This is the time of the year that I exist happily in two planes – the beginning of the Spring semester, loaded with its reality checks from Fall and rested from Winter Break, and the period of application and waiting for the incoming class of 2016.

It’s an interesting juxtaposition to be surrounded by students who have been here at school next to people who want to be here. It always makes me feel grateful for the experience of being on a college campus – constantly renewing itself every semester, every year. To be a part of that vibrant community keeps me alive, I think, because I don’t feel like I can exist in that zone where nothing ever changes. The ebb and flow of students are like the seasons we don’t have in  San Francisco – I can tell what time of the year it is depending on the sounds on campus. I’ll leave that for another blog.

I went up to Admissions yesterday to take some pictures, and I saw The Envelopes. You know what I’m talking about. The FAT envelopes. So full of possibility. Dave Tobias, Director of Freshman Admissions, and James Miller, Director of Admissions Operations and Applicant Services were poring over the envelopes making sure they were in the right order for the mailing. As I snapped the picture, Dave said, “Making dreams come true.” He’s right, you know. Part of my daily routine is scouring Twitter and Facebook to see what people are saying, thinking and doing around campus. Seeing people daily excited about their acceptances is wonderful. I’m looking forward to catching up with those students come Fall

So tomorrow marks the beginning of a few USF careers with New Student Orientation. It’s an exciting time of the year for us who work with incoming students – I’m looking forward to making new friends. Seriously, I try to make an effort to pass out my card and encourage people to contact me if they have any questions. Over the years, I like to see those same students and ask, “Who was your first friend at USF?” Fun question. With Facebook and Twitter, the ability to contact and reach out to others is greater, and I’m looking forward to this new semester.

Hope you are too.

Charlene