BUMegan's Blog : travel

this has been the most interesting travel season to date.

BUMegan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:44:00 GMT

I'm officially a slacker. I can't believe I posted almost two months ago.

I'm not sure where the time went, but I know it went there FAST. Between school visits in the day, and college fairs at night, the past two months have been booked solid 12 hour days. (at least!) I still have a few days of visits left, but nothing like September and October. I want to say that it's been the best travel season, but to be honest, it hasn't. I've struggled a bit in my new role as a regional representative, and have had some unlucky circumstances cloud these past couple of months.

HOWEVER, its a new month, and I'm blogging and I am hoping everything turns out for the best! I'm ready to get back into the rhythm of a regular schedule which includes eating at normal times, working somewhat normal hours and working out! I'll keep you all posted as to how this goes. ;)

We've had a few visit days and a lot of students visiting campus. Please continue! I maintain that campus is at it's best in the fall. Trust me, you won't want to miss the trees changing. ABSOLUTELY beautiful. And with the football team at 8-0, you can't ask for a more perfect way to spend a weekend! GO DAWGS!

My focus after travel is reading files. I've been pleasantly surprised this year with how good some of the essays are. Its time consuming to read an application, but one of my favorite parts of my job. Seniors-please don't forget! Our application deadline is November 15th! Get your applications in so you'll hear in December what your admission decision is!!!

Again, as always, please let me know if you need anything!

traveling...part 1

BUMegan — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:38:00 GMT

So, I've definitely lost track of time with this....SO much has happened in the time I've been here, it's CRAZY to me that it's already the end of October. Travel season goes by so quickly, but it never seems that way when you're in it, if that makes any sense.

It's late here, after a fair, and I FINALLY HAVE A COMPUTER! My computer died about a week and a half ago, and let me tell you-it has NOT been fun. Because email is the most convenient way for a lot of my students to get a hold of me, it's been hard not have a computer to come back to at night and get through all the emails I need to respond to. Thankfully, Zach over in IR was very nice and had a loaner sent to my hotel in Chicago. Things like this make me love my alma mater even more:)

The first part of the month was great, albeit busy. I've seen a lot of students, a lot of GREAT students in the visits I've had and the college fairs I've attended. My first couple of weeks were non-stop, but things have slowed down (a TINY bit....not really enough for me yet!) but don't worry-I've still had time for some shopping, relaxing, reading and spending time with some of my friends. Because this is my third travel season, I've been more cognizant of trying to get more sleep, and finding ways to de-stress after a long day-so far, it's worked, as I haven't gotten sick yet. (keep your fingers crossed!!!)

I've been reading some of the other blogs, and I know it's Homecoming this week. I'm very sad that I can't go, and jealous of the friends I have going back to Indy. It promises to be a great time, and with the football team at 5-1, the game should be pretty awesome.

I promise to write more later this week, but one thing is on my mind right now-NOVEMBER 15TH. Our application deadline is FAST approaching, and I just wanted to remind everyone of that date-please, PLEASE let me know if you need anything or have questions. Hopefully I can help!

Hope all is well to anyone reading-to Jerry and Chris especially, I miss you guys! (You're probably the most likely to read this thing;)

Have a good Wednesday everyone! Stay tuned for another update this week!

is it really my third travel season?!

BUMegan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:11:00 GMT

So, I really can't believe this is my third travel season...I'm sitting in my hotel room, thinking about how just how much has changed from my first travel season to my third. I'm currently in Chicago, and have done about a week of travel. I love it here (well, minus the traffic and construction...but what are you going to do?!) and have been really pleased with how my college fairs and visits to high schools have been going.

I spent two weeks in St. Louis, and had a GREAT time. I got to stay with my parents, who are now empty nesters! It was a good two weeks, but it went by VERY quickly. The fairs, visits and everything was awesome. I already know the area, but I feel like I have a better handle on everything than I did last year!

My first week in Chicago also went well. I had three fairs and was able to see all the people I travel with/hang out with-it was SO, SO, SO good to see everyone! Its funny how close you get to people you only see three months out of the year, but yet I love all these people like we all went to school together or something. Chicago is such an interesting territory to have because everyone is up here so long, you can't help but become good friends with other college reps. I'm just lucky I've met some AMAZING reps. I love travel, and love spending time up here. Chicago is definitely one of my favorite cities. It also helps that one of my best friends lives up here, and I get to see her this week!!!!!! (Can you tell I've had an overabundance of coffee?? That's what happens when you travel a lot...at least for me;)

This week is a little quieter than last, but I'm actually up here for two weeks straight. I have a fair on Saturday, so I'll just stay here over the weekend. Any suggestions as to what I could do?? Please feel free to leave me a message:)

Its good to see our new bloggers up and running-I'm very impressed with the group that Brad put together. I've been reading some of their stuff, and it's exciting to see, especially as an alumna of Butler. Keep up the good work! (It's also good to get to read Jerry's blog. I miss him AND ALL of the other counselors:)

I know I said this last fall, but if any current applicants have questions-PLEASE don't hesitate to let me know. I'd be more than happy to answer your questions!

Finally-since it's surprisingly colder up here than when I left, a quote about my favorite season:

I've never known anyone yet who doesn't suffer a certain restlessness when autumn rolls around... We're all eight years old again and anything is possible.
-- Sue Grafton

Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.
-- Carol Bishop Hipps

on the road again...

BUMegan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:26:00 GMT

I haven't been so good at updating this thing...my once a week rule has turned into once every two weeks...at most...WHOOPS....

I do have a good excuse though...this time;) I am planning travel again! I honestly can't believe I am going into my THIRD travel season. It seems so crazy that I've been doing this for over two years. I'm VERY excited though, because I finally have a good handle on my suburbs in Chicago, and obviously love getting to go home to St. Louis for two weeks. I'm a very lucky girl when it comes to travel territories. It will be good to see all the other counselor friends I've made in the St. Louis/Chicago areas. I just can't believe it starts next week! I'll be going home on Saturday for two weeks, with fairs and visits to a lot of great schools. After that, its up to Chicago for 5 weeks. I'll be sure to keep you posted of ALL my travel adventures. :)

I feel like a lot has happened since I last posted. I turned 25 (gulp) and actually had a REALLY amazing birthday. My sister and I didn't do a lot for it, but it was a great birthday, one of the best I've had. ;) We also, last weekend, moved my little sister Caitlin to Butler. It was VERY surreal, to walk around Schwitzer and get everything from the van unloaded and moved in. It made me feel old! She seems to be doing ok, and for that I'm grateful. I definitely had a period of transition here, which I wasn't prepared for experiencing. I was homesick, and not truly comfortable until October. I wish someone could warn students moving to college that it's like for a lot of people. It would have been nice to know I wasn't the only one. (which I definitely wasn't!!!!) However, Cait is very adaptable and hopefully is enjoying herself. I love it here, and I only hope the same for her. :) All three of us have been teasing my parents, however, about their new "empty nesters" status. I was honestly more worried about them! Thankfully, they seem to be doing ok, and keeping busy. They both seem really excited about me staying with them for two weeks, and I must admit, it'll be nice to be a "temporary" only child. HA!

I think the thing I am most excited for during my trip to St. Louis is getting a new computer. Unfortunately, the laptop I've had since sophomore year of college died. Because Butler offers discount programs through Apple and Dell, I've decided to get a MacBook. I've never owned an Apple computer before, but have used them throughout school. Obviously, I'm expecting a period of transition to understand everything, but I'm really excited. I've always wanted to get one, and I finally am. Dad and I are going sometime during the two-week period I'm in town, so I'll FINALLY have a computer at home again. It's been rough...and shows me just how dependent I am on it!

Other than that, life has been pretty amazing as a 25 year-old. I had a great weekend with my sisters and friends, and it was a perfect way to culminate the end of summer and end of my normal life for the year. ;) APPARENTLY, BUJerry has decided he wants his blog to be read more than mine, which I think is hilarious, being that I don't REALLY know who reads this to begin with. I definitely appreciate anyone who does, and it makes me happy to know that someone could be enjoying the blog entries I come up with and write. HAHAHA Anyway, good luck to BUJerry on his quest. I would say I hope it works, but I like people reading MY blog....so read both?! HA!

Like always, if you have questions, let me know. I'd be happy to help!!

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S BEEN A MONTH!

BUMegan — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:04:00 GMT

So, now it's been over a month since I've last written, and I feel AWFUL. I do have to wonder though, how many people actually read my blog. Truly! I'm just one of two staff bloggers, and I know the student bloggers are the highlight of this sight, and rightfully so. I feel like my blogs tend to be a little less exciting, a little more mundane, so it always surprises me to hear that people read this thing. I can only hope they like it as much as I enjoy writing it. If nothing else, it serves as way for me to see the things that have gone on in my life, and some of the cool things I've done in the past however many months. I've definitely been slacking too, with keeping up the forums that we have on this site. It's cool though, to see just how many students have joined the site and are contributing to the forums, asking questions, getting to know each other and accomplishing what Brad had hoped for so many months ago (and me too! I love getting to see how all this plays out!!)

I've finally finished my spring travel, and I am, generally speaking, VERY happy to be back. I will definitely miss all the people I travel with, (SARAH!, Troy, Mike, Corey, Melissa, Jae, Brian, Kelly, Meg and everyone else!) but am SO excited for the fall and being back in one of my favorite cities. This spring's travel was DEFINITELY busy, SO much more busy than last year. I met a lot of great students though, and I'm really excited to be working with them in this coming fall. I went to a lot of great fairs: Barrington, the Glenbrooks' Fair, District 211, Fox Valley, Lyons Township and so many others. It amazes me how great of a response we get in Chicago.

My trip up there was really successful, and a lot of fun too. I was able to try some new things, and it's ALL thanks to a couple of my friends up there. ;) I went to a sushi restaurant, RA, in the Lombard area which was REALLY good. I had never been and was nervous to try it. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone-I loved it! I also tried oysters and alligator at restaurant called Pappadeaux, and let me tell you-I surprised myself by trying them!!! Oysters are really not something I foresee myself trying again, but at least I did, right?! (I'll just keep telling myself that...) Another cool restaurant to check out would be Harry Caray's. Now, as some of you know, I'm from St. Louis, and therefore a definite Cardinals fan. HOWEVER, I figured that Harry Caray had his start in St. Louis and went with a friend for lunch. The food was awesome, and it was really neat to see all the history and memorabilia that they have hanging up. They even had toasted ravioli, which is a St. Louis thing. I had a blast there:)

I also saw a movie which I really liked, 21. Now I know the main guy is from Across the Universe, which I haven't seen, so I really didn't know what to expect. It was a great movie!! I was really impressed with him, and will be renting Across the Universe, for sure. :)

I would be remiss if I did not mention my boss, Aimee had her baby and has been on maternity leave for a little while now. She had the most adorable baby boy, and I'm really hoping she likes the present my mom and I picked out for him. I'll be sure to keep you posted! It's weird, though, to come back and not have her here. I can't wait for her return to the office! COME BACK SOON AIMEE!!

My final bit of travel was a conference, held at the end of April and beginning of May. It was good to get see people I haven't for awhile, and to attend some really good sessions on a variety of topics. I love how much you can learn from attending a conference like that. We are truly blessed to have so many people in our profession who've been in the field for awhile, and have SUCH a depth of knowledge when it comes to higher education. Education is such a passion of mine,but when I graduated, I really didn't know the impact it would have on me. Its hard to imagine ever leaving the education field, in whatever capacity that encompasses. Time will tell what the will hold for me, whether I stay with admission or switch to another area with higher ed. It's something I truly love and am excited for this upcoming year.

Things have been a little quiet around here, with finals ending yesterday, and the amount of visitors slowing. I'm sure we'll see an increase come summer, but this is the time for finals, proms, graduations and the like. I know that I will attending a graduation, as my little sister Caitlin graduates from high school this year. I'm SO excited, because she will be attending Butler in the fall!!! She made her final decision, and I could NOT be happier. She is one of my most favorite people in the world, and I love knowing we will be in the same city. My hope is that she has as great and wonderful and fantastic an experience as I did when I was here, in whatever way that means. I leave on Sunday and will be home for a few days with them. I'm also lucky because I travel St. Louis and get to be at home with my family too. I was actually home for a couple days in April, doing a couple of fairs in the St. Louis area. Very fun. :)

I hope all the students having to take finals this week and from now on do well, and if anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to let me know. I promise I will be doing a MUCH better job than I did in April of keeping up. :)

yikes...it's been awhile....

BUMegan — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:30:00 GMT

So it's definitely been awhile...I feel kinda bad, but I've been on the road for the past two weeks in Chicago, and things have finally settled down here, enough for me to post a recap!

My travels to Chicago are always fun, and these past two weeks were no different. My first week of travel took me to the city of Chicago for a fair at Richard J. Daley College, and then to Rockford, IL for a fair at Rockford College. I think both fairs went pretty well, and it was SO good to see all the people I travel with in Rockford. I tried a new restaurant when I was there (new to me, as they've been around for awhile!) called Red Robin. I'm not sure if we have them in Indy, but it was SO good. I went with one of my friends, Mike, and he had a burger that had a fried egg on it. SO weird, I know, but it actually was really good! My burger was a little on the weird side too, as it was Teriyaki flavored and had PINEAPPLE on it! I know, I know...I was a little weirded out at first, but it was soo good. I think I'm one of those people who will try anything once, and it just so happens that trying both burgers actually worked out for me. :)

I also got to hang out with some friends from Butler when I was there, Shawna-who is doing rotations in Chicago right now, and Josh-who is spending the month of March in Chicago for some work training. We went to a place called Hackney's, a great burger place that was up in Glenview. It was SO good!! (There was a definite theme to my trip that week....) It was really, really good to see both of them. Shawna actually lived with my sister and I for awhile, and I miss her SO much. Josh too-because he lives in California, it was great to finally catch up and hang out with them both. Overall, an awesome week.

Round two to Chicago was spent in Oakbrook. I stayed in a REALLY nice hotel that was in a more secluded, quiet area. Very nice:) We had a fair on Tuesday at College of Lake County in Grayslake which was actually really busy for me. I met some great students who I will hopefully being meeting again in the fall. The other fair I attended was at Depaul University on Thursday night. That was a quiet night, as there weren't many students and families there. Overall all, though, it was a good trip. I got some quality time in with my friends on the road, and I am VERY excited for April and getting to spend more time with all of them. It's such a good group of people!! This was an amazing week, regardless. I'm just really happy with how everything turned out:)

I'm back in the office for two weeks. It seems so crazy that it's the end of March already. I was able, however, to spend my favorite holiday in the office-St. Patrick's day. LOVE IT! I posted a couple of pictures from our potluck lunch that was truly an Irish FEAST! I'm lucky to have such amazing co-workers!

This weekend promises to be pretty good-a good friend from school, Jamie, is getting married on Saturday. Josh and Shawna are coming on Friday and spending what will be a crazy but fun weekend here. So excited for it! I need to find a dress, but have a great date-so it should be a good time. I'll be sure to keep you posted. :)

The family also came in last weekend-it was my mom's birthday and Caitlin (the little sister) registered for classes. She isn't dead-set on Butler, but I can keep my fingers crossed, right?!

That's about all I have from here. Hope everyone is enjoying/enjoyed/will enjoy their spring breaks. I know that I'm definitely ready for warmer weather!! Hope everyone is doing well!!!

Got my paper and I was FREE

BUMegan — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 01:29:00 GMT

Sitting my apartment. In INDY! I can now say that travel for 2007 is officially OVER. It is a little bit of a weird feeling, because I feel like my travel season went SO fast, and now it's November. Less than one month until December 1^st, and the applications that are all over my office are proof of that!

This week was awesome-I didn't have any fairs, and I decided to go all out for my hotel this week. I used Priceline, which gave me a deal at the Marriott Hotel in Oakbrook. It was AMAZING! The hotel had a Starbucks (which of course, as a coffee ADDICT, I truly appreciatedJ) I was able to do a lot of fun things this week because of an open schedule in the evening.

(Quick plug for Priceline-use it if you ever get a chance. It's a pretty amazing website!)

I went to Oakbrook Mall and can officially say I'm in love. It's a beautiful mall and the stores were awesome. The one store I didn't get to go to though was an Irish Store. I'm definitely a sucker for anything Irish, and I'm sad that I didn't find it in time before the mall closed at 9. I will definitely be going back, not only to stay but also to the mall! (I just MIGHT also be a sucker for shopping!)

Speaking of Irish things, I ate lunch before leaving today at an Irish Pub called Ballydoyles in Downers Grove. It was so cute! Again, sticking with a love of all things Irish, I love getting to visit Irish pubs and lunch today was AWESOME! Definitely give a chance if you are ever in the area. :)

Last night (Thursday) was the Milwaukee reception, which was held at the Audubon Society, a little north of downtown. We had an amazing dinner at the North Shore Bistro and then had a great reception with some really nice families. The drive from Oakbrook wasn't the most fun I've had, but it the event went well which is what matters!

Halloween was actually quiet for me, I went to dinner to Weber Grill, which is an amazing steak restaurant that has a few different location in Chicago/Chicagoland and they just opened one in downtown Indianapolis. It was a little pricey but so, so worth it! After that I went to see a movie, Dan in Real Life, at a movie theatre close to the hotel. It's a short movie, and a little predictable (at least, I thought so) but a very cute, heartwarming movie and definitely for fans of Steve Carrell or Dane Cook. Both are very cute in the movie!

This weekend should be pretty quiet...and for that I'm grateful. I need some down time, and I am very excited to spend time with friends here, and my roommates (Shawna and Erin! LOVE YOU BOTH!)

That's about it from here...A note to anyone who travels, as I've just completed another round of travel and recognize the importance of helpful hints, is to get audio books!! I was lucky enough to get an audio version of my favorite book, On the Road, by Jack Kerouac. (Amazing book, if you're wondering!) They make the time pass so quickly and I am really glad I had that for my the last trips back and forth from St. Louis and Chicago.

Now, its off to dinner with some friends. SO glad to be back! :)

Chicago!!

BUMegan — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:31:00 GMT

Just got in to Chicago...my hotel is AWESOME! They just remodeled and everything is super nice. I'll be here for a week, so it's nice knowing that I have a comfy room and bed as my mini home away from home. This is travel week number 3, and I'll be spending all my time in the suburbs of Chicago. This is an area I traveled last year, so I'm (finally!) pretty familiar with the area and all the different places to go. There are fairs every night this week, so it's going to be pretty busy-but I know we will get some play time in to go grab dinner at a fun restaurant or watch a movie. Anything relaxing that we can do up here is the goal for the week! (To anyone wondering-no PT cruisers this time. I have a black Pontiac G6. It's pretty nice, if I do say so myself!)

Homecoming was yesterday. I managed to get into Indianapolis about 10 Friday night (traffic, naturally) so I went straight to bed to be ready and on the ball for the game and seeing everyone. It was really, really good to see so many people I haven't gotten to talk to in awhile. Especially during travel, I like being able to see friends to remind myself I do have a life, and it has nothing to do with work. Travel season can get hard because you have no life; your work is your life. While I truly enjoy it and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my job, I'm glad I have good friends to come to in Indianapolis. :) I feel bad for the team, as we took a pretty tough loss. But, we are still 4-1 and I can't wait to see how the rest of the year plays out for them. Coach Voris and the other coaches have done such a great job, and I applaud them and the team for all their hard work-you guys rock. :)

There were a lot of girls at the game from Alpha Phi, my sorority. Those girls are amazing and it was so fun to catch up with some that have graduated and the girls that are still at Butler. Of all the things I did at during school, that was definitely one of the best decisions I made. I've met so many wonderful people in Alpha Phi, and through joining a Greek house. I also got to meet some girls who joined after I graduated, which was a lot of fun as well. Phi's-love you girls! Thanks for letting some old alums join in on the fun and hang out with you all!!

Well, Jurassic Park is on (I know, I know, really cool), and I have some emails to catch up on before tonight. Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed the beautiful weather!

To end-thank you to anyone who reads this. I am DEFINITELY new at this whole blog thing, so feel free to leave comments/suggestions as to how I'm doing. Also, PLEASE feel free to post in the forums or to ask myself or Jerry any questions you might have about Butler, the admission process or what have you. That's what we are here for!!

***Completely unrelated side note-I finally bought my GPS system!!! I am so, so, so excited for it to come in. It's a Garmin Nuvi 350 and I ordered it from Amazon. It should arrive next week, so I will FINALLY have it. I can't wait to get it, and you can be sure I will keep you posted on how it works out. :)

Butler 101

BUMegan — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 23:38:00 GMT

We had our third Butler 101 today, and I have to admit that events are one of my favorite responsibilities as an Admission Counselor. I love our staff, love getting to meet new students and their families and being on campus. The weather today was absolutely GORGEOUS. We were so lucky that the sun was shining bright and it was a perfect fall day. It was a big crowd, probably 400 or so students and families so we held the event in Clowes Hall. A beautiful venue and the staff there is SO nice! Butler is really lucky to have access to Clowes and have the building on campus.

I was glad to have the BU101 for another reason as well-- getting to see our traveling counselors that have been out on the road! This is our travel time, a period of 4-8 weeks starting in mid-September where we are constantly on the road. High school visits, college fairs, receptions-- you name it, we do it all. It’s not the easiest lifestyle, being gone from family and friends, eating out, living in a hotel, but we manage and it makes the time getting back in November even sweeter. I start my travel tomorrow, Sunday and head to St. Louis. This is really exciting, as I am from St. Louis and get to stay with my family-- home cooked meals, HERE I COME! Nothing beats mom’s home cooked meals, so a week at home seems like somewhat of a luxury.

On a completely unrelated note—I just saw that Butler won the football game today against St. Joe’s, 11-8. We are 3 and 0!!!! I’m so excited for the team, glad that they’ve been able to accomplish such an awesome start to the beginning of their season. Congrats to them, as they’ve definitely earned it!

Next time you’ll hear from me, I’ll be on the road. Get ready for St. Louis/Chicago adventures ’07…. I know I can’t wait!!