It’s not easy being green…

In the words of our good friend Kermit the Frog is isn’t easy being green.  Now he was referring to his skin color, but I am talking about being environmentally friendly (they do say the green is the new black…well they don’t say it…I do!)

For real though, everyone talks about how they are being sustainable, or environmentally friendly, but they are really only going so far.  It is not easy folks.  However, I am going to tell you about a few people that I work with that have gone that extra mile.

First are Martha Stolze and Kristi Bonn, both members of the Admission team, who are working toward a greener tomorrow.  Martha and Kristi carpool to work about twice a week.  Martha is able to either walk or ride her bike to Kristi’s house and then they drive into work together.  This is nice, not only because they have someone to chat with during the commute, but they are also cutting their car emissions by half!

Next there is Jonathan Miers.  Jon lives in downtown Chicago and relies solely on public transportation.  Each morning (rain or shine) he rides his bike to the train station and takes the train into work.  He is not only lessening the rush hour traffic, but using less energy by taking the train in.

Finally there is Abby Hahne.  Abby is the Sustainability Coordinator here at North Central College, so all of the great EF (Environmentally Friendly) efforts that go on around here are her ideas.  Abby, is not only the best recycler I know, but she will stop and pick up throw away trash if she sees it on the ground.  In fact, Abby is such an EF leader, that I have found myself picking up trash too!

This is just a quick insight on how people around NCC are doing their part.  I hope next time you see a piece of trash you pick it up…or grab a ride with a friend when you are going to the same place.  We are all working toward a greater good.

That’s all for today blog readers.  Stay cool and stay green!

Summer time and the livin’ is easy…

Hi Blog readers!! I hope that you are all having a wonderful summer break.  Things around the office have slowed down a bit, which allows me to expand on my usual haunts around campus.  In fact I have taken on a new responsibility in my office as the Environmental / Sustainability liaison.  Due to this I have started investigating what North Central College does in order to reduce our carbon footprint, and being “green friendly”.  Each blog from now on I hope not only to give you current, and exciting Admission information, but also one cool fact about how NCC is green!

This week I will let you know about the garden.  I know cool right, a garden!  But this is not just any garden, this is a volunteer vegetable garden in while students and faculty members alike can help out and work in.  I was actually there on the first day to help plant and start the garden.  I have attached the garden plot photo which was the map that we all had to go by to make sure we were planting the right things in the right places.

About a month later I went back again to help out only to find that all my little seeds have spouted!  I am so proud.  Where there were rows of dirt there are now potatoes, garlic, cucumbers, and tomatoes that look like they are trying to escape!  It is amazing!  This time around I needed to help pull some radishes that had over grown, try and tame the tomatoes and dig out the veggies that were ready to eat.  You are probably wondering who gets to eat these fruits of my labor…this is the best part…they are served at the salad bar in our dining hall!  How cool is that!  By growing our own produce we are reducing our carbon footprint by greatly reducing transportation emissions (just two blocks from the garden to the dining hall).  Look at all we picked!  Yum yum yum!  Salad anyone?

“Fewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwf”

Wow blog readers I feel like I have been holding my breath for the last two months and I am finally about to “take a breather” to check in with all of you
How’s it going out there?  Stressed out about making that final college decision?  Don’t be.  Now is the time sit back and be reflective.  I mean go outside, sit under a tree and weigh in your options.  I always tell prospective student that are freaking out about their college choice to relax!  Whatever college you choose will end up being the right one.  I had a particularly profound moment when I told a stressed out young lady and her dad that if you put yourself into the school and give it your all (both socially and academically) then it will be an amazing experience for you.  Trust me, jump in, head first!  These are going to be some of the best years of your life.  You will meet new friends, travel with old friends and experience the world in the next stage of your life.

That being said, the national deadline for college decisions is May 1^st, which is actually just around the corner.  (I know, where did April go!?)  But if you have been inspired today by reading this blog and you now know that NCC is the place for you, give us a call so we can secure your spot in one of the dorms and  in the class of 2014.  It’s a really good feeling when you can tell everyone that you are going to be a North Central Cardinal next year.

So go outside, take a breath (like I did today) and just do what you think feels right, 9 times out of 10 you will end up exactly where you were meant to be.

Well blog readers it is almost the end of February and it is still snowing here at North Central! Don’t worry though, we Admission Counselors are keeping nice and warm with all of the things going on here at NCC. We just wrapped up our Presidential scholars program. It was a really nice event for students to come and learn more about different opportunities here on campus. I am also in the heart of Fine Art Auditions. FAAs are my pet project. Students who would like to be involved in the music, theatre, art or graphic design programs here can audition for scholarships to do so! I love being around the students as they are prepping for their auditions and getting excited about the different opportunities that they can get involved in. I don’t know if you know this about me, but when I first went to school I was a theatre major. Being a part of these auditions just takes me back and gets me all excited for the students and the journey they are about to depart on.

Enough schmaltzy stuff. Let’s get serious.
For those of you that are out there reading this and are still freaking out about paying for college it’s time to be proactive. File the FAFSA.FAFSA is the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” This is the way to get those extra dollars that you will need to come to North Central. While it may not be the most fun thing to do, it will be worth it in the end. Contact your Admission Counselor if you have specific questions. This is really the way to go.
As always have a good rest of your day and we will see you in Cyber Space soon.

Hey there blog reader!
I hope that the end of the holiday season has left you both sated and well rested. Things are back in full swing here at North Central. Our students have returned this week from their December Term. I can’t wait to hear all of their stories about trips to Africa, Virginia and back home!
Even though it is rather chilly outside today (a mere 13 degrees) I know that our students’ hearts are warm with thoughts of new spiral notebooks, pens, and new (“used”) books. The first day of class has always been a very exciting time for students. I see them all huddled up and scurrying to class. Many questions floating around in their heads like “Do you think I will have any friends in this class?” or “I hope I got the right books”! While to first classes themselves offer syllabus review and excitement of what is to come, it is the time after class that I always enjoyed. Without any other assignments hanging over my head I found it easy to whip through my homework that first night, and then feel so proud of my lack of procrastination.
While the students are enjoying their first classes (for the second time this year) things in the Admission Office are coming back to life as well! Prospective students (just like you) are ready to start making their college decisions and hurry to make one last visit. Does this sound familiar to you? Well if that is the case call our visit coordinator, Kathy Furman, at 630-637-5810 and set up a visit! I would love to meet with you!
Well that’s all for today, blog readers, I hope that the joy of newly sharpened pencils, and fresh spiral notebooks is yours as well.

Blog Readers! I hope you are all staying warm during this brisk holiday season!
I just wanted to write a quick blog before we get too dizzy with all the sugar plums dancing around in our heads.
Now that winter break is nearly approaching I just wanted to remind you while you are at home relaxing, maybe you should pop on your computer and apply to North Central. It is free to do online, and due to our ‘rolling admission’ it is not too late to apply! (Click here to go to our website!)
Well that is all for today (I told you this would be quick). I just want to leave you with two things before I check off before the holidays. 1. Megan Hoinkes (my fellow Admission blogger) wrote a very funny blog that will make you smile. 2. I posted a picture of a snowman that the Admission Office made…sadly he must have melted away in the night because he disappeared. We miss you buddy!
Have a safe and happy holiday everyone!

Greetings Blog readers! This blog is a very special one. In light of today being the first of December, I wrote this blog to the poem “T’was the Night Before Christmas”, by by Clement Clarke Moore. It is more enjoyable if you read it aloud!
Happy reading!

T’was the night before December Term when all through the dorms,
students were studying hard and preparing to head out in swarms.;
The final papers were revised and spelled checked with care,
in hopes that good grades would soon be there;
North Central Students were tired and ready for bed
with trig formulas and logarithms clogging their heads;
The RA’s and hall directors were wrapping up for the night,
even the seniors were about to say “goodnight”;
When out in Jefferson lawn there arose such a clatter,
students rushed to the windows to see what was the matter;
They rush out the doors and sprang to see
what was going on? what could the commotion be?
The ground was covered with snow and appeared to be deserted,
until, closer inspection reviled someone short-shirted;
Students saw with wonder (and some delight)
the student body President, Chris Ranallo out in the night;
With some confusion and excitement they soon can to see,
That Chris was out there proclaiming the events that d-term could be;
“Verandah Courses”, “Emerging Leaders Series” “and Theatre to see”
“Build houses in Haiti” “and go to Paree”;
“Explore the Athens and learn about Greece”
“Rebuild homes in Virginia; make sure you wear your Fleece”
As the snow swirled around, much excitement grew,
for students did not know there was so much to do!
Chris came inside to continue his claim,
(being student body president came with some fame;)
His eyes- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
Once he settled down in the common room of Seager,
He went back to explaining to all the student so eager.
“Listen everyone and listen close!”
“To all the adventures you could have of your own to boast”
“This is a time you can use to relax,”
Or a time that could you could use to travel to the max”
“Remember for next year all that you could do”
“for December term might be the best term for you”
Then just as suddenly as he did appear,
He rushed out the door, with all of his gear.
And the students could hear as he ran out of sight
“Happy D-term to all and to all a goodnight!”

“mmm…lets see, three years of Spanish…lots of honors classes…accepted…”

Oh HI! I’m sorry I forgot that I was writing my blog, I thought I was still reviewing applications! I have been doing that pretty much full time these days. Great work everyone. I must say that I am really impressed with the student’s applying to North Central this year. You have all worked very hard. Good for you.
That is enough of that; I am taking a break from reviewing files to talk to you about what I did last night. Last night I treated myself to a night out at the theatre. You may not know this about me, but I am self proclaimed theatre buff. I LOVE the theatre. Last night I went to see Cats. Not in Chicago, but on our own NCC campus! Even though this wasn’t a professional show, there was definitely some professional talent. For those of you who haven’t seen Cats, it is a different type of musical. For one, all of the characters are cats, all of them. Also all of the dialogue is taken form T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”, so it’s all poetry. Not your typical 42nd Street-esque musical. However, I was blown away. The dancing, the movement, the set, were all wonderful. Since last night was opening night, you all still have a chance to experience Cats first hand. For tickets you can either call me at the Admission office at 630-637-5816 or the box office directly at 630-637-SHOW (7469). There are several shows this weekend.
Well I should get back to my file review, so I can call you and let you know your decisions.
Have a good one,

Ashley (I’m still a dog person even though I liked Cats) Chubirka

Fewf!

Sorry blog readers, I just needed to take a quick breath! Things have been crazy around my office lately. With being in and out of the office traveling to college fairs and high school visits I have been very busy and this is the first chance I got to sit down at my desk. (In fact, if you were to look at my desk it is a mess!) Any ways you might be asking yourself, I wonder what Ashley is doing that is making her so busy? (I’m sure that is what you are asking yourself…) well the answer is very simple. In addition to the normal everyday e-mail and phone answering, I have been reviewing applications. You read right, I have been going through the process of ADMITTING students to college. I have gotten through a lot already and they are just waiting to be assigned scholarships and sent out! For those of you who are eagerly waiting a response…check the mail next week (hint hint).

I love reviewing applications. For those of you who have yet to apply it is a very simple process. I need your application which you can find online (and being the clever blogger that I am I have embedded it in the word Application…I just did it again ha! You’re welcome). In addition to the application, we also need an official copy of your high school transcripts (in a signed sealed envelope from your high school) and your official ACT score (which MIGHT be on your transcript…check with your registrar). Any additional information that you have (i.e. Letters of recommendation, writing sample, resume) feel free to submit them, but they are not required.
Something that I encourage for students, who are applying, is the optional personal statement. For me, I don’t personally know most of my student (if any) so the only way I am going to learn a little bit more about you is with a personal statement. PS’s can be written on any topic. From what your career goals are to why you got a C in Chemistry your junior year. The only way I will know this is if you tell me! As I always say, no one is ever going to say something bad about you in a letter of recommendation. You are your worst critic; tell me what is great about you!
Sorry this blog is so short…but my phone is ringing and people keep coming into my office looking for me. So that’s all for today. Happy reading blog readers!

“On the road again, I just can’t wait to get on the road again…”

Hello blog readers, welcome back!  I hope that the start of school is treating everyone well.  The beginning of school and fall has always been my favorite time of year.  I often become slightly poetic about it, sounding my barbaric “yarp” and all that.  It is hard not to hard to do with the daylight becoming less frequent and the weather starting to turn,  one often falls in to prose!

Campus this time of year is beautiful.  I have written about it in previous blogs, but I must stay that fall at North Central College has a feel of untouchable agelessness.  (See I told you, poetic).

It’s a bit sad that I don’t get to spend all my time bundled up out side writing in a journal and enjoying the season.  However, I do get to spend most of the month of October traveling around the state of Illinois.  Seriously, I have already been to Champaign, and over the next few weeks I will be able to experience fall in Decatur, Springfield, Skokie, and Wheaton!

While travel season sees me out of the office more than in, it is a time for meeting new people and embarking on adventures.  I love going to student’s high schools and sitting down with them.  I also really enjoy college fairs.  I have been to a fair amount already.  If you go to a college fair and you see a North Central table, stop by!  Say hello!  That person behind the table could be me!

While we are on the topic of college fairs, let me offer you all some friendly  (and unsolicited I know) advice.  Ask questions, think of things that you REALLY want to know and ask.  If you can’t think of anything that you really want to know…think of a crazy or unusual question to ask anyway.  I get so disappointed when families come up to my table and say, “tell me about your school”.  I always want to respond, “Ok let’s go get coffee and talk for an hour, there is just so much to say”!  (Side note: I like to talk…if you haven’t figured that out already from my long winded blogs.  If you don’t give me structure with questions I will talk your ear off!)

If you have already been to the college fair in your area and you like what you saw at the Admission Table, come in for a personal visit.  Experience for yourself the season on campus that moves me toward my inner Whitman!  Even if you come to find that North Central is not the place for you, I promise that you will not regret a visit to our beautiful campus.

That’s all for now.  TTYL!