We were asked to write about why we agreed to be a part of this project for our first blog entry. To respond to that question, I would like to go back to the beginning of my relationship with Simmons.
When I began my college search, I had only a few main criteria:
Throughout the winter of my senior year, however, I kept receiving messages from Simmons. Invitations to visit campus, reminders of the college's strong academic record, even phone calls from current students asking if I had any questions.
By the time I received my financial aid award notices in the spring of that year, my mind had already been made to go to Simmons. I preferred the urban location, and having visited the campus a few times I felt it would be a good fit for me.
During my four years at Simmons, I flourished. My story is similar to so many others: I thrived in the challenging academic atmosphere with professors who gave me the courage and skills to succeed, I made some of the best friends I've ever had, and the student community leadership opportunities I took advantage of taught me not only how to lead, but also how to be part of a successful team.
Since my graduation in May of 2006, I have tried to stay close to Simmons - which is difficult considering that I have (fairly) permanently relocated to France. I try to keep in touch with my former classmates and professors, as well as staff members who supervised and assisted me as a student worker.
Last summer, Kathy Porteus, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, wrote me to see if I would volunteer to represent Simmons at the Paris College Fair. Eager to attend, I had a great time spending the afternoon talking about Simmons and sharing my experience with potential students. I will be representing Simmons once again at this year's fair later on this month.
Thanks to a connection through Robin Melavalin, the Colleges of the Fenway GEO Center Director, I got in touch with Jan Taylor, Associate Director of Alumnae/i Relations. Jan and I planned a Tea event for alumni and current students studying abroad in Paris with former President Scrimshaw last fall.
When I received an email recently asking me if I would participate in this blog project, I didn't hesitate on my response. Not only do I love to write (and don't do enough of it since my time as a student,) but I really appreciate the ability to stay close to Simmons even from so far away. I hope that my contribution to this project will help others in numerous ways: a prospective student trying to decide where to attend college, a current student wondering about the possibility of studying/living in France, or an alumni wanting to get back in touch.
I am looking forward to relishing this experience as I have with so many others I've had at Simmons, and I hope you'll participate too through comments and messages.
When I began my college search, I had only a few main criteria:
- Small school
- In or very close to Boston
- Majors in both English and French
Throughout the winter of my senior year, however, I kept receiving messages from Simmons. Invitations to visit campus, reminders of the college's strong academic record, even phone calls from current students asking if I had any questions.
By the time I received my financial aid award notices in the spring of that year, my mind had already been made to go to Simmons. I preferred the urban location, and having visited the campus a few times I felt it would be a good fit for me.
During my four years at Simmons, I flourished. My story is similar to so many others: I thrived in the challenging academic atmosphere with professors who gave me the courage and skills to succeed, I made some of the best friends I've ever had, and the student community leadership opportunities I took advantage of taught me not only how to lead, but also how to be part of a successful team.
Since my graduation in May of 2006, I have tried to stay close to Simmons - which is difficult considering that I have (fairly) permanently relocated to France. I try to keep in touch with my former classmates and professors, as well as staff members who supervised and assisted me as a student worker.
Last summer, Kathy Porteus, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, wrote me to see if I would volunteer to represent Simmons at the Paris College Fair. Eager to attend, I had a great time spending the afternoon talking about Simmons and sharing my experience with potential students. I will be representing Simmons once again at this year's fair later on this month.
Thanks to a connection through Robin Melavalin, the Colleges of the Fenway GEO Center Director, I got in touch with Jan Taylor, Associate Director of Alumnae/i Relations. Jan and I planned a Tea event for alumni and current students studying abroad in Paris with former President Scrimshaw last fall.
When I received an email recently asking me if I would participate in this blog project, I didn't hesitate on my response. Not only do I love to write (and don't do enough of it since my time as a student,) but I really appreciate the ability to stay close to Simmons even from so far away. I hope that my contribution to this project will help others in numerous ways: a prospective student trying to decide where to attend college, a current student wondering about the possibility of studying/living in France, or an alumni wanting to get back in touch.
I am looking forward to relishing this experience as I have with so many others I've had at Simmons, and I hope you'll participate too through comments and messages.
Leave a comment