May 1^st is a big day. For current W&M students, it means the start of two hectic weeks of finals and one more semester is coming to a close. It means stress and late nights and catching up with friends before we all head our separate ways for the summer. But for some, May marks the end of their last semester as undergraduates at the College. In just two short weeks, the members of the 2012 senior class will walk back through the Wren Building to symbolize the conclusion of their time at William and Mary. It’s a time of sadness, but more importantly it is a time of celebration. With each year, the members of the Class of 2012 have left their mark on this campus. In turn, they have been forever touched by the community found here.  They will venture into the world strengthened by the education and unending support that accompanies being a member of the Tribe. And there is no doubt that their presence will be missed on this campus.

May 1^st also marks a beginning.  May 1^st marks the deadline for college decisions and they day we finally solidify the incoming Class of 2016.

For some incoming students, May 1^st is a relatively unimportant date. Early decision students have know as far back as December, and other deposits have come in consistently since letters went out in late March. But for many, the decision hasn’t been quite so easy. For those students, the last month has meant long talks with guidance counselors, teachers, parents and friends searching for advice and visiting campus after campus trying to find a place that clicked. Meanwhile, the May 1^st deadline crept closer and closer.

And now, the wait is almost over. For those students who choose to attend other institutions, I wish you the best of luck. I hope you have found the right home for you, and that you fully embrace the next four years of your college experience. I also hope that you will look back fondly on your experience with William and Mary. Although this wasn’t the place for you, I hope that you enjoyed exploring the campus getting to know the Tribe.

For those who have chosen to join the Class of 2016 – I cannot express how proud and excited I am to welcome you to William and Mary. Those of you I have had the privilege to meet are so incredibly talented, enthusiastic and passionate about this school. I cannot wait to see what you will bring to this campus, and I have no doubt that it will be extraordinary. As you enter the semester in the fall, I know you will shape this campus community into an even better place than before. But also realize that this place will shape you. The people you will meet here will challenge and inspire you beyond anything you could imagine.

So as I watch the seniors say goodbye to this campus in a few short weeks, I will undoubtedly be sad. Not only will I greatly miss their presence on this campus, but their departure also marks the halfway point in my own college experience. But that moment of sadness will be accompanied with great excitement—I’m excited for the new group of fantastic students that will soon be starting here at William and Mary. For as the college experience of the Class of 2012 is ending, the experience of the Class of 2016 is just beginnin

I came to college to get a degree. Well, I guess that’s not entirely true … I came to college to get a degree and have fun along the way.  As an incoming freshman, I had heard all the anecdotes. College is about finding yourself, about meeting new people, and discovering new passions. All of this while studying hard and building the foundation for a strong career in the future. Pretty standard.

I knew right away that I was in for some amazing experiences. I quickly bonded with my hall mates, explored the campus during some late night adventures, and joined every club I could get my hands on. In my mind, I knew I only had four years to enjoy the W&M experience, so I was determined to take advantage of every minute. I knew that once I walked across the stage as a senior to receive my diploma, that was the end.  Of course I would always be a proud alumnus and probably revisit the campus for a few reunions, but that would be the extent of my W&M connection.

It didn’t take me long to realize that was absolutely wrong. What I want to explain now is hard to put into words, (and it will probably sound overly emotional), but please stick with me.

William and Mary is not simply a college. To everyone else, maybe that’s what it looks like. But in reality, William and Mary is about being part of something larger than yourself.

Being a member of the Tribe means being a part of a deep and rich history. We share our alma mater with the very founders of our great nation, along with numerous others who have helped shape it every step of the way. It means being connected to thousands of others in every corner of the world who have trod over our beloved campus as students. It means an inevitable swell of pride every time you hear the tune of our Alma Mater. Being a member of the Tribe means a lifelong bond to the campus, to its students, and to its history.

From the outside looking in, you can’t understand, and from inside looking out, you can’t explain. What I can explain, however, is that William and Mary is not a place where you come for four years—it’s a community that you join for a lifetime. Your time on this campus will shape you into the person you will be for the rest of your life, and will continue to shape you long after you’re gone. No matter where your life leads, you will forever be apart of this community. William and Mary will always be a home, and its students will always be a family.

I came to college to get a degree, but I will leave with so, so much more. When I graduate, I will walk through the doors of the Wren building with the entire William and Mary community, past and present, supporting me. And for the rest of my life, whenever I meet a fellow member of the Tribe, we will have a connection that cannot be broken.  When I leave this campus, I’m not really leaving at all.

As my sophomore year comes to a close, my friends are shocked that our time at W&M is halfway over. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Our William and Mary experience is just beginning.

As an Admission Intern, talking with newly admitted students is part of the job. Actually, it’s why I applied for the position in the first place. Being a student liaison to bridge the gap between the campus community, Admission, and prospective students is kind of the whole point of the internship. So now, after decisions have been released and senior year is winding down, I get a lot of questions from newly admitted freshmen about deciding where to go. I’ve spoken with numerous students who are (understandably) anxious—how are you supposed to decide the next four years of your life based on just a few visits?

This is where I get a lot of questions about my personal college search experience. Where else did I apply? Why did I know W&M was right for me? Was I nervous about my decision? At this point, I always smile, because my college application experience was a little different than the rest.

I visited Williamsburg for the first time when I was about five years old. My dad went to the business school back in the day, and since then my parents always loved the area. We came down at least once a year, always on Thanksgiving, every year afterwards. That November, standing in front of the Wren building in my new W&M t-shirt and tri-cornered hat, I decided I was going to William & Mary.

At my fifth grade graduation, as part of my “future plans”, I said I wanted to be either a country singer or a forensic anthropologist (I said this mostly because it was the most complicated phrase I knew at the time, and it sounded really cool). Either way, I said I wanted to go to W&M. Throughout middle school, I continued to collect William & Mary t-shirts, sweatshirts and accessories until most of my room showed bits of green and gold. Before my friends even thought about college, I had the rest of my life figured out, and W&M was always a part of it.

By high school, with some serious encouragement from my parents, I realized that I needed to do a real college search. So, during spring break, we packed up and made a road trip to over a dozen colleges in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. I spent hours pouring over college search websites, comparing campuses and academic rigor. I talked to older friends and their siblings, trying to get some idea of the type of college I wanted. I went into the process open minded, and my top three choices changed constantly. W&M wasn’t always number one on my list (I had a bad habit of liking the college I visited most recently the best), but it was always in the back of my mind.

My decision was made on a Saturday in September of my senior year while unloading the dishwasher with my dad. I had been stressing for weeks about my decision and had just about had enough. I asked myself the same question I’d been asking for weeks, “Where can I picture myself?” If I couldn’t envision myself lounging on a campus on a warm spring day, or grabbing a meal at a dining hall with friends, then I knew it wasn’t the right place for me. So right there in my kitchen, in between stacking freshly cleaned dinner plates, I decided that my five-year-old self had been right. The only place I could see myself was William & Mary.

I applied to W&M and was accepted early decision. Although I committed to school months earlier than most of my friends, I still had to make a decision. So when newly admitted students ask me about my application experience, I always say the same thing. Go with your gut. It’s cliché for sure, but it’s honestly the best advice I can give. At the end of the search, it’s not your parents, or your counselors, or your friends who can make your college decision—it’s all you. So follow my trick, close your eyes, and envision the campuses you’ve seen. Cut out the clutter of what everyone else is telling you. Where can you picture yourself?

And then, my friends, go with your gut.

It’s that time of year again in Williamsburg. The weather is warmer, the sun stays out longer, and the trees are in full bloom. William and Mary students emerge from hibernation, eager to take advantage of the campus in spring. Compared to a month ago, it seems like the student body has doubled in size as we all try to spend as much time outside as humanly possible.

On warm spring days like today, it feels like a crime to be holed up in the library. But with my to-do list ever growing, I had to get some work done. Of course, I’m lying to myself. I know I can never get a much work done while outside; I just get distracted far too easily. Nevertheless, I boldly ignored my voice of reason and promptly set out to find a study spot where I could enjoy the weather (and trying to get some resemblance of a tan). With my books, iPod, and sunglasses in tow, I ventured out of my dorm into the mid-morning sunshine.

My first destination was in the heart of Old Campus – the Sunken Garden. This infamous spot is a favorite of students, and even at 11am I had to search for a spot of my own. I set down my bag, pulled out my highlighters, opened my book … and quickly decided the grass was too soft and the sun was too warm for anything other than nap. There’s no better feeling than closing your eyes to doze off in the warmth of the mid-morning Virginia sun. My sweet escape didn’t quite last … I was awoken fifteen short minutes later by a close call with a rogue Frisbee. Maybe the Sunken Garden wasn’t the best spot for me to study.

In a second attempt to be somewhat productive, I made my way to the Terrace. The chairs and tables there allow for outside studying without the chance of dozing off. I grabbed a coffee from the Daily Grind, scouted out a table, and once again cracked open my book. I made it a whole two sentences before my friend Liz walked by on her way back from class. We hadn’t caught up in a while, and we were both hungry, so naturally this encounter resulted in an impromptu lunch date. Somehow my poor book was pushed aside to make room for a chicken salad sandwich and a large iced tea.

After lunch, with a full stomach and book in hand, I left the Terrace. It’s the easiest place to run into friends, which is great for socializing but not so great for my Marine Science homework. Clearly, I needed to find a spot away from people. I decided to make the trek to the far end of campus by the Keck Environmental Lab. It’s nestled behind one of the large freshman dorms and sits right on the edge of Lake Matoaka. There, I have a favorite picnic table, which is placed right next to the dock in the shade. It’s quiet, secluded, and absolutely beautiful.

So here I sit. At my favorite picnic table by the lake. The sun peeks through the tree overhead, and there’s a light breeze blowing from across Matoaka. The only sounds come from the rustling of squirrels in the leaves around me and the occasional splash of fish looking for a snack at the end of the dock. The chances of me making any headway on my Marine Science reading is essentially zero, but that’s ok. With upcoming due dates and other commitments, it’s easy to get caught up in your to-do list. That’s why when a Virginia spring day is calling, you’ve got to give yourself a break. Today, I soaked up the sun, reminisced with a friend, and got a little time to myself. And that’s something we all could use every once in a while.

The work will have to get done eventually. But for now, my picnic table awaits.

When I saw that the Admission Office was taking applications for their spring internship program, I jumped at the opportunity. I’d never had an internship before, or really any job that requires working in an office. As a sophomore, I’m in the heart of summer internship applications in Washington, DC, so I figured this position would give me invaluable experience. I also love the excitement and anticipation that comes with working with newly admitted students; it reminds me of the unbridled enthusiasm I felt in the months leading up to the start of my freshman year.

After accepting the internship, I was able to meet my fellow interns as well as the members of the admission team. I learned quickly that this is not your typical work environment. Between pot-luck lunches and Wednesday afternoon Nerf gun fights, the office is just so fun and inviting. Don’t get me wrong, there is a ton of work involved, whether it’s organizing volunteers, filing applications, or updating the website. We’re presented with a list at the beginning of the week of tasks to tackle, and it requires some serious teamwork and time management to get it all done. But it keeps me on my toes, and I’m always excited to get started on a new project.

At the end of the day, the work experience is not why I love this job. Of course it looks wonderful on my resume, and I’ve learned so many applicable skills, but there is so much more to this internship. I get to be a part of shaping the future of the College.

In just one month, newly admitted high school seniors and their families will flood the William & Mary campus for the Day for Admitted Students. As interns, we’re responsible for organizing student volunteers, getting groups to perform, decorating the campus and building up the hype for the big day. Through it all, we have the opportunity to shape the experiences of these newly admitted students. By doing our job well, we could have a hand in someone choosing to attend William and Mary. And that is a pretty incredible thought.

So I’m happy to file applications. I’ll make posters and banners until everything I own is covered in marker. And I’ll gladly get up at 5am on April 14th to make sure everything goes smoothly. Because I love my school, and I want every single admitted student who visits next month to love this school too. I know I can speak for my fellow interns when I say this has already been a fantastic experience, and we absolutely cannot wait to meet the newly admitted members of the Class of 2016!

Looking for a good place to eat off campus without breaking the bank? Check out any one of the following places that are favorites of W&M students.

The Cheese Shop

This is the quintessential W&M off-campus lunch stop. There is literally nothing better than grabbing Cheese Shop sandwiches with a friend on a warm day, and savoring them as you stroll down Colonial Williamsburg or lounge on the Sunken Gardens. Be warned- the gloriousness of this sandwich shop is no secret, so be prepared to wait for your food at lunchtime on a Saturday. But it’s totally worth it, trust me. While you’re there, be sure to grab some bread ends and house dressing for later!

Plaza Azteca

This Mexican restaurant is fast-paced, energetic and a weekend favorite. The menu is totally overwhelming with a million different dishes to choose from, but know that you can’t go wrong- every meal I’ve eaten there has been delicious. On any night of the week, you’re certain to see plenty of W&M students there for an inexpensive off campus meal. Feeling daring? Order a big serving of the guacamole. They come and make it for you fresh right next to the table- kind of like dinner and a show!

The Crust

This newly opened pizza place has quickly become a favorite for students and townies alike. Its close proximity to campus combined with a diverse menu and delicious food makes it a perfect mealtime destination any day of the week. For the first time Crust patron: make sure you try the Quattro Formaggio pizza ASAP. You might as well order two, so at least you have some leftovers to take home for a midnight snack (yea, it’s that good).

These are just a few of the many delicious off campus dining options that Williamsburg has to offer. Trust me, you could go to school for four years here and still not eat at all the good restaurants in the area. Guess you’re just going to have to come down and see for yourself!

I’m going to be totally honest- I had no idea what a Griffin was before I came to William and Mary. But to be fair, a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle isn’t all that common.  At first, I struggled to figure out how exactly this odd creature had anything to do with William and Mary. It’s definitely not you’re typical kind of mascot.

So, on my quest to learn more about our mascot, I checked out the W&M website.  I found a little blurb hailing the Griffin:

The Griffin aptly symbolizes our Tribe athletes. The lion’s strength and the eagle’s vision suggest the union of strength with intelligence that characterizes more than 500 Tribe athletes, who compete on 23 Division I teams, while simultaneously thriving in a rigorous academic program that has no place to hide.

That made sense…kind of. But I still had no idea what the Griffin symbolized historically. So next, I turned to Google for an explanation. The best description (oddly enough) came from a website called KidzWorld:

Griffins are usually heroic symbols. They are well known for their speed, ability to fly and having eyes like an eagle, as well as the strength and courage of a lion. In Assyria the griffin and the dragon were symbols of wisdom.

And now it starts to make sense. Strength? Wisdom? Courage? Those are all attributes that W&M students strive for every day. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or in the community, W&M students are constantly trying to succeed. At the same time, we’ve got our own little quirks, just like the Griffin.

Now, it seems strange that the mascot for W&M could be anything except the Griffin. It’s unique, and represents our campus community perfectly. Cheering with our beloved mascot at events is something you have to look forward to! Get excited!

Figuring out where you’re going to spend the next four years of your life can be intimidating, to say the least. Between tours, interviews and deadlines, your life is completely consumed by college applications. And even after all the applications have finally been sent, you’re still not off the hook. You still have to endure the agonizing wait for those letters to trickle in after months of suspense. Then, ultimately, you still have to make that choice of where you’re going to live for the next four (or more!) years.

It may feel like you’re trying to decide the rest of your life at 18. But what you have to remember is this: choosing a college is not a multiple-choice test. There isn’t a “right” or a “wrong” answer. Sure, there are some colleges that will be better suited for you than others. Every college has its pros and cons, but what’s most important is what you make of the experience.

So now, what you need to do is relax. Take a deep breath. The college search is scary, but it will work out, I promise. There might be rejection letters, but keep in mind that those could open doors to other institutions you hadn’t considered before. But now, as you wait for the rest of those letters to trickle in, focus on enjoying the remainder of your senior year. It’s a time unlike any other, with people who will eventually go their separate ways.

Allow yourself to take some time away from stressing about college. Trust me, there will be plenty of time to stress about that later! However corny it sounds, just keep telling yourself that things will work out. Instead focus on soaking up every last minute of your high school experience!

From the minute you begin to think about applying to college, you are bombarded with advice. Older siblings, parents, distant aunts, your 10th grade English teacher—literally everyone you know contributes their wisdom about where you should apply and how to do it. Next thing you know, you’re receiving piles of college guides for your birthday, and dozens of emails a day from schools across the country.

Then, you apply. And after months and months of agonizing waiting, you’re accepted. Now a new wave of advice hits you. Don’t take too many courses your first semester, don’t overload yourself with clubs, always wear shower shoes…the list continues. This time the advice comes from older students who have been around the block and know what it’s like.

Without doubt, the advice of those more experienced is invaluable. Learning from other’s mistakes can help make the transition to college life much smoother. But the one thing you have to keep in mind? College is about making your own mistakes.

College is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. When I reflect back on my college experience so far, the memories that stand out are ones where I took risks. More often than not, these risks led to something exciting and different. I’m not going to lie though, sometimes I fell flat on my face. Although it was hard, I learned how to pick myself up and move on.

So my advice is this: never regret mistakes you make, as long as you learn from them. And trust me, you will make many mistakes in college. Sometimes, there will be big mistakes that will take you a while to recover from. Or there will be little mistakes that you laugh off with your friends. There will be embarrassing moments and all nighters and bad classes and meltdowns. But those are the things that make sure life is never boring. And with each mistake, you learn a little bit more about yourself. Isn’t that what college is for anyway?

Sophomore slump (n): an instance in which students in their second year fail to live up to the success achieved during their first year at an institution of higher learning

Going into my second year at William & Mary, a friend advised me to “beware of the sophomore slump”. I was taken aback- I never really thought about how it would be different to not be a freshman. As a freshman, you have a certain amount of leeway, and as a junior or senior, you have a certain amount of authority. So where does that leave us poor sophomores? We’re left reminiscing about our freshman halls, overcommitted with clubs, and suddenly having to seriously figure out our major. Being a sophomore means being at the bottom of the housing lottery and still stuck with terrible registrations. No wonder people fall into that so-called “slump”.

My opinion? College is far too short to waste a year in a slump. Sure, being a sophomore has its downfalls. But in my mind, it has one major, major perk: We’re old enough to know, but young enough not to say “no”.

Let me explain.

As sophomores, we know our way around campus. We’ve figured out our study habits and have explored any number of clubs and activities. We’ve found friends and are starting to figure out our majors. In other words, we’ve spread our roots and begun to establish ourselves on the William & Mary campus. But we still have a lot more growing to do.

Essentially, we are still trying to figure out the person we are going to become after college. But there is something to be said for being uncertain. Uncertainty allows us to take risks, to make mistakes, and to discover new passions. When we don’t know what road we’re headed down, we’re more likely to take the scenic route to try and figure it out.

My goal as a sophomore? Never miss an opportunity. I want to take a class just so I know it’s what I don’t want to major in. I want to allow myself to not think about the future and instead focus on today. I want to join a club where I don’t know a single person just because it sounds interesting. In essence, I want to clutch this precious little time I have left before I need to worry about applications and interviews.

Sophomore year is not a time for a slump. It’s a time for exploration, expansion and enthusiasm. We’re old enough to have a sense of self, but young enough to want to take risks. With the real world in the not-so-distant future, we need to embrace this year and take advantage of everything it has to offer.