Chatham Undergrad Student Blog

It’s true: snow days are so much better when you’re in college… and WE GOT FOUR! The snowstorm at the beginning of February may have made history in Pittsburgh, but these four snow day are legendary for our campus. It was a lot of snow, but it came on a Friday so we didn’t expect the present that Chatham was about to give us during the upcoming week. Many other campuses closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but Chatham also closed Thursday to be especially conscious of our large commuter community and professors traveling in from farther distances. Each night when the announcement came through via e-mail, Facebook statuses all simultaneously said something like “THANK YOU WALT FOWLER!” or “I’m going to send Walt Fowler a box of chocolates” or “SNOW DAY #3. Wahooooo!”. (For those who don’t know, Walt Fowler is Vice President of Finance & Administration and “Executive Snow Day Decider”. ) The 20+ inches of snow didn’t keep us, Chatham Women, inside though. People were out sledding down Chapel Hill, taking picture, and generally out and about. The residence halls and apartments all remained cozy and warm for when we came back in. Of course, there was plenty of time to catch up on course work, reading, hulu, movies, that article you’ve been meaning to read and for the unfortunate seniors, there was tutorial. It was a restful four days, and you know it’s been a good week when the first and last day of classes for that week

is a Friday!

I don’t know if Walt Fowler ever got his box of chocolates, but he sure does deserve them.

P.S. Dear Mr. Fowler, I could really use 4 more!

If you went to Pittsburgh’s National Association for College Admissions Counseling (NACAC) fair on February 4^th, you probably saw me there at Chatham’s table representing the undergraduate College for Women. It was actually the first fair I have ever attended, because when I was searching for school, I never attended any college fairs myself. I was so surprised to see how many schools have traveled so far to get YOUR attention. I’m impressed to see the diversity of schools that were represented at the fair and I’m happy to see sophomores, juniors, seniors and parents present. The college process is a long and difficult process for many and I think attending college fairs is an excellent way to see a large scope of potential institutions. Now, as someone who stands on the other side of the booth, I can tell you that if you like an school your can not rely on fairs alone. Visiting the campus, stay for an overnight meeting the student and professors, and going to class is a MUST when looking for the perfect fit. The Admission Ambassadors (that’s us!), are here to make sure that you can do all of those things. So, if you liked what you saw at a Chatham booth at a college fair you should come out and visit us.

This fall of my sophomore year, I was walking through the hallway between classes when a flyer for a scholarship to study abroad caught my attention. I decided to look farther into the scholarship and soon found myself involved in the application process. The scholarship is an outside scholarship that Chatham works with to provide an international experience for its world ready women. The scholarship is divided between a few local university women, all who are chosen by a campus board specifically for the scholarship. There are three Chatham women each year that are granted this amazing opportunity.

I filled out the application that seemed to take me forever, because I wanted to make sure I made it the best I could. I also connected with a fellow student who had received the scholarship the year before. She was a great resource for answering my questions and understanding my excitement. On the way to the Dean’s office to drop off the application my nerves and excitement grew. I was honored to even be considered for such a wonderful opportunity. I was contacted to complete an interview a few weeks later. I walked into the conference room in the library and was shocked to see so many professors and departments chair people there. They all soon put me at easy by making me feel like I had known them all for a long time and reassuring me that they were there to help me succeed. Still, after the interview I was questioning my ability to receive the scholarship. I actually began looking at summer jobs!

To my surprise, a few days later I received an email during my lab class that announced I had received one of the three scholarships. I wanted to jump out of my chair and celebrate, but I maintained my composure. However, I was unable to wipe the huge smile off my face! I quickly forwarded the email to my parents and mentor on campus to let them all know the exciting news. Since that day I have been planning my trip to Galway. I will be in Galway, Ireland for 25 days, studying at the National University of Ireland. In Ireland I will study Irish culture, society, and traditions. I have decided to go with a program outside of Chatham; however the International Studies office at Chatham has been helping me set up all of the materials and resources I need. I also will be attending a pre departure retreat with the scholarship program to ensure that I am completely readying for the great adventure in Ireland. I will keep you posted as the departure date grows closer and throughout my experiences.