So, you’ve been on the road for a few weeks now—how’s it going? Have you carved out some time for your mental health? Discovered any delicious eateries? Explored the charming corners of the cities you’re visiting?
These are crucial questions for both new and seasoned counselors. Fall travel season can be a whirlwind of long days, drained social batteries, and endless tasks. And let’s be real: telling you to “eat healthy and explore” is easier said than done.
As a former admissions counselor who has navigated this busy time, I want to check in and offer some practical tips on making the most of your fall travels while keeping your mental health in check.
Traveling can be both exhilarating and exhausting, especially during recruitment season. But by prioritizing your mental health and embracing the journey, you can turn this busy time into a fulfilling adventure. Remember, the road may be long, but with a little intention, it can also be a rewarding experience!
Meals on the Road
What’s your go-to travel meal? For me, it was baked ziti from local pizza joints. It’s all too easy to fall into a routine of ordering the same comfort foods; after all, a reliable meal can be a beacon of sanity when you’re away from home.
Now that we’re midway through the fall travel season, it’s a great time to reflect on your eating habits. Feeling a bit sluggish? Your food choices could be contributing to that drag. I’m not here to preach about salads or fast food abstinence, but I do want to encourage you to add a splash of color to your meals.
Remember the old-school advice about “eating the rainbow”? It’s a simple way to ensure you’re getting a variety of nutrients without stressing over calories or macros. A classic burger and fries is tasty, but it lacks a colorful array of nutrients and can cause you to feel sluggish later on. So, if you’ve been stuck in a food rut, now’s the perfect time to shake things up!
It can be incredibly helpful to tap into the local knowledge of high school counselors or even the students you meet along the way. These individuals often have their fingers on the pulse of the community and can point you to some fantastic dining options.
Chances are, they’ll have a hidden gem or a beloved local spot they’re eager to share. Not only does this give you a chance to enjoy delicious food, but it also fosters connections with the very people you’re there to engage with. Embracing these recommendations can make your travel experience richer and more memorable!
Finding Time to Explore
Recruitment travel can take you to some incredible cities and charming towns, brimming with awesome spots just waiting to be explored. I know that after a long day of high school visits and evening fairs, the last thing you might want is to leave your hotel room. But trust me—you don’t want to miss out on the local culture!
Think about it: would you really want to look back and regret not hitting the beach in sunny San Diego? Exploring these places allows you to reclaim a little piece of yourself amidst the hustle. While your work may have brought you to these locations, don’t forget to carve out some time for personal adventures.
Mental health is a hot topic these days, and nothing tests your resilience quite like weeks on the road, away from the comforts of home. Even if you can only manage to explore one local spot in each city, it can significantly boost your mood and overall experience. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later—especially when you’re reminiscing about those beaches!
I had the pleasure of chatting with Jake DeCarli, the former Assistant Director of Admissions at Dickinson College and a current Master of Arts in International Relations student at Syracuse University. He shared some valuable insights from his travels on behalf of Dickinson.
Jake emphasizes that “updating my friends and family through social media about my travel experiences allowed me to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the days and fully appreciate discovering new cities across the country.” Before stepping into the admissions world, Jake worked part-time as a travel blogger in Italy, where he loved sharing stories about the food, sights, and cultural events he encountered.
When we travel for leisure, we’re often excited to capture every moment on our phones, and the same approach can be applied to recruitment travel! By reclaiming yourself during these trips, you not only enjoy the experience in the moment but also create lasting memories to look back on later.
Jake wraps up our conversation with a reminder of his adventures, stating, “I took this approach in my recruitment travels and documented my time in amazing cities like San Francisco, Nashville, Louisville, and Toronto, Canada!” Embracing the time you have to explore can truly enhance your experience, making it both fulfilling and memorable.
Support Systems
You might feel like you’re navigating the travel circuit solo, but I’m here to remind you that a wealth of support systems are just waiting for you to tap into them!
First, don’t forget about the other counselors traveling alongside you. Chances are, you’ll be at the same fairs week after week, and if you’re feeling stressed, tired, or just a bit worn out, they probably are too! These folks understand the rollercoaster of emotions that come with recruitment travel and can become some of your best allies.
Why not invite one of them out for dinner or grab a coffee between fairs? A little human interaction can work wonders in validating your feelings and helping you stay grounded. After all, who better to share your travel woes with than someone who’s living it right beside you?
Back on campus, there’s a whole crew working behind the scenes—your institution’s operations team. They’re accustomed to a bustling office environment and are likely just as eager to connect while most of the office is out on the road. A quick check-in with them can provide a refreshing conversation and remind you that you’re part of a bigger team.
In my experience, the operations team often feels like a concerned family member who wants to make sure you’re being safe and having fun. A lighthearted chat with them can brighten your day and help you feel more connected to the office.
While your fellow counselors and campus teams are great sources of support, let’s not forget the people who know you best—your family and close friends. Checking in with parents, kids, grandparents, or your besties can be incredibly uplifting during this busy travel season.
These loved ones can often read your cues even better than you can, helping you regain perspective when you’re feeling overwhelmed. A quick chat or a text exchange can remind you that you’re not as alone as you might feel out there on the road.
So, make it a point to connect with these people! They can provide that much-needed dose of reassurance, reminding you that, even in the hustle and bustle of recruitment travel, you have a solid support network on the road and back home. You’re not alone on this journey, even when it may feel like it!
I hope these tips can help you reflect on your time so far and help your mental health during this fall recruitment season
Sincerely,
the girl who did not explore the beaches in San Diego.
Make the Most Out of Travel Season with The Parish Group
There’s a lot to think about when it comes to preparing for travel season. The Parish Group can take the weight off your team’s shoulders.
We can help you with counselor training to ensure your admission counselors feel prepared for the season, while our creative team can deliver you eye-catching brochures, handouts, and even table cloths to help your booth stand out.
Additionally, the precision of our student search model means you don’t waste time traveling to low-engagement areas.
To learn more, reach out at success@parishgroup.com or call our office at 828.505.3000.
