Tip of the Week
What are you going to do this summer?
That simple sentence may cause financial aid professionals to tense up.
When I worked in a financial aid office, that was a question often asked by students when they stopped by our office at the end of the spring semester to hand in paperwork or to check on the status of their financial aid before leaving campus for the summer.
While I’d always smile as I said, “I’ll be here working!” – the question often caused me to tense up. (I had a similar reaction in August when students returned and asked what I did with my summer off.)
There was often some surprise on their part to learn we’d be working. They usually responded with, “I suppose you do have some things to get done before August, don’t you?”
Yes, a few.
Even though your summer will be filled with busy days consisting of satisfactory academic progress meetings, awarding and reawarding of files, new student orientation, meeting with students and families, and countless other responsibilities, take a deep breath, smile, and remember why you work in this crazy profession.
And don’t forget to schedule some much needed and well-deserved vacation days throughout the summer.
– By Marlene Seeklander
