Fall is fast approaching

Hello, my loyal readers! I trust that you all had an exciting and safe summer vacation. Did you do anything fun?? I'd love to hear about your summer vacation! As for me, my vacation was not as exciting as last summer when I went to China; however, I spent most of my time on campus in Valpo and took a few trips here and there... very relaxing. I also spent alot of my time volunteering with an outstanding organization called HOBY (Hugh O'brian Youth Leadership). If you are a freshman or sophomore reading this, look into attending a seminar in your area. For you natural leaders out there, this is the perfect opportunity for you to enhance those skills, and for those of you who might feel a little shy, but know that you have an inner rockstar that's bursting at the seams to get out, this could serve as a wonderful opportunity for you as well. The end of summer is bittersweet; I am sad to see it go, but am extremely excited for students to arrive on campus! I can't believe my first class is now at sophomore status (you're getting so old *tear*) and I have my second incoming Freshman class. We will definitely have a lot special people wandering around-- I'm excited to see all of the great things you will do.

I am in the process of finalizing my Fall Travel plans, but am still missing a Tour Name... I could do along the lines of U2 with the 360 degree tour... but I need something even better than that... I'm thinking that it's time for a contest. To the student who gives me the most original (and cleanest, you wouldn't believe the suggestions I've received in the past...), you will win a secret prize. No, it's not guaranteed admission or a full tuition scholarship... but I can guarantee that it will be legen...wait for it...dary. Deadline 12 AM EST September 1st. I will announce the winner on September 3rd and profile you on my blog if you'd like.

If you remember, last year I gave you the inside scoop of a legendary admission counselor and the low down about what I take along with me for Fall Travel. This fall I will be scaling it down a bit since I have more of a centralized recruiting (City of Chicago, North Shore 'burbs and Northwest Chicago 'burbs) territory. Don't you worry East Coasters or students from Southern Ohio, I'm still here and have no problem adopting you and your family! Back to my main point-- what I take with me during travel-- all of these things are necessary in case I need to pull a Macguyver, which ALWAYS happens at some point:

In my travel (non-valpo material, non-clothing suitcase) bag I will always have the following:
Bottled water (preferably dannon natural spring water or Smart Water) I'm being specific in case a rep. views this and wants to send me some cases ;)
one regular can of Coke
appples
almonds
First-aid kit (trust me)
Extra socks
Flip-flops (I could live in flip flops)
Raincoat
Umbrella-- I actually picked up a bright magenta one, which is just fabulous
cell phones, wall and car charger... and extra charger since I always seem to lose one
Laptop
homework-- yes, my day time outfit is the Admission Counselor, while at night I am an MBA student here at Valpo.
iPod, charge
digital camera
Ethernet cable (just in case)
A wide selection of batteries
flashlight
Hand sanitizer
Plastic bags (both of the sandwich and garbage varieties)
Tissues and napkins
baseball hat
Spare toilet paper (I traveled to China last summer-- it's become 2nd nature)
tape, assorted rubber bands and paperclips (just in case I need to MacGyver something together)
Pens
A towel
Tylenol, Advil
A lifetime supply of Tums

All this, plus a folder full of my travel schedule, emergency numbers, insurance forms, contacts, reservations and any other scrap of paper necessary to make the travel season go swimmingly.

I guess I didn't really scale it down afterall...

Once I finalize my schedule I will post it so you know when I'll be in your area. I look forward to meeting you during this fall and spring. Please email me at: megan.marrs@valpo.edu with your tour name suggestion as well as any questions/concerns you might have about Valpo and college admissions.

Remember, be legendary in your own way!