I love HGTV!

I don't own a home and I don't have a garden...but I love to watch all the shows on the Home and Garden channel! Don't ask me why. It is not as if I can watch the hosts on the shows redesign and then turn around and do it to my own rooms. I live in a third floor, one bedroom apartment here in Pittsburgh. My landlord would not be happy if I decided to paint the living room a nice sage green color. However, I digress...I will simply stock pile all those creative ideas that I see on HGTV and one day, when I own a home, I will paint the walls sage green.

You know what might be an even better idea? I might just hire someone to design my whole house instead of doing it myself. You know, like an interior designer? Someone who has a trained eye and knows all the ins and outs of design. We have students here at La Roche who right now, even as we speak, are over in Kettler Hall working hard to learn all the intricacies of becoming an interior designer. And let me tell you, it is intricate. I never knew the field of interior design was so demanding until I came to work at La Roche and got a first hand look at our interior design program. It is a far cry from HGTV that is for sure! Sometimes when I am watching some of my favorite shows I think, "I could do that!" Then I talk to some of the interior design students and see what they are working on and realize "There is no way I could do that!"

I speak to a lot of students who are interested in our interior design program here at La Roche and the first thing I usually tell them is "this isn't HGTV!" I don't mean to sound harsh but it is so important that students know what they are getting into so, I don't hold back. It is a rigorous program and demands a lot of the student's time. Our students have standards that they have to meet from semester to semester and if they fail to meet them, they can no longer continue in the program. I really encourage students to research the field of interior design before they decide to commit to it. There are two year associates degrees and four year bachelor's degrees. Some programs focus on architecture while others do not. There are many choices, all of which will lead you down specific roads. So, before you jump in feet first ask yourself, "When I say I want to major in interior design, where do I see that taking me? What career do I envision?"

Our program here at LRC is amazing and I would say it is one of the best programs around. It has gained that reputation through its committed faculty and dedicated students. Our faculty know the field well and expect nothing less than the best from our students. Our students put all their effort into their work in order to make their dreams a reality.

So, you know what? I will stick with my HGTV for now...and leave the rest to the experts.

Wrapping Up

This week has felt quite unusual as it is the first in a while that I have been in the office everyday! After a pleasant travel season I am happy (and maybe a little sad too) to report that I am back in the office. After all the hotel stays, incorrect MapQuest directions and Panera Bread meals...I'm back. I had a great time meeting prospective students and parents while on the road. It is always nice to be able to talk with students about their future plans.

So....I spent all this time driving from high school to college fair to high school....now what? Well really that is up to you! I am here to help you discover if La Roche is the place for you. I want you to make the most informed decision possible. The best way to that is to ask questions. There are a lot of different colleges and universities out there and a lot of choices, so please don't hesitate to ask me about all the choices that La Roche offers.

We just hosted our Fall Open House this past weekend. It was a wonderful day and I was happy to see so many families come to campus. If you missed the Open House you can always come visit us any day of the week (Monday through Friday). Coming to campus is the one of the best ways to find out all there is to know about La Roche.

Now is the time to visit campus but it is also the time to start filling out your admission application. You can go on line at www.laroche.edu/admissions to find our application. Along with completing the online application you will have to submit transcripts, SAT scores and letters of recommendation. We need all of these documents before we can review your application for admission. However, once I have them I can make a decision in as little at 10 days. So just think about it: If you apply today and request all the supporting material. You could know if you have been accepted or not before Thanksgiving!

When did October get here?!

Wow, I'd like to know exactly when September ended and October began, because I certainly don't remember that happening! I have been on the road visiting high schools and attending college fairs and I guess that causes me to totally loose track of what day, week or month we are in!

So far all of my visits to local high schools have been everything but boring. There was the day we had to evacuate because of a gas leak at one school, and another where students were dressed in their pajamas as part of homecoming spirit week. It has been great to get out and meet students, teachers and guidance counselors. My favorite part of all the visits I have made have been the great questions that everyone has been asking. It is important to start asking questions now so you can make informed decisions later. That is what I am here for anyways, right? If you have questions I have answers.

I think the most popular question is "What is your application deadline?" The answer is really quite simple, we don't have one; you can apply anytime. La Roche operates on a "rolling admission" basis. That means that we have applications coming in everyday and we are making admission decisions everyday. However, don't get lazy on me! This does not mean that you should sit back and wait. The sooner you complete your application, the sooner you can know if you have been accepted or not and the sooner you can learn about financial aid, housing, and class schedules. If you are unsure whether or not you want to apply you should come out and visit us, get a campus tour and meet with admission counselors. Making a visit will often help you decide of La Roche is the place for you and, after all, this is a big decision and we want you to be well informed!

We have an Open House coming up on Sunday, November 4th that is a great opportunity for you and your family to see campus. You can find out more about the Open House and register online at our website www.laroche.edu. Even if you can't make it that day, you can always schedule a weekday visit: Monday through Friday anytime between 9 am and 4 pm.

And So It Begins

Well last week kicked off the travel season for me! As luck would have it, it also marked my first battle with the flu for the season as well! Just what I was hoping for: packing boxes of tissues next to all my LRC info in my suitcase! However, my immune system has prevailed and I am feeling much better. Two trips to Ohio and one to the Erie, PA area and I am still going. I am looking forward to all the fairs and high school visit that I have on my calendar this semester. I am going to try and post a listing of all the visits I plan to make. So, if I am ever in your neighborhood you'll be able to find me! Don't forget that now is the time to ask questions (especially for all you seniors out there), get all the information you need, and start to make your applications for next fall. It may seem too early to get started, but you will be happy you did!