Greetings!
As a new admissions counselor at Seattle University, I’d better introduce myself sooner rather than later…
So… Hello!
I’m a native Washingtonian, although I’ve also spent some years inhabiting Baltimore, Maryland; Brewer, Maine; and Ceduna, South Australia. I’m a huge fan of Seattle, not only because it nurtures my love for indie rock and recycling, but also because, on my scooter rides to and from work, I drive by spectacular views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the sparkling waters of Lakes Union and Washington, and the majestic downtown skyline. It’s a gorgeous place to exist.
Although I’m not new to the area or the admissions biz, I am new to Seattle U. Having set up shop in my cubicle just a few weeks ago, and having finally finished an unecessarily elongated moving process last week (from one Seattle district to another), I’m reminded that life is full of transitions and opportunities for growth and exploration.
In that way, I’m not too different from the average college-bound high school senior who has to decide what to do with the next four years of his or her life.
As an individual who mastered the college thing-- at least with regard to choosing a school and finishing a degree-- and is continually applying its lessons to life beyond the classroom, let me present some important questions that one ought to ask when thinking about where to spend the majority of his or her time for the next few years, whether it be choosing a place of employment, or, I don’t know… choosing a college, perhaps.
These questions are not listed in order of importance, nor are they all-encompassing. You should be asking many, many more, some of which may be more relevant to your future decisions. But for me, these were a good start.
Of the many reasons I chose to be at SU, some of the most important included the strength of its community, the emphasis and clarity of its mission, and the strong relationship with the city from which it takes its name.
Convinced as I am of the value of being part of the Seattle U community, I have much to experience. As I continue, I hope to use this venue not only to share what I learn but also dialogue with prospective students as they engage in their own assessments of what they want from their higher-education experiences.
If you're one of those students, please don't hesitate to contact me or, when I'm on the road, say hello in person. I hope this blog (and those of my SU Admissions compatriots) can be helpful for both your and my Seattle University experiences.