Undergraduate / I volunteered as a camp counselor ; Syracuse / work experience [2]

3. If you have had work experience, what skills and/or knowledge did you gain?

I volunteered as a camp counselor at the West Windsor Arts Center this past summer. I have always loved playing with children and babysitting my neighbors, but this was an entirely new experience for me. Being a counselor gave me a lot of responsibilities. I was expected to arrive on time and was given certain specific tasks that I had to complete in the allotted time. I was also responsible for making sure each child was safe and accounted for. Through this experience, I feel that I improved my communication skills as well. I learned how to speak efficiently to each age group: my fellow counselors, program directors and campers. As a counselor, I developed more authority. It was my job to help the children stay focused on activities and make sure they exhibit proper behavior. At times, there were numerous children standing around me, each wanting my individual and undivided attention. Using an authoritative voice, I guided the campers back on task. I learned from volunteering at the Arts Center, that in order for someone to fully listen and understand what I have to say, I must speak confidently and definitively. The skills and knowledge I gained from being a counselor at the West Windsor Arts Center will benefit me in my future endeavors.

Undergraduate / "Summer Campus Days" ; Syracuse sup; Who or what influenced you? [4]

Who or what influenced you to apply to Syracuse University? I think this might be too long, there is no limit on word length but... please help!!

When the time came to start looking at colleges, I decided to make a list of the most important things I must have in a college; a strong fashion design program, successful cross country and track and field teams, and a beautiful campus were necessary parts in the ideal college for me. I found a list of schools with strong fashion design programs and Syracuse University stood out the most. I wanted to learn more. After returning from my visit at Syracuse University during one of the organized "Summer Campus Days" this past August, I realized that the campus is one of my favorite things about Syracuse. I love the accessibility of the facilities, dorm rooms and dining halls. I also like the architecture of each building, unique to itself, and vast amount of open green space. When I saw the campus, I felt at home.

During my stay at Syracuse University, I was fortunate enough to take a tour of the Warehouse and meet a few of the design professors. I am intrigued by the amount of personal experience they have in the industry and am excited to be able to work one-on-one with them. As I walked around the building, I noticed the large amount of workspace and the advanced technologies in use such as the sewing equipment like industrial sewing and overlock machines, CAD and special patternmaking software. I think that the opportunity to be exposed to these technologies before graduation is something that makes Syracuse University stand out to me.

Throughout my journey in the college search, I have come to realize that I want to continue competing in my sport in college. I was also very fortunate to meet with the cross country assistant coach during my trip at Syracuse University. I am intrigued by his coaching philosophy and the training program. I learned about the successful history of the women's cross country and track and field teams and would be very excited to run for Syracuse. I feel that I would be a great addition to the team. After my meeting with the coach, I am even more confident that Syracuse University is the right fit for me.

Throughout my tour and visit at Syracuse, the sense of community had a lasting impression on me. Syracuse is noted for their large amount of school spirit and continuing traditions like "The Fight Song", "Crouse Chimes" and "National Orange Day". From attending sporting events to clubs and student-run activities, it is evident that many students are highly involved in creating a better community for Syracuse University. I am excited to hopefully become a part of the Syracuse community and be involved myself. Through the spirit of Syracuse University, I believe that it is the right fit for me.