Regional Recruiting

Good Morning! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as a member of the Regional Recruiting Team. My name is Janna Schmid, and I am originally from Pennsylvania.  I came aboard the Norwich Admissions team this summer and have been traveling across the country this fall recruiting and meeting with students interested in Norwich. Specifically, this fall, I have been out on the “road” for four weeks.  Like clock-work, every week I would drive to Burlington Airport and depart for a week of visitations.  My first two trips were to Florida and the third was to San Antonio, Texas. 

During these trips I spent my days visiting high schools and my nights attending college fairs. Overall I had the pleasure of meeting many students, faculty, and staff.  Therefore, I want to thank all of the Guidance Counselors that welcomed me into their schools to meet with their students.  As well as the students who took time out of their very hectic senior year to discuss Norwich University.  Also, to the underclassmen who were looking to their future, I commend you. 

After all, deciding on the right college can be one of the easiest or often one of the most difficult decisions that you will make in your young adult life.  One tip of advice is that you are not alone, there are many students going through this process. And believe it or not I understand exactly what you are going through so if you have any questions about Norwich University, the college admissions process, or what to expect when entering college please do not hesitate to ask. 

But I must go for now because I have to finish up in the office and then pack for my last trip of the season to Houston, Texas.  So, if you are in the Houston area, try to stop by one of the college fairs that Tim and I are attending, Houston College Fairs.  I hope I get the opportunity to meet you in Texas.

Sincerely,

Janna

Week 5, From the Cubicle

24 October 2007

So, for the first time in quite a while now, I have been in the office for more than a week straight. While I am not off traveling the country, seeing new places and meeting new people, it is a welcomed relief to be able to catch up on work and have had a weekend not spent rushing around packing for my next adventure.

I will say, however, it has been odd around the middle of Vermont for the time that I’ve been back in state, though. Having been here for four years now, the first snowfall has typically been on or about the twentieth of October. We usually don’t get a ton of snow, but just a dusting. Last year I remember celebrating Trustees’ Weekend and then having a snow flurry- right on time. The year before, it had poured for weeks and then all of a sudden, we got a coating of the heavy snow, which broke tree branches and turned the Upper Parade Ground into a semi-disaster zone. However, this past weekend, it was unseasonably warm and could have passed as a weekend in early September, not mid to late October.

Speaking of mid to late October, it seems as though the year is flying by. Summer seemed like it was just yesterday; the leaves on the trees were bright green and the smell of fresh cut grass permeated the air. Now, however, the yellow and orange leaves scatter the ground and the roadway, making way for the snow to fall. While some may complain about the imminent snowfall (someday), I look forward to it. New England is a wonderful place to live, simply because we are fortunate enough to experience all of the types of weather; from ninety and sunny in the summer to negative-thirty and three-feet of snow.

Looking forward to this weekend, it’ll be time to hit the road again. Back to Texas for another week of recruiting at high schools and college fairs in and around the Houston area. It won’t be quite the same without the sound of the San Antonio country-radio station blaring the melodious tunes of George Strait over the airwaves at least once an hour. This weekend, however, the concert tickets will be on sale for his stop at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and I will anxiously waiting in “line” to purchase my own. And in just 20 days, the new album, containing twenty-two hits, will go on sale and I’ll be there waiting in line for that as well.

Until then, I remain.

Tim

San Antonio, The Aftermath

14 October 2007

After a week of travel to Texas and Florida, I am ready to return to the office for a two week period. It will be nice to catch up on work, phone calls and to settle down before rushing off again.

My week in San Antonio was wonderful. The weather was great, the kids that I met with were interested in Norwich University and pursuing their dreams through higher education and all of the college fairs were a wonderful way to display the Norwich name to a greater audience. One of the most striking questions that was asked again and again was “how much does tuition cost?” I think this is a topic for further commentary.

At a college fair or a high school visit, when the consistent cost question would arise, I am always one to tell the truth, but once I say the words “thirty-thousand dollars”, I believe that people stop listening. I truly feel that asking someone how much their university costs is similar to asking a woman how old she is or how much she weighs; you just don’t do it. College costs a lot of money; anyone who tries to deny it is lying to you. However, we cannot assess your financial aid opportunities if you do not apply. Regardless of how much college costs, if you are genuinely interested in going to that institution, apply. After you’ve applied, and done the financial aid paperwork, you can then understand how much an institution can give you. If you do not apply though, you may never know. Colleges and universities hand out millions of dollars every year, so just because the college costs more than a new car does not mean you will not receive a fair package from that institution.

So enough of the serious college talk, I think that the best part of the San Antonio trip was listening to KJ97, San Antonio’s country radio station. Every hour, they would play a George Strait song and you would have the chance to win $97 and a chance to tour with George and the Ace in the Hole Band for the first two concerts of the 2008 tour. And little did I know, in just over four weeks, the new album will be released with more hits from the King of Country Music.

Well, back to the office to see what adventures await.

Until then, I remain.

Tim

Week Three, In Review and Anticipation...

05 October 2007

As I finish up in the office this week, pack my bags and get ready to hit the road, I am excited to be returning to Texas. Yes, I am sure this sounds rather awkward coming from the mouth of a northern-boy; but it is the truth.

A few months ago, my associate and I traveled out to Texas for a freshmen send-off, and I was amazed at the beauty of the Austin and San Antonio areas. From the magnificent views of the state capital, to the historical remains of the Alamo, while the state may be younger than some of its northern counterparts, it is still just as rich with history and magnificence.

Following the send-off, my associate and I went to downtown San Antonio where we toured the Alamo, walked the River Walk and then looked at Coyote Ugly. All were a site to see (not so sure about the historical significance of the latter, but my associate appreciated it nonetheless). The day before, we had toured the state capital, where the monuments and buildings were just as grand. Missed the governor’s mansion, but that will have to be on this trip’s itinerary.

Last trip where my goal was to meet Mickey Mouse, I think this trip’s goal will be to meet George Strait. Not quite as easy, as there is no George Strait-World, where he performs for the fans every hour, but still it’s a goal. With his just released tour dates, I can only wait to go see him perform again. I don’t think I will be successful in my hunt for George, but one never knows.

With that, I think I’m out. Off to Austin and San Antonio.

And as George Strait sings:

“I’ll be somewhere down in Texas if you’re looking for me”,

Tim