an intensive interview process culminating in a 20-minute presentation to a good many people in the department – talk about stressful. But when I received the call, ‘the call’ from our associate director here in admissions welcoming me into the fold… I almost fell off my chair. And, I’ll admit… I did a little dance. I couldn’t help it. I really and truly felt as if I had gained entrance into the college of my dreams all over again – only this time I had chosen more wisely. And they had chosen me as well.
So, all this to say… I understand what you’re going through. I understand the stress. I understand wanting something so badly you feel as though you can reach out and touch it, that’s how tangible and real it is to you. It’s a wonderful thing, to really crave something like that. It makes life much more interesting, and it compels us to our greatest heights.
I know most of you have been working very hard for many years in order to secure the acceptance letter of your dreams - I vividly remember the day the acceptance packet from my top- choice school came in the mail. However, let me also say that, while it was a joyous occasion, it was by no means the highlight of my life – or even my year. Several (ok, many) years later, I realize that, had I not received that packet, I would still be very successful in life. And had I not been offered the job at DU, while I would have been wickedly disappointed, I’m quite sure that I would have found a very suitable alternative. The campuses where I was accepted and where I am currently employed have enriched my soul, and I am thankful for the positive contributions they have made to my life – but they do not define me as a human being.
So don’t stress… what is meant to be, will be. And as the poet Robert Burns once said (a statement I agree with wholeheartedly, by the way), “Suspense is worse than disappointment.”
Stephanie Cuddihy, Admission Counselor
