We all remember those days where we were panicking to find the right college for ourselves as seniors in high school. To ensure our confidence and to learn more about a college campus, some of us went on fly-in programs where you get to stay in someone's dorm and follow a very extensive schedule for 2-3 days. When I was a senior, I was lucky enough to go on 3 fly-in programs--one of the three fly-ins happens to be the college I am currently attending. I remember the long days of doing tours and scavenger hunts, and also my host. If it weren't for my host, I probably wouldn't have been as hyped about, and comfortable with, my campus as I was.
Therefore, when I became a college student, I decided to host prospective students (prospies or prospees, depending on spelling preferences, for short) for the rest of my time on campus. I wanted to share my experiences with my prospie and show what college life is. I learned a lot of things by being a host for prospies, and I wanted to share with you what you might experience when you host somebody in periodic order.
1. Before the prospies even come, you're already feeling awkward
You get your prospie's contact information before they come to campus. You try, emphasis on try, to contact them either via text or email to make sure they know who you are and what they might need when they come to campus. I remember sending my prospie an email, emphasizing that they'll need a sleeping bag because bedding won't be provided. I've had my friends jokingly make fun of me on how awkward I am with my prospie via email.
2. You try to tidy up
As a prospie, I didn't really care if my host's dorm (or anyone's home) was a bit messy. But when I started hosting, I made sure every spec of dirt was clear from my side of the dorm and that my laundry was done. My roommates jokingly didn't even realize the clean area was my dorm since I'm usually a messy person. In the end, I end up joking with my prospie about how messy my dorm was before they come.
3. You try to be cool
Okay, now your prospie is here, and you have some time with them before they have to go to an activity. You're not entirely sure what to say to them within the first few moments other than "how was your ride/flight?" or "how are you?" because they are a stranger to to you and a year younger. You're also not sure of whether or not to bring the conversation to Q & A's related to campus or talk about current events.
4. You eventually click
This is not entirely guaranteed every time you host somebody. But, for me, after a few awkward silences and empty laughter, your prospie or you say something that is funny or entertains the other. You immediately click and start talking about your past, present, and possibly future. By the end of the fly-in program, you kinda feel like you've been friends forever.
5. Things get real
This is not going to be an experience every host is going to have. The fly-in programs I host are heavily diversity based which is another reason why I put effort into it. As a person of color (PoC) and previous prospie for the programs, some prospies, especially mine, have found me most qualified to answer their deep and real questions about my college campus. My prospie and prospies I did not host have asked me questions based on race, class, and gender. I personally find that in order to be a great host, you have to be willing to not sugar coat your campus, meaning you have to be as real as the question. Therefore, whenever I am asked such questions, I answer truthfully by sharing my personal problems and experiences with a bit of criticism (every campus has this problem), but I also express that those experiences should not stop them or myself from loving this campus because, in the end, you're not alone. There are pros to cons and everything, and I genuinely express the pros but won't hide away from the cons. I have been thanked by many officials and prospies for my honesty.