Coffee Talk Tuesday #17

Happy Coffee Talk Tuesday! Welcome to the weekly chat where I spill my guts and try not to spill my coffee. That would be very sad.

Hello from Colorado! One of my favorite things about admissions fall travel is working from coffee shops. I usually gravitate toward Starbucks because they are everywhere and convenient. I just love working while being surrounded by other busy-bodies and the delicious smell of java.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I’m on day 4 of a 10-day work trip in the beautiful state of Colorado. Why am I here? In case we’re only connected via the fitness world, I’ll let you know that my full-time job at the moment is working for Washington College as the associate director of admissions — I manage the middle of the country ‘territory’ meaning that I make meaningful connections with families and students, looking for the next class (ummmm Class of 2021 y’all) of eager, enthusiastic, bright, talented students. And Colorado is a great place to do this! I love, love, love this territory.

While I’m on the road, I visit various high schools, attend college nights and meet 1:1 with students and counselors. It’s a high-energy job with lots of details, communication, follow-up, and organization. This is year 9 for me! dramatic pause.

This is a neat week to be in Colorado – hundreds of out-of-state colleges flock to the area for the special events — we have TEN college fairs this week (most recruiters attend all the events) on top of whatever other visits we plan individually. Most of the high schools I’m visiting have told me that 120+ schools have scheduled to meet with their students this week. It’s great because there is SO MUCH energy and focus dedicated to college search and the students are super prepped and ready to meet with us.

If we were having coffee today, I’d walk you through a day in the life of an admissions road warrior — but will refrain from sharing the details in this post. Look for a post on this later in the week! I’m sure you’ll be biting your nails in sweet anticipation.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that I’ve gotten to be a pro at making the most of my time on the road recruiting. My first year, it was such a blur. I had a HUGE territory that first year (we had 5 counselors at the time, now we have 12, such a difference), and definitely did not pay attention to me. Now, I know that I have to keep myself in good health and happy/recharged in order to do the best job and be the best representative for my institution.

What does that involve? Out here in CO, that means I spend time outside. I absolutely love to hike, and there is no shortage of opportunity to do that here. I’ve visited this area 5 times before, and each time I try to find a new place to explore. This year, I finally made it to Garden of the Gods. I will absolutely revisit my favorite trail in Boulder (at the Flatirons), itching to be outside for a hike. It takes some major organization and planning to fit in all the details on such a busy schedule. But for me, this is so worth it. I also find that I have fun things/experiences to share with the students that I meet, if I understand their area a little more.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you that this territory involves lots of driving — I visit the city of Denver, then head to Colorado Springs, up to Ft. Collins and Boulder, over to Aspen, and everywhere in between that funky triangle. I will travel close to 750-800 miles in these 10 days.

I’m a total pro at traveling. I’m SO excited this year to be completely addicted to a new podcast, thanks to the recommendation of a colleague. I’m listening to Sounds of the Trail, which follows thru-hikers trekking across the Pacific Crest Trail and the Appalachian Trail. It’s so well done. I love all the topics, and have completely fallen in love with the cast of characters (um, real people). It reminds me so much of my Appalachian Trail hikes, and makes me crave getting back on the trail. I’ve already warned my dear husband to prepare for ALL THE HIKING. I highly recommend this podcast. It makes all the miles so easy to traverse.

If we were having coffee today, I’d tell you oops sorry for jeopardizing the conversation! I want to hear what you’re doing today/this week — what’s on your mind?