#futureseahawks

Goodbyes are the worst, aren’t they?  How do you say goodbye to a place that’s given so much to you, and that you’ve poured your heart into in return? A place where you’ve met so many good people, passionate people, that have taken a vested interest in you and given you such great experiences and memories?  People that also ultimately gave you the necessary skills you needed to be able to take yourself forward into a new chapter in your life?

There never really are good answers to these questions.  As I write to you today I write with all of these questions in mind, and the only answer I can think of is to simply be grateful for the time you had, and do your best to pay if forward yourself.  This will be the last blog I write as a Transfer Admission Counselor, as in two days’ time I take everything I learned here- from this campus, from my colleagues and friends, my mentors- and begin to move forward into a new chapter and a new career.  It wasn’t an easy decision- my time here at UNCW, both as a student and a professional- has been full of great memories, and I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought I could.  In addition, the work I’ve done here helping students like you navigate the transfer process has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding.  I will miss talking about my love for UNCW, for all the great people I’ve met and resources I’ve had to help me succeed, and how they can help students like you achieve your goals as well.  But there comes a time and a place where you know it’s time to move on, to try something new and “take flight.”

So I won’t say goodbye. All I’ll say is “good luck.”  You all have incredible stories and incredible dreams, and the people I leave here know how to help you actualize those dreams. Don’t hesitate to ask them to help you with that either- that’s what is so special about the “the Dub.” Everyone here wants to help, and will go out of their way to do so if you give them the opportunity.  So take advantage of it, don’t give up, and good luck to you.  And most importantly…….GO SEAHAWKS!!

Hi everyone, my name is Rakia! I am currently enrolled in the Higher Education Administration graduate program at Drexel University and working on my co-op/capstone research project here at UNCW focusing on the admissions, advising, and support service programs offered to student veterans. While I am not a veteran, I have a lot a family members and friends who are active duty and veterans. What I want to take away from this experience is to have a better understanding of what UNCW is doing to prepare student veterans for academic success. 

I'm originally from outside of the Philadelphia area but have lived in the DC area for many years. I graduated from Villanova University with a major in Sociology and minor in Educational Policy and Leadership and interned with the AVID Organization in San Diego, CA while I was at Nova. Pursuing my graduate degree in higher education is a complete career change for me after working in Philadelphia and DC for the Department of the Navy and Department of State for ten years. During my time in DC I also volunteered with USO Metro for six years. 

Twas the day before Christmas break, when all through the office Not an Admissions Counselor was stirring, not even their coffee. The voicemails were read and the emails answered, In hopes that the Director would say go hibernate for the winter.

The applications were submitted and transcripts mailed, while anxious students dreamed of what their decision letters would tell. And the First-Year Counselors in their polos and Transfer Counselors in our khakis, had just settled down for a mid-afternoon snackie.

When out on Hoggard lawn there arose such a clatter, We sprang from our desks to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tripped over the chair and threw out my back.

The sun shining down on the freshly mowed grass, because there’s no snow in the deep deep south. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, Sammy C Hawk pulling a sleigh with tons of teal gear.

Flying about so lively and quick, we knew in that moment he was taking the place of St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his courser they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called us by name!

Now, Karla! now Kelley! now, Micah and Tammy! On, Jessica! On, Tom! on, our incoming Associate Director and Patty! From the beginning of Fall to the beginning of Spring, you’ve worked very hard and made a great team!

You’ve traveled the state and recruited the best, now it’s up to the students to pass the tests. Then he finally exclaimed as he flew out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

From our Admissions family to yours, Happy Holidays! We can wait to see you in 2017!

Well I did it, I survived the “trilogy” here at UNCW. I am still working on realizing that I do not have homework to do every night! I have finished all my classes here on campus and head out to my internship in Georgia on Jan 4th. I am excited for the new adventure that I will find there. I am interested to see how much new information I can get, and get the ability to use the information I have gained during my classes. I have made many new and lifelong friends that I will miss immensely, but I know we will meet back up and enjoy each other’s company.  I have had amazing professors who went out of their way to help prepare us for Rec Therapy life outside of the classroom. I have had great support from classmates, teachers, co-workers, and various organizations on campus. One final semester and I will be an alumna, and I am super excited! I can’t wait to walk across that stage with my cap, gown, and cords on and see the culmination of four years of hard work. My kids are already planning what they want the posters they are making to look like. This is just as much for them as it is for me; they have been there every step of the way, supporting and encouraging me. I have enjoyed my time here at UNCW and look forward to what comes next!