Summer is a great time for campus tours. The campus isn't overcrowded with tired, over-caffeinated college students, ice doesn't impair your ability to walk backward, and the campus has never looked more beautiful. I started working as a campus tour guide back in May for the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and I've determined a few realities of working in this position only after a few short (but rewarding) months. What better way to describe these feelings and situations than through my favorite TV show: "Friends."

1. Asking families to warn you about upcoming obstacles, puddles, or fire hydrants as you're walking backward, but running into them anyway.

At the beginning of each tour, I always ask families to inform me of anything that may trip me or cause me to fall. However, this has not stopped me from almost getting hit by a bicyclist, hitting multiple bikes fastened to bike racks, tripping over curbs, and walking through puddles.

2. The one parent who asks if you get sore from walking backward from tours.

Alright, so we give tours about four days a week, sometimes up to three times a day. We've been trained for this. Of course, we are no longer sore after walking backward unless it's our third tour of the day.

3. A student asking about the party scene and social life around campus.

We really are not allowed to speak about anything except the student unions and activities and events student groups held around campus. However, if you come during a game day Saturday tour and walk around frat row, I'm sure that will answer your question.

4. Students and parents asking why you chose UMN over UW-Madison.

I have received this question more times than you can imagine. Honestly, I chose UMN because it felt like home. It was that simple.

5. "Do you guys have any questions?"

*cricket noises*

6. Oh yes, of course, I have used every resource I have mentioned to you on tour before.

Connecting some of the resources with 'personal experiences' really helps the students realize it's acceptable to use the different resources around campus. My 'personal experiences' may not necessarily be referring to only myself, but I will obviously not share my negative experience with trying to sell my textbooks back to the bookstore; I'll tell you the great experience my friend had instead.

7. Cringe-worthy 'dad' jokes.

"The building to your left is Pillsbury Hall, home to the earth sciences department. We like to say the building rocks, and you shouldn't take it for granite, but of quartz, you won't because you're a great tour group."

8. Coming back from tour and having only 20 minutes to eat before the next tour dismisses.

For whatever reason, I'm always insanely hungry after tours. The time in between tours is designated for eating or napping. No exceptions.

9. Finally going home after a long workday.

Although I love my job and my coworkers, I won't complain about going home after a long, busy workday.