My love for William and Mary began in April 2012 when I was a sophomore in high school. My family decided to visit Williamsburg for spring break, and my parents suggested that I take the opportunity to visit this “great school” in the area. I eagerly agreed, but I wasn’t sure that I was really ready to think about college.
When the tour concluded, I stood at the tip of “confusion corner” waiting to go grab lunch in Colonial Williamsburg. My mom asked me how I felt about the college. To which I replied, “I thought it was perfect.” The academics were top-notch and the student life seemed great, but I fell in love with the school because of the feeling I got on my tour. From that day on, I was determined to go to William and Mary. My parents encouraged me to explore other options, but I couldn’t imagine myself at any other place.
Not only did I plan on attending William and Mary, but I also was adamant that I wanted to become a campus tour guide. At the time, I didn’t realize that becoming a tour guide would be a far more competitive process than getting admitted to The College. Only at W&M do 300 people apply to sacrifice two hours of their week to shout facts about the college to crowds of people while walking around backwards … for absolutely no monetary compensation.
After applying for a second time, I finally received my “good things” email informing me that I had been selected to join the elite crew of admissions tour guides. Just two weeks ago, I completed my training process and gave my first official tour (note: I didn’t trip on a single brick, people usually laughed at my jokes and I successfully avoided referring to the “Student Exchange” as the “sexchange,” so it was a success in my book).
In honor of the 3,000 students visiting campus this week, I present: “9 Stages of Giving a Campus Tour”
Stage 1: “GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!!!! I’m thrilled to have you visit campus today!!!!”
It’s imperative that you begin the tour with an excessive amount of enthusiasm. This is the time for you to scope out the crowd. Begin to look for the happy mom who will smile at you throughout the tour even when you make a corny joke. Also, note the Dad in the back who is just waiting to ask you about alcohol on campus.
Stage 2: “And this here is the Crim Dell Bridge…the second most romantic spot on a college campus.”
Tell the cute story about finding your soulmate and walking across the bridge together. Then take a moment to reflect on the lack of romance in your personal life.
Stage 3: Spot your friend, smile and wave obnoxiously at them.
The goal of this situation is to make you seem like a campus celebrity.
Stage 4: Intimidating Dad in the back finally asks, “What’s the social scene on campus?”
HINT: This is actually just the “party/alcohol” question in disguise! Attempt to assure the students that we have a thriving social life while easing the concerned father’s fears. Then redirect the conversation ASAP.
Stage 5: “And this is the Sadler Center, one our main dining halls on campus.”
When asked about the quality of the food, quickly mention the variety of food options available and then immediately jump to the beauty of dining dollars.
Stage 6: “Now, we are going to go look at a freshman dorm room.”
This is when you break the news that most dorms are not air-conditioned. But, always remind them that any student with allergies (or “allergies”) is permitted to bring a window unit.
Stage 7: Showcase the sunken gardens.
Talk about falling asleep on top of your textbooks and the philanthropies that we have. Do NOT mention “the triathlon” or the Campus Golf pre-games.
Stage 8: Arrive at the Wren Building.
You are almost done! Talk about traditions and everything that makes William and Mary unique. This is when the moms need to break out their tissues because you are about to tell the most heart-warming story about how you chose William and Mary and what the college has meant to you. It's your last chance to sell the school to potential students, so make it count!
Stage 9: Take a bow and enjoy the round of applause. This is as close to Hollywood stardom as most of us will ever get, so soak up these few moments of fame.
Being a campus tour guide for me is much more than something to tack on my resume; it’s an opportunity to give back to the school that has given me so much.
