![alyssa-t[1] brightened](https://blogs.holycross.edu/admissions/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2009/11/alyssa-t1-brightened.jpg)
The summer before I entered Holy Cross, my Class Dean suggested all future Crusaders read Civility by Stephen Carter. My parents bought it for me at the bookstore during Gateways and it sat on my shelf all summer. Two days before I moved into Mulledy Hall I reluctantly read it and, (to my surprise) loved it. During my four years on “the hill,” I was pleased to find that random acts of kindness existed and the Jesuit ideal of “men and women for others” lived strong…..and it still does.
Yesterday, I contemplated what my most distinct memory of the 2009 travel season was and as a result I reflected on several months on the road. One might think it was interviewing bright minds or meeting fabulous students, counselors, secretaries and teachers who all brightened my days on the road. Undoubtedly, my interactions with those people were some of my favorite memories but definitely not the most distinct. The day that truly sets itself apart was a lunch that managed to make me feel completely alone.
I had an hour break between high school visits so I decided to get some soup at Panera. As I placed the bowl down on the table the massive platter went flying and landed all over me. From my hair down to my shoes, I was covered. It was there, in a crowded restaurant, I became truly amazed with the lack of civility in today’s society. To my amazement not one person came over and offered a helping hand. Sadly, that day served as a tragic realization that civility sometimes fails to exist in our society.
Standing there embarrassed and smelling of vegetable broth I had a flashback to my first year at the Cross. I was in Kimball, enjoying a meal with my friends, when a girl slipped on a wet tile and went flying. The throngs of students that rushed to her side would have made Stephen Carter proud. I truly believe civility is commonplace at Holy Cross and I find myself constantly amazed by positive student actions. Sadly enough in the “real world” it is increasingly more difficult to find.
After all, my clumsy arm did ruin my cream pants but it was the pure example of fading civility which managed to destroy my entire day.
Alyssa Trometter
Admissions Counselor
It is already October and I am sure a day off from school sounds like a good idea right about now. What could be better than skipping some classes and coming up to Holy Cross for a day and living the life of a current Crusader? You might have to make-up some AP course work upon your return but I promise you it will be worth it. Day Visits are offered to seniors in high school and take place Monday through Friday. All you have to do is call our office, share your interests, and we will take care of the rest. At Holy Cross we work hard to try and pair you up with one of our volunteers that match either your academic or extracurricular interests. We ask that prospective students arrive to Admissions at 8:30 a.m. where they meet up with their host. During the day most students will have the opportunity to attend a few classes, have a meal at Kimball, hang out in their host’s dorm, and you can even have an interview in Admissions. There is no better way to get a true feel of what life is like on Mt. Saint James.
I just got off the phone with my seventeen year old cousin who is inevitably freaking out. If you are a rising high school senior, like he is, you have a lot to think about. Face it, next year at this time you will have graduated from your respective high school and most likely will be attending college summer orientation. This upcoming year has a lot in store for you as you begin to finalize your college list, visit campuses, interview, write your essays, and send out numerous applications. You have a lot of goals that need to be set and prioritizing that has to be done. Trust me, if you work hard, everything will get done.
We know you have a big decision to make. Over the next few weeks, members of the Holy Cross community will share their thoughts on what makes Holy Cross so special.