If you work in the field of international education on a college campus, you know the intense but exciting atmosphere that the fall semester brings. As someone who is pretty new to the field, I had heard about the craziness of the fall semester, and geared up for it myself in an attempt to prepare for what was to come. Now, as I look back at the past few weeks, I can say that my first fall semester has been a rollercoaster, and I have loved every second of it.
As the new academic year began, I strapped in for the fall semester. The rollercoaster had started as I started to learn the ropes. The days began to be filled with things such as emails, student advising appointments, learning about applications, study abroad program information sessions, establishing connections on campus as well as overseas, and open houses. While there have been some lows, as with every rollercoaster, there are always highs that follow. When I experience these lower moments, such as when a student withdraws from a program, there is a race to meet deadlines, or when it feels like there are just not enough hours in the day, I know that every day there is a higher moment. These positive
moments come in the form of a full information session, a great advising appointment, or kind words from an appreciative student. These are the moments that matter. My first fall semester has definitely been a rollercoaster, but I am so grateful that I am along for the ride.
What highs do you experience on your rollercoaster?
By Melissa Golowski, IEP Campus Coordinator
