The Life of an Admission Counselor...

My dearest senior AIAs,

Working with you all the last two years has been amazing. I've learned a lot from every one of you. I thank you for all of your hard work, dedication to your job, passion for your alma mater, and your outstanding leadership. I appreciate everything you've done for the Office of Admission, Valpo, and me personally. I am sad to see you all graduate and move on from Valpo, but I'm excited to watch you take the next step in your lives....grad school, jobs, marriage, traveling, and your continuous love for service.

Kate: you will do great in Chicago! I'm thrilled for you to begin the next chapter of your life. Welcome to the adult world. You have been a solid phoner and silent leader within the AIA program. I can't thank you enough for your continued and solid drive for this program.

Josh: I can't believe you're getting married! Ahh! Good luck and remember to always kiss your wife goodnight. Good luck choosing a job. I know you will do great with whatever path you select. I'll miss reading your visit day shout outs from students and families.

Vickie: I'm going to cry! You have been my right hand person all year. I will miss our office chats and Friday afternoons. You have been an amazing Tour Manager and have definitely set the bar high for Susan (I know she will do great!). Your drive and dedication to your job is contagious. Thank you for being such an awesome leader and friend. The medical world is going to be so lucky to have you as a nurse.

Kylie: Your smile, warmth and welcoming personality will be greatly missed. Your love for people is evident in all you do. I know you will make a wonderful nurse...I would trust with a needle and my arm. :) Thank you for being such a go-getter AIA and willingness to lend a helping hand. Good luck with your wedding plans!

Anne: Gosh! I'm going to miss your fabulous tours! You have always been an outstanding leader within this program. Thank you for always going above and beyond, and stepping up to the plate to help with anything....taking a nursing major all the way to Lebein on your tour, leading the virtual tour on visit days, and training your fellow AIAs. The nursing world is going to love you.

Collin: You've been a rockstar AIA this year! I'm sad we only had you on staff for one year. Thank you for stepping up and helping with so many extra group tours this year. I will miss your laugh, random texts, and our office chats. You will do great wherever life takes you. Good luck and enjoy the journey!

John: Your personality is so funny. I'm going to miss your humor at Student Leadership meetings. It has been great working with you over the last 2 years. You are a wonderful leader and have offered some good ideas to improve the program. Good luck in your future endeavors.

Brett: You have been a tremendous help with tours this year! Prospective students/families really enjoy your personality and tours. Thank you for always being willing to help with whatever I throw your way. I wish you the best in whatever path you decide to take - work, grad school or seminary.

Rachel: You have been an amazing person in my life this year. Thank you for everything you've done. I will miss our little chats about life. You will make a fantastic lawyer. I am so proud of you. Good luck and happy wedding planning!

Amanda: Awe...my Starbucks buddy. I've had a lot of fun working with you this year. You are an excellent speaker - genuine and outgoing. Families adore you and your willingness to talk with them for long periods of time at Visit Days. I know you will do great wherever life takes you. Stay positive and confident in yourself.

Gavin: Oh my gosh, I think I might cry. You have been such an awesome leader for this program over the years. You are confident, intelligent, and offer great suggestions to help improve the AIA program. Your fellow AIAs really look up to you. You've been such an important asset to this team. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me, the AIA program, the Office of Admission, and Valpo. You will absolutely rock in grad school! Enjoy your summer travels and Colorado next year.

Kati: I am so proud of you! You will do extremely well in grad school. I've been so lucky to have you on the student leadership team this year. Thank you for your continuous AIA/school spirit to keep everyone motivated, especially during phoning. Your fellow AIAs speak very highly of you and we'll all miss you. Good luck in Delaware.

Red: It's not goodbye yet, but I will say this...you are an outstanding AIA and person. You've helped out so much over the years...for me, the AIA program, the office of Admission and Valpo. You are so great with people...they just love you. Your kindness, personality, and love for Valpo are contagious. Thank you for everything. Your hard work will pay off, my friend. God has big plans for you, I know it.

Alex: My silent AIA leader. You have done such great work with the AIA program this year...stats, incentives, tour guide finder program, and organization. You've kept me on my toes. Thank you for your continued dedication and passion for the AIA program. I know your tours this summer at Carlsbad National Park will be amazing - you'll be a pro. Good luck in Colorado next year!

Andrew: I highly respect you and I am extremely proud of you for dedicating yourself to serve this country. I know you will be successful in the Air Force. You are driven, passionate and responsible. You have done wonders for this office and University. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. I wish you the best of luck in the Air Force.

As I end today's blog post (in tears), I wish you all well and I hope you remain in contact with all of us here at Valpo. We will miss each and every one of you. It has been a pleasure being your boss the last 2 years. I am confident you all will go on to do great things in this world...you are Valpo grads.