Welcome to the Fall Semester of 2009. Where did the Summer go and the "no more teachers no more books"? The quiet times are over with, but honestly, when is it truly quiet around here? The students are back into the swing of things, the classrooms are alive with lecture and discussion, the labs are packed with new nursing students learning new skills, the NIRC is "alive" with quiet chatting, the click-clack of keyboards typing, and that flipping sound that textbook pages make when they are turned.
In additional to the new Accels who started back in May, we welcomed the new 119 members of the Traditional Class of 2011 in August. To give you a little information about them, we have 108 women and 11 men. They range in age from 19 to 53 with the average being 26 years olf. 89 of the new Traditional students entered this Fall with a previous Bachelors Degree, and 36 different academic majors were represented among all of our students (everything from Accounting to Women's Studies)! Our students have also attended 86 previous colleges and universities (including three from my Alma Mater).
The Traditional Class of 2011 comes from 29 different states and South Korea, with 14 students originating from 11 foreign countries. The largest single representation was from Maryland with 28, followed closely behind by California with 24, the next closed was Pennsylvania with 8 students. The record for longest commute would go to our student from Alaska.
Finally, 10 students represent our Articulation program schools, and 6 represent the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers Fellowship.
There they are by the numbers. Welcome back students, good luck to you all in the Fall Semester from us in the Office of Admissions and Student Services.
No one knows for certain who first coined the phrase “here one minute, gone the next”, but I’m pretty sure he misplaced his car keys a lot. This phrase, commonly used to explain short amounts of time that go by too quickly, also lends itself to a good explanation of our Accelerated Classes. They arrive in May of every year for Orientation, and then the next thing you know, BAM, it’s July, and it’s graduation. 13.5 months can go by unbelievably fast, especially when one is in this type of program.
Just like every year, we come to this time of transition (and also Transitions, but that’s beside the point). A month-and-a-half ago, we welcomed the Accelerated Class of 2010; 130 bright eyed students looking forward to some heavy duty book learning. Their counterparts are 12 months ahead of them, finishing up their Spring Semester exams, and preparing for Transitions, and eventually, Graduation. For many, the only interaction between the two classes is during orientation, some school activities, maybe out in the courtyard or café, or around the school. They don’t share any classes, or clinical rotations, or pretty much anything in the 50+ days they inhabit the same space. The entering class is busy starting; the exiting class is busy finishing up.
This is not to say that they don’t share anything in common, in fact, they are very similar. If you threw them all in one room, you couldn’t tell who was who. Each class is filled with bright, intelligent, and diligent students. Each is diverse; students coming from all backgrounds, walks of life, geographic distribution, previous Academic institution, etc. Each has similar stories, previous experiences, and for many the “Hey, remember that time in the Peace Corps? Yeah, that was awesome,” moments. On the other hand, each class is also unique in their own right. That is how, as a Student Affairs person, you remember each class as they go by, and distinguish one from another. The intranet directory also comes in handy when you question yourself, “now did that student graduate in 2007 or 2008?”
Unlike their fellow students in the Traditional program, there is not that long overlapping time and mentorship. There aren’t any grizzled veteran Accelerated students who can turn to a newbie, wipe the sweat from their brow, and say “I remember Pharmacology, we lost a lotta good men out there”. Instead, they’re like recruits arriving at Parris Island for Marine Recruit Training; the new class watches the old one march away as the Drill Instructor points, and challenges them by saying, “You are not Marines, those are Marines” (Well, just like that, except without all the yelling and screaming and pushups, but you get the analogy). The new Accelerated class does have the Senior Traditional students to guide them through most of the program, but while the curriculum and programs are the same, the experience can be, and many times is, different.
As we say hello to our new Accelerated Students, we get ready to say goodbye to our veterans. They head out on July 24th to far off places or just across the street. Some will start jobs, while others will continue their education (some we’ve snookered into staying at JHUSON). In the end, as they walk out the doors of 525 N. Wolfe Street for the last time, somewhere someone is saying “Those are Hopkins Nurses.”
If you haven't seen the boxes and carts up on the third and fifth floors packing offices up, you would have no idea that they are moving into a brand new building! small house, right behind the SON on McElderry Street. Sure, it isn't a fancy new state-of-the-art LEED platinum certified green building, but hey, new digs is new digs! Oh, and there is a garden, gardens are green.
Over the last few weeks the SON has been renovating old H-P and have turned it into offices for Marketing and Communications, Development and Alumni Relations, the Institute for Johns Hopkins Nursing, and the Office of Global Nursing. All of which used to be on the 5th floor. In their place the Center for Nursing Research and Special Projects will be moving from its space on the 3rd floor and occupying that part of the 5th floor. What about the old CNR you say? Well, soon that will become a new 90 seat tiered classroom! How about that expansion? Work is supposed to start there by the end of the month, and the classroom will be ready by the Fall.
That's the low down on what's been happening at the JHUSON this spring. Not a lot changing, but enough to keep you all on your toes.
Until Next time.
Events:
May 21st - School of Nursing Diploma and Award Ceremony - out with the old...
May 27,28,29 - Accelerated New Student Orientation - ...in with the new
We just had our Spring Open House this past Saturday and, wow, was it busy! I think we had about 300+ attend, which is a great turn out! There was a mix of some Accepted Students in attendence who weren't able to make the ACD back in February. In fact, upon further reflection, I think we had a lot, also amazing.
For all of you that could not attend SOH, we will be having our Fall Open House on Saturday, September 12th. For those of you who just cannot wait another 6 months, remember we do have Weekly Tour and Information Sessions here at the SON every Friday. In addition, we have kept up with a tool we started last year, and will be having Online Chats for both Prospective and Accepted students throughout the spring and into the summer! Feel free to follow thos thinks and RSVP. This is a great way to interact with our Admissions and Student Services Office through the magic of the interconnecting web. From time-to-time faculty and current students will join as well! Don't miss out!
Lastly, check out the Accepted Students Page, all the information you will need to have before Orientation will be up there. We will continue to send out broadcast emails with more details before you arrive.
As always, if you have any questions. LET US KNOW!
Thanks again for everyone who attended our Spring Open House, oh and our New York City Reception! We hope it was a positive and worthwhile experience for you.
Whew, Accepted Students Day always takes a lot out of me! While not as crazy as new student orientation, ASD is a big day. This year we had over 400 accepted students and their families and guests attend. That is the biggest I have ever seen. Although the day didn't officially start until 10am, there were at least three people who were there by the time I rolled in the doors at 8am yesterday. If those early-birds were indeed trying to catch the worm, they were too early - the food wasn't set out yet!
As people started flooding into the SON Friday morning there was a mixture of excitment and wonder. For most this was their first time to Hopkins, for many it was their first time to Baltimore! Once again we had a large contingent from the Golden State travel out from the west coast (I hope they decided to stay for the weekend!), I even ran into a few from my alma mater (go Hounds!), and one from my hometown! (that has never happened before). Per usual there are always many from Maryland.
It is pleasure to finally meet many accepted students with whom my only contact with has been through e-mail or over the phone, and it's great to put faces to names, and voices. For others, I have seen them while on the road, and it's nice for once that they come to us!
Throughout the day accepts were able to chat with faculty, staff, and students, meet and mingle with one another. They had the opportunity to have questions answered during panel sessions, walk around our student fair where they could talk with student groups, university reps, and local groups, and look at and buy uniforms books and shoes!
For those who had never been here before (or were hoping to get a better one) tours of the school were provided by our students, staff, and even Dr. Taylor, oh by way thanks! Many where overwhelmed by the facilities, especially the Sim-patients. One student, who will remain nameless, but was probably from California, mentioned that they were "kinda creepy". I agree, but that's ok.
The end of the day left our Admissions & Student Services staff delighted, and exhausted! Thanks for all that came! We hope to see you in May for the Accelerated program or August for the Traditional!
I was thinking of the Led Zepplin song when I wrote that blog title, hopefully you did too. Well it's Friday here at the SON, and that means blog-time! What is it you say? I don't write all of my posts on friday, so how can friday be blog-time? Well it just is because I say so.
Moving on. Just a quick recap as to what has gone on since my last post....really...Thanksgiving? I guess there is a lot thats happened.
We've had Finals, Winter Break, Christmas, New Years, College Bowl Series, a worsening economy, lower gas prices, a new President, I think that's it. Not much right? That's what I thought.
Now that application deadlines are over, we are busy here putting together the new BSN classes for Fall 2009. Can it really be that time of the year again? I feel like we just did this. Soon it will be Accepted Students Day *cough*February27th*cough* and Spring Open House *cough*March28th*cough*, and before you know it, Graduation!.....you thought I was going to cough again did you, luckily I cleared my throat with those last two. You know you're all excited to get done with school and start your career as nurses, so you already know the date.
Lastly, I just want to thank all the prospective students and alumni that came to our Reception in San Diego on January 19th! We had 20 prospective students and their families, and 7 alumni attend our event. We even had some people drive down from LA, thanks for braving the traffic. For any that missed the event (or don't live in Southern Cal) We will be having a similar reception in San Francisco on February 1st. You can RSVP here: http://www.nursing.jhu.edu/apply/more/receptions/
Keep up to date with us at our Admissions Events page. You will find information about Information Sessions, Receptions, and Recruiting Events that we will be doing this Spring.
I think that is enough for now. It's Friday afternoon! Keep on reading this and the rest of our Student Blogs.
Ah, Christmas: Part 1, my third favorite holiday of the year behind Christmas: Part 2 and Independence Day. It's the time of year when you stress relax, watch some football, listen to Christmas songs on the radio, and spend some quality wholesome time with the entire family....ok so maybe not the last one.
Like the migrating habits of the Canadian Goose, but in reverse, I make it a point to leave Baltimore and travel back to the native soil of my youth. It's the Biblical land of Milk and Honey, the American Shangri-La, the city that Loves you Back, the city of Brotherly Love, my favorite and yours - Philadelphia.
I think everyone's Thanksgiving looks pretty similar, thus here's is mine so we can all compare.
Wednesday
3:00pm - Released from the School of Nursing!
5:00 - After daudling for two hours, I decide to leave at the start of rush hour.
5:07 - Finally get the car to start. (I think it's time I get a new battery)
5:15 -Thinking a short trip on I-95 so I can get to US-1 quicker is a dumb great idea, I am proven wrong.
5:45 - Finally make it to US-1. Take that I-95 and Delaware tolls! (seriously $4 round trip for the Small Wonder?)
7:45 - Arrive in Philadelphia!
7:46 - Family starts to get on my nerves.
8:00 - Start to help Mom with pre-thanksgiving cooking needs.
8:05 - Asked to leave kitchen because I am "in the way". gee thanks Mom
Thanksgiving Day!
10:00am - only 2.5 hours till football! too bad it's the Lions vs. Titans to start.
11:00 - once again attempt to help Mrs. B with the dinner preparations.
11:10 - once again asked to leave, this time for "picking at the pie ingredients"
12:30 to dinner - FOOTBALL!
2:15pm - Family starts to arrive.
2:30 - Uncle kicked out of kitchen for "picking at the pie incredients"
4:15 - Dallas vs Seattle game is next, continuing to eat too many hors d'oeuvres
5:15 - turkey's done!
5:30 - turkey begins to be eaten carved
5:31 - asked to leave kitchen for "picking at the turkey"
5:45 - dinner time! (the best part of thanksgiving)
7:00 - pie
7:15 - stuffed
Once again a successful and memorable Thanksgiving for everyone! Now only 24 more days until we get to repeat it all over again at Christmas! Don't you hate love the Holidays?
Now that the recruiting season is done (for the most part). It is the time of the year that we start taking a look at all of your applications and making decisions. Many of you might be thinking "gee, I always wanted to know how the application process is really like". We've all thought about that, whether it was applying to college, graduate school, or astronaut school. I figured I would take some time to debunk many of the myths of the Application Process:
Myth #1 - Applications are chosen randomly, from a large hat.
Fact: In all honesty, that hat isn't really that large, more of like an oversized bowler if you ask me. No! The Admissions Committee takes the time to consult everything that you submitted in your application. It's all important to us! A lot of time goes into this.
Myth #2 - Applications are read by a team of trained orangutans.
Fact: We used to have a team of Marmosets, but they didn't get along so well with the Howler Monkeys (who themselves made it very noisy to conduct any business whatsoever) No! Applications are read by members of the Admissions Office as well as the Admissions Committee that are made up of a group of our faculty members!
Myth #3 - We pick and choose who we want to interview.
Fact: Naturally one would think this, but in fact no. We interview all students who either 1.) apply for the BS-MSN program or any MSN programs or 2.) any Baccalaureate applicant who asks for one. It is not required for the latter, but it does give you a good opportunity to ask us questions!
Myth #4 - We only accept the 4.0 students.
Fact: It's really not that easy! Imagine if we did though? No, i can't it's too disturbing. As I mentioned earlier. Everything in your application is important! A diverse resume and well written essays are a key aspect of a strong application (as well as the grades). You do need to be a consistently strong student, and have done well on your prerequisites, but in no way to you have to have a 4.0.
Myth #5 - If you get a recommendation letter from Mr. Johns Hopkins you're golden.
Fact: This one is actually true for a very good point. If you can get a recommendation letter from someone who died 135 years ago then either you have mighty powers of spirit communication, or are really good with a shovel, either which way it would be impressive. No! Recommendation letters are really important, they tell us about how you are as a student and a professional!
Sometimes you jump on a plane and you think to yourself "I hope there aren't any screaming babies sitting near me" or "I hope there aren't and kids here who will verbalize every fear of flying that I have" Sometimes (rather most of the time) you hope that the seat next to you is empty. Maybe stretch your feet out a little bit, put your excess belongings on the other seat. You know these thoughts are dashed when you hear the flight attendant over the PA "we got ourselves a full flight today" Rats, maybe next leg of the flight. In the end, you really never know who you will sit next to.
I found myself on the first part of a long, 7 plus hour, two-stop flight back from Seattle early last week. Not an inch of extra space was going to be on this 737. So, as Fate sometimes tends to show itself, I was seated next to Ida. Well let me tell you a little bit about Ida. She, and 34 of her other fellow senior citizens, were heading to Niagara Falls for a 19-day trip across the Empire State. They were leaving from Seattle to fly to Chicago before continuing to Pittsburgh, and then driving to Niagara Falls. However, for the next three hours we were going to be travel companions, and learned five key things from Ida that day, in no particular order:
Never Let Age Slow you Down. Talk about a model for living life to your fullest. Being nearly 80, Ida was a world traveller. She would do atleast a dozen of these "short" trips every year, and atleast two "long" trips as well. Just going across the country was considered a shirt trip, when you factor in cruising through the Panama Canal and up the West Coast or across the Mediterranean for a few weeks were examples of the long ones. You see, as she mentioned, if you slow down when you're getting older you won't get much done, and you'll feel old, but if you keep active then you will feel young and do more. Seems like a great idea, right? Just shy of an octogenarian and she has been to more states and countries then I could ever be.
Take the Time to Stop and Learn. Not only are the places you go important, but what you learn while you're there. The importance of a place, or an interesting anecdote, won't usually be found on the road map, or the GPS system, or on the back of a hotel pamphlet. Generally they reside on the Main Streets, the history books, or the Chambers of Commerce kiosks. Ida mentioned how the best part of a trip is learning about where you are. That might mean researching a place or getting a local book while she is there. This, she insists, is the only way to truly know and appreciate where you have been. Oh right, and pictures, take lots of pictures.
Not All That you Learn Is In Books. Really? so I wasted all that time in school for nothing! No, not exactly (it wasn't my money anyway, thanks parents!). "The books are important", said Ida, "that's how I prepare myself, but you still gotta go to the places". This is true, you may learn tons in a book, but unless you actually get off the couch and go, you won't get the total experience. TV might give you the pleasure of seeing moving pictures of the Statue of Liberty, and it might tell you that it was built in 1886 and was a gift from the French, but unless you actually go there, and stand on Liberty Island with that huge copper lady towering above you, you just won't get the same experience.
Goals Get You Motivated: Remember how your parents always told you to have goals in your life, something that gave you an aiming point to target? Well, according to Ida, it's the key to doing anything in life. I told her that my one goal is to visit all of the states, and most especially Alaska. "Well shoot, I used to live there for seven years, you gotta go one of these days" she responded. One of her goals is to get to Mexico, her husband always wanted to go, but never had the chance, having died a few years back. She figured that she would go for the two of them, but she didn't know when she would have the chance. "It's a goal of mine, and I figure if I live long enough I'll do it", which brought us back to the first lesson about not letting age slow you down. Goals keep you from being bored, or being satisfied with the status quo. They make you attempt things you might not otherwise do, and in the end, you're probably better off.
Always Remember Where You Come From: For an experienced traveller like Ida, you would think that her favorite spot was somewhere over the hills and far away, but rather, she never forgets where she called home. Whether that was Montana, where she grew up, or Alaska, or curretly Washington. "Home is where you're grounded, and it's nice to return to familiar places when you get back from a long trip" Now this one made sense to me. As much as it is fun to explore different locations and travel, there isn't a greater feeling than walking into your own door, sitting down in a familiar chair, and relaxing. It's what makes you feel like you again.
It seemed like the three hour flight passed by in no time, and after the plane touched down, we parted ways; I back to Baltimore, she (and her fellow gray heads) off to there next adventure. I never did catch her last name, but it's not a first name I will quickly forget. You see, the next time you fly, take the time to talk with the person sitting next to you, if you are "lucky" enough to have a full flight, because you'll never know who you will meet or what you will learn.
I do hope she makes it to Mexico one of these days.
What? Are you serious? It's Recruiting Season again? But I just hung up my Recruiting Shoes!
That's right, September brings a whole new schedule of travel for the Office of Admissions & Student Services . Returning for a third season is veteran traveller...me. "What have I been doing in the Off Season", you ask? Keeping busy! There isn't really an Off-Season here, rather we just switch gears for a few months; take care of some (tons) applications, an interview or thirty, possibly a couple Orientations, throw in an Accepted Students Day for good measure, you know the usual.
Now it's Fall, and it's back on the road. We'll be heading all over the country over the next few months, answering your questions, getting you interested in Johns Hopkins, and giving out free pens. There will be Grad Fairs and Conferences, a few presentations here and there, and definitely a lot of sight seeing!Once again if you follow this blog (as I hope you should), you'll be riding shotgun all across these United States. Check in early and often about where I and the rest of the Admissions Staff will be heading. Hope to see you out on the road! Send in your comments and questions!
Where you can find me:
September 26th - Yale University
September 29th - Virginia Tech
September 30th - James Madision University
October 1st - University of Virginia
October 2nd - University of Illinois - Chicago
Check out the Recruitment Calendar to see where we will be: http://www.nursing.jhu.edu/apply/more/recruitment/
Only one week left until Fall Orientation, so you know we're really busy here at the School of Nursing! We are diligently putting your packets together, planning the sessions, oh, and ordering the food!
August is generally the "dog days of summer", but around here in Bmore the weather couldn't be much better. The humidity is down, the temperatures are balmy, so for all of you new to Charm City enjoy the unusual weather! The days are starting to get shorter, but there is still time to enjoy the warm weather of late summer.
For many of you arriving next week here are some events that you should check out before you have to start hitting the books after Labor Day. Enjoy the free time while you have it!
Now until September 1st: Body Worlds at the Maryland Science Center, 9am - 9pm. http://www.mdsci.org/
Now until September 7th: Faces of Ancient Arabia at the Walters Art Museum, 11am - 5pm. http://www.thewalters.org/
Now until September 1st: Maryland State Fair at the Timonium Fairgrounds. http://www.marylandstatefair.com/
August 27th: Baltimore Orioles vs Chicago White Sox, 7:05pm at Camden Yards, http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/
August 30th: Historic Homewood Artwalk, 1pm at the Homewood House, 2pm at the Baltimore Museum of Art
For more events check out http://baltimore.org/.
Enjoy the rest of the summer! School is right around the corner!
If you are thinking to yourself, "Baltimore has a subway?", then you would be sufficiently surprised to find out that, in fact, it does! The Metro Subway is 15.5 mile, 14 station system that runs from the Johns Hopkins Hospital to Owings Mills by way of downtown. In the 6 years that I have resided in Baltimore, I have been on the subway less than a dozen times. For much of my time here I didn't live anywhere near the Metro, and upon discovering this system, much to my disappointment, found out that it did not connect you to Washington D.C. So, where does the Metro Subway go? Good question. Since it is less than a month away from new Traditional Student orientation, I felt it my task to ride the Metro to find out exactly where it goes, so that you too may ride it, and feel like a rapid transit champion!
Friday, July 25th:
I walked on over from Washington Hill to the Johns Hopkins Hospital Metro Station in the middle of Broadway. Descended the escalator to the ticket machines and purchased myself a $3.50 Day Pass which allows passengers unlimited trips on the Metro, Light Rail, and Bus System. Trains for the most part come every 8 minutes (two minutes less frequent than the DC Metro) during the day. I caught a mostly empty car at Hopkins and started Westbound to Owings Mills. (Hopkins is the last stop so all trains head West), a 30 minute ride. The first part of the trip was all subway. As you pass through downtown the Metro stops at the Shot Tower and Charles Center before turning Northwest. the first nine stops are underground and the remaining six are above. The traffic picked up downtown with many riders getting off at Reistertown Plaza and Owings Mills, which was my destination. All of the above ground stations have free parking, with the largest garage being at Owings Mills Station (3,500 spaces). My experiment for the day was to see how close the Owings Mills Town Center was to the station, looking at the map it would be a close walk, but upon walking outside of the station and with the mall in plain sight I was thwarted by a fence, "Mall accessible by M-9 bus" Take a bus!? to somewhere I can walk? Well the only option was a 15 minute round-about walk along a street that for the most part has no sidewalk, so I WOULD NOT recommend this if walking to shop. According to the MTA this is a temporary situation until the Metro Centre shopping complex is finished construction in 2009.
Now on the return trip Eastbound, I decided to make a few stops to see what's around. Lexington Market Station, like it's name implies is right at the renowned Lexington Market. It's also close to the Hippodrome, 1st Mariner Arena, and about 6 blocks from Camden Yards. Charles Center Station puts you right downtown in the business district, on Baltimore Street, just a few blocks from the Inner Harbor, Aquarium, and Science Center. Shot Tower/Market Place Station puts you on the east end of the Harbor right at Power Plant Live, Port Discovery, and Little Italy.
Well not as widespread as the DC Metro, the Baltimore version does get you to a lot of good places, if you have the convenience of being close to the line! If you have a monthly pass from MTA (www.mtamaryland.com) you have the ease of transferring from the Light Rail or Bus to the Metro Subway. MTA has in the works to extend the Metro Subway passed Hopkins up to Good Samaritan Hospital, but don't hold your breath, the earliest it'll be done is 2015!
Metro Subway Trip Pictures
Next Installment Coming soon: Baltimore Light Rail
It's June! And here at the SON everything is chilly thanks to an overactive A/C. Call me silly, but I thought windows were designed to be user friendly. After two years of trying to figure out how to open my window I've given up. I've come to the acceptance that the 1st Floor windows just aren't meant to be open.
On to Plan B: 
1.) Watch The Great Escape
2.) Dig Tunnel
3.) Motorcycle jump my way across the Swiss Border to freedom....Piece-of-Cake
A lot has happened since I last blogged. The 2008 Traditional class graduated, and now they are well on their way to top-notch careers in Nursing. Some are working just across the street at Hopkins Hospital, and some have sticking with the SON and continuing with their MSN. To the rest...good luck!
We welcomed 135 new Accelerated Students at the end of May who will begin their 13.5 month trek through nursing. They represent 29 States and the District of Columbia, 17 Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, 50 Programs of Study, and 96 Undergraduate Academic Institutions. Although there is only one from my alma mater, Loyola College, sorry representation there 'Hounds.
The Orioles dropped out of first place, but seriously we all saw that one coming.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull came out on May 22nd. It was good to see the Indy back in action, but seriously they had 19 years and that was the best ending George Lucas could come up with?
Answers to some FAQs:
1.) What are the class sizes? Incoming classes are divided into two sections of about 70 students each. There are some lecture classes with the entire BSN class together.
2.) What are the clinical sizes? Clinical groups are around 6-7 students each, with lab groups being slightly smaller.
Keep the questions coming! Now on to digging...
Has anyone else noticed how much it rains in Baltimore in the spring? They turned the fountain on at the SON the other day and I couldn't even tell it was on because it was pouring down rain. Anyway, enjoy the springtime weather while it lasts SONers because when June starts and the relative humidity hovers around 150% you'll wish it was raining!
I also just noticed it has been since December since I last blogged...whoops. Well see I don't have as much recruitin' this time of year, so I have little to talk about on a day-to-day basis besides the goings-on outside my window.* When recruiting end we switch into high gear to put all the classes together. This includes interviews, tours, open house, and accepted students day. Neadless to say we are always busy here in the Office of Admissions and Student Services!
Moving on. I recently completed a rare spring recruiting trip to Oregon, and guess what, it rained there too! If you haven't been to Portland lately they're doing a lot of construction downtown. Portland State University is expanding its campus and the city is extending its streetcar system. Long story short...traffic! You know it's messed up when your GPS system doesn't know where to take you and you start yelling at it. Oh, GPS I can't stay mad at your sweet voice.
Now I'm back in Bmore and it's almost summer break!!!!!....for the Trad students, sorry Accels. For all of you stuck here in Charm City for the summer here are some things to check out:
1.) New Farmers Market coming to Harbor East at 1000 Lancaster St: Open Saturdays from June 14th to October 25th, 9 AM to 1 PM.
2.) Orioles Baseball at Camden Yards. Catch them while they're in 1st Place! www.orioles.com
3.) Fort McHenry. Multiple events, Memorial Day (May 26th), Flag Day (June 16th), Independence Day (You should know this), Defeneders Day (Sept 12-14) www.nps.gov/fomc
Day Trip Destination:
Washington D.C. - take a day in our Nations Capital. Only 45 mins away and you can always drive to Silver Spring or Greenbelt and take the Metro into the city. For events, check out this: www.washington.org
That's it. Good luck with finals!
-Chris
*window view consists of small patch of grass, parking pad, and brick wall, i.e. nothing much.
There we have it SON fans, Fall Recruitment is over! It's been a lovely Fall Dance as I've seen myself go to 26 schools (some twice) across 13 states and the District of Columbia. I went from Phoenix, Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A....or was that Steve Miller? Anyways, let's just say I saw a lot of the U. States this year, knocked off a couple of States I had not been yet, and all around had a very good, albeit tiring, time.
Now it's in to Admitting Season! Applications, interviews, tours and information sessions. As the semester rolls down to a close for the students, and they look forward to the relaxing tranquility of Winter Break, the Office of Admissions and Student Services keeps on truckin'. This is our busy season (just when you thought I wasn't doing anything since September). We need to put together the Summer and Fall classes of 2008!
Not that it has been all work and no play for this guy. I did get a chance to play Intramurals with the SONers this fall. Kudos to the Traditional class of '09 for getting the teams started (and a blurb in the Fall issue of the Johns Hopkins University Nursing Magazine pg. 13). Surprisingly with all the school work these students have to put in, both flag-football and soccer made it to the playoffs. Sadly the flag-football teams both came short and are still yearning for the illusive Championship T-Shirt, the "Stanley Cup" of Intramural trophies. The Renal Failures of the soccer league are still in it though.
Well there you have it folks! Another Recruiting season for the books. Sophomore Admissions Officer phenom Chris Boyle is hanging up his recruiting shoes for the off-season and hitting the locker room!
-Chris
December Baltimore activities:
December 6th - Lighting of the Washington Monument in Mt Vernon (who needs a tree...just light up George!)
December 15th - Yuletide at Fort McHenry. Come check out how Christmas was celebrated at the Fort. Free Candelight tours 6-9pm.
December 31st - Baltimore's New Years Eve. Fireworks at the Inner Harbor