Hello everyone,
I write this posting with mixed emotions, including a little bit of nostalgia, a pinch of excitement, and a healthy dose of nervousness. You see, this is my very last blog posting, and in fact, my very last day in Undergraduate Admission. After working here for four years, I have accepted a position with another unit on campus and so will be leaving the world of recruitment and admission – for now, at least. 
In some ways, this posting and my transition, in general, comes at a very interesting time of year because having worked here for several years – and indeed, having been a student myself – I know that I’m not the only one experiencing this mix of emotions right now: with the start of another school year only weeks away, I know that many of you are also getting ready to make a big change. The idea of leaving one environment behind – one in which you know the “lingo”, the people, and the culture – can be a bit daunting and yet exciting at the same time. People often use metaphors of exploration when they are talking about going off to university or new experiences, in general, and while even I understand that these metaphors might be a bit cheesy at times, there is something surprisingly accurate about them. At this time of year, many of us are about to embark on a journey through uncharted territory and while we don’t know for certain what is on the other side, we do know that the journey is going to be new and exciting – and we’re pretty sure that we’re going to like what we find when we get there.
On a serious note, having worked here for four years – longer if you count my undergraduate days as a student tour guide – I’ve been very lucky to work with some excellent staff in Undergraduate Admission and other units on campus, as well as some fantastic prospective students and their families. As any of our tour guides will recall, I believe that the choice to attend post-secondary education is a huge decision and one that effects not only the student, but also his or her family and I’ve been honoured and delighted to work with many of you through that process. I look back fondly on my time at Queen’s, as a student, a staff member in this office, and an alumna, and I truly believe that it is the community here that will make your experience – I have met some of my nearest and dearest friends here and I know that you will too. With that in mind, for those of you who will be joining us very soon, I say “welcome home” and wish you – well, really all of us – the best of luck in the next few weeks!
Best wishes,
Danyal Martin (BAH ‘04, BEd ‘05, MA ‘10) – Admission Coordinator
Posted by martindc 