Sitting in a dark room … with candy
After almost four months at my new job as Admissions Counselor at Holy Cross, I have learned one thing: to throw all of my expectations out the window. So when I received my first calendar invite to Committee, I had no idea what to think. My colleagues had given me a brief overview of the process: the dark room, the projector, the snacks. But like almost everything in Admissions, nothing is really that clear until you experience it for yourself.
Going into my first committee, I’ll admit … I was nervous. Naturally, I sat next to the other newbie Admissions staff members(strength in numbers, right?). Having my reading sheet notes projected in front of my peers made me almost as nervous as applicants are about their credentials being projected in front of the Committee. After all, I was not far removed from the college search and application process. Fresh out of college, how was I expected to participate in making life-changing decisions for students only five years younger than myself? But I guess that is the beauty of our Committee process. As a new employee, I have more say in shaping the community here than I would at any other entry-level job. I get to hear all of the unique perspectives of my colleagues and all of our applicants’ amazing stories. Our Committee process gives every applicant and every staff member a voice.
Going into some of our final Early Decision Committees this week, I am feeling more confident. The Committee process is becoming clearer to me now. Instead of nervousness, a sense of excitement comes over me whenever we enter the Committee room. I am excited to help shape the Holy Cross Class of 2018 … and some candy.
Ashley Johnson
Admissions Counselor
