To those of us that work in admissions, the time of year commonly referred to as “autumn,” means one thing alone: travel season. At this time of year, my staff and I are dispersed across the country (and abroad!) visiting high schools, attending college fairs, interviewing prospective students, and hosting receptions and information sessions. The activities and events vary depending on what part of the country we are visiting, but the goal is fundamentally the same: to help students, counselors and parents understand the unique educational experience available at Holy Cross.
To many, the idea of travel sounds…well…sort of glamorous. We fly around the country, stay in nice hotels and eat out…a lot. And when people hear the places I visit (Florida and Puerto Rico), they have a hard time believing that this is really work. I can just imagine the visuals the more skeptical person might conjure up: lounge chair by the pool with a cool drink garnished with a colorful paper umbrella in hand. Well, I am here to report that no matter how exotic the territory may sound, the travel experience differs little from the more local (some might say mundane) areas. We meet some great students, exchange information with guidance counselors, and spend a lot of time in the car. Granted, my territories are warmer, so while I don’t worry about snow storms, I do have the occasional hurricane warning with which to contend. In the end, it is all about spreading the word about Holy Cross, no matter the location.
And I do love spreading the word.
Ann McDermott
Director of Admissions
