Amani, ‘12

Hi there, Prospectives! 

I hope you all have been well in my absence (a much-needed Spring Break).  I know you all are excited about all of your acceptance letters pouring in—and I’m excited for you.  This time last year was one of the most anticipatory and exciting times of my school career.  Nevertheless, the weight of the situation (having to actually decide on one of the schools) played almost as a check to my joy of being free from the K-12 world as I knew it.  What if I chose the wrong school?  The question loomed like an ominous gray cloud over my college acceptance parade.  Well the question is irrelevant to me, now, because I’d say that Richmond is definitely the school for me.  So what say I to you out there who may be grappling with the same question?  Follow your heart!  Not the big names you hear, not other people’s dreams projected onto you—I believe that ultimately you will not truly be as happy as you could be in college if you do not follow your own inclinations to get you there.  Sure, that’s my own opinion, but hey, it worked for me.

Moving on…kind of…

While Spring Break was great (very laid back and relaxing, as it should be), I want to actually talk about what has gone on this week so far, because it’s been awesome.  I have had the opportunity to host a Richmond Scholar Finalist for the past three days.  These students are high school seniors who have been recognized by the University of Richmond for their scholarship and have ascended the ranks via their stellar supplemental materials requested of them by the Richmond Scholars Program.  The University requires Finalists to visit campus for a 3-day 2-night stay so that they can interview with the Richmond Scholars Committee and also have basis for a knowledgeable decision regarding matriculation into UR in the fall.  I went through this very process last year, so I felt naturally inclined and had a great desire to host a student and do my best to positively contribute to their understanding of and experience with UR.

And I had a great time!  There were so many activities planned for the students—both formal and informal informative events, a recognition banquet, an ice cream social, and chances to attend classes of their choice, among other things.  The Finalist I hosted, Kiara, was so much fun—we shared many laughs and stories as well as engaged ourselves in conversations about school, aspirations, and life in general.  I was pleased to be able to make such a wonderful connection with a prospective student, and I really hope that she makes the decision to come to Richmond in the fall.  I had such a great experience in being able to give back to the program that helped to get me here.  I look forward to many more such opportunities.

Kiara and I

Just one more thing…

So I was walking into D-Hall on Tuesday and as I passed by a table I heard someone half-inquire, half-exclaim, “Are you Amani?!”  I turned, unsure of whom the voice belonged to, and answered to a student holding a blue Richmond folder that I recognized as one given out at many University-run programs.  “Well yes, I am,” I smilingly responded.  She smiled:  “I read your blog—I’m here for the Richmond Scholars, and I’m really enjoying myself on campus.”  After having a brief conversation, I walked off to find a table, not resisting the grin that was spreading from ear to ear.  People really DO read this!  (I know I did when I was a senior in high school.)  I was approached with the same recognition by a handful of other students, parents, and faculty throughout my time as a host.  I felt good because I received firsthand reassurance from my target audience that I am accomplishing what I set out to do as a writer.  And that, my friends, is a very good thing. 

Until next time…

Amani

He asked me to take a picture; how could I deny him?