Ithaca College Visit Day
It was a very cold, snowy Monday that found Yessa and me leaving home early in the morning for the 1 hour, 45 minute drive to Ithaca College.
While we were driving through the snowy tundra, Buds was thrilled to see the sidewalk plow for the first time this season. That tells you we've had a fair bit of snow in The Roc.
Though I could only drive around 35-45 mph on the interstate, once the sun came up, and we were off on the side roads needed to get to Ithaca, we made good time.
Ithaca is a hilly city, and Ithaca college is right in the top of the hills, so I wondered what our drive might turn into, but they know how to handle snow, and we followed a lot of other cars who were also making the journey.
The event was housed in the Athletic complex which meant plenty of parking and lots of space. Everyone was welcoming and seemed glad to see us, almost grateful that so many of us braved the weather.
There were many folks from New York City, and we talked to one daughter and Dad who had gotten stuck on their way to campus from Brooklyn, but still made it.
We were welcomed by Nicole Eversley Bradwell, the Director of Admissions, and University President, La Jerne Terry Cornish. President Cornish made sure to let us all know she was headed right to Florida after she was done speaking to us. We also heard from a current student, Olivia, who is a senior and ended up being our tour guide later.
They had a full day of activities planned for us.
After the opening session we were broken down by department, so Yessa and I headed off to hear from the Humanities and Sciences Department.
As is expected at events like this with the main purpose of selling the student and family on the amazing school, and why the student would be a good fit at this amazing school, we heard about the interesting, compelling, exciting research and opportunities available at Ithaca.
From here we went to talk with professors from the specific departments, and Yessa and I were both very impressed by Psychology Professor Mary Turner DePalma who answered many questions. Yessa was especially tickled to learn Dr. DePalma's mentor is Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology. Yessa is very familiar with his work from her positive psychology classes, so though the name drop didn't resonate for me, it was a big deal for those in the know.
I popped out to be on the call with Babs and her pain doctor while Yessa stayed to gather information on Financial Aid.
Ithaca College is a private school, and they gave Yessa a substantial scholarship, but it is still a lot of money to attend.
The rest of the afternoon held lunch,
A stop at the campus bookstore.
And, finally, a 2 1/2 mile walk around campus.
All the posters are from Broadway or Off-Broadway productions that Ithaca college students or Alumni took part in.
The location overlooking Cayuga Lake is stunning, even in the winter.
We had an informative, in-depth look at the college, then headed home around 3 p.m.
The drive home went much more quickly, in full sun, with the roads all cleared.
We wrapped up the day with sweet potato sushi and snuggling on the couch with pets.
I'm not sure Yessa is closer to a final decision, but it was certainly a great day to be together, and she knows a lot more about what life at Ithaca College would look like.
