One of the most unexpected perks I’ve experienced as an admissions officer is how much easier I now find social gatherings. Instead of struggling for small talk, I share what I do and sit back as the questions roll in. Personally, I love explaining how we do the work that we do as it allows me the opportunity to show the care and consideration that we put into each decision while demonstrating that admissions officers are more than just decision making machines.
In that vein, I have asked some of my colleagues to share how they spend the scarce free time they have cobbled together in between evaluating transcripts and combing through essays and recommendations. Whether you call it procrastination or a study break, below are some examples of what our office is up to when we’re not busy reading applications:
I’ve been spending time with family, swimming laps & reading (can you believe it?) for pleasure. This coming weekend will go snowmobiling for a day. - Kim Barth Kembel
Seeing my niece and nephew once a week is my joy – it keeps me sane in reading season! Teddy, who is two, has started to say things like “shall we?” when I ask him if he wants to read a book, and when I told him he was running just like an Olympic hurdler, he told my sister ‘Mommy, Auntie Mere says I’m a turtle!’- Mere Reynolds
I enjoy going to Hockey and Basketball games whether that is in person at TD Garden (or more importantly the Verizon Center in DC for the Wizards and Capitals) or on tv. A great way to relax at night before another day of reading! - Billy Rison
I watch episodes of either "House of Cards" or "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" when I need a break...and now I'm singing the theme song..."Unbreakable! They alive dammit!" - Karen Richardson
Getting out of the house and exercising is what gets me through these long weeks of reading. Hip Hop on Mondays and Boxing on Thursdays! - Gracie Marshall
I'm excited for the Oscars! It's a month away and my goal is to watch all the best picture nominees before the telecast. Half way there! - Greg Wong
I was once an athlete, X number of years and pounds ago, but the one thing I must do every Saturday is to play flag football with a meet-up group. It's great exercise and fun, as well as something different to look forward to between reading applications. - Eddie Pickett III
I run most days but change the time- early morning, noon, and evening are all in play. Also Cavs games are the staple to my reading season routine. It's the perfect time to watch the Cavs hit their stride before playoffs start in the spring. - Pat Gladstone
1) Slow cooker experimentation – we’ve tried Indian and Japanese curries with varying results and would love more to add to our arsenal of awesome recipes.
2) Podcasts – Bingeing on This American Life (and giggling), enjoying learning more about the stories behind historical events in Undone and happiness life hacks in Happier.
3) I’m most excited about the return of Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder. I love Shondaland. - Sayaka Smith
I train for triathlons (Ironman Mount Tremblant Aug 2017) whenever I get the chance. That usually means doing at least 1-3 hours of exercise split up between swimming biking or running daily. - Tom Esponnette
In addition to working on my own artwork, I’m a book collector and film buff who enjoys poking around bookstores and getting out to all of the great movie houses around town. I also love the underground music scene in Boston – lots of fun and experimentation! - Thomas Duncan
My friends and I have a ‘Taco Thursday’ tradition. Different people every time, but the exact same taco recipe (the biggest debate is whether shredded lettuce should be allowed). It is always nice to have something to look forward too! - Jaime Morgen
Watching Gilmore Girls! I’d never watched the series before. - Shanice Kok
When I'm not reading applications, I like to go to the Fresh Pond trail with my dog Chewy and watch him run around with his furry friends. The views of the water are beautiful especially at sunset! - Jessica Acosta-Chavez
Two words: Rocket League. If anyone can email in how to avoid this (I’m the Orange side) from ever happening to me again, that’d be great. - Eric Lopez
As for me, I have been balancing my time between hardcore procrastibaking and training for a couple of upcoming rock climbing competitions (with a little bit of The Crown mixed in!).
How do you take a break from your work? Do you have any a favorite book/show/recipe/workout/podcast/game you’d recommend? We may not be lacking in work to do, but that doesn’t mean we can’t all appreciate a good break now and then!