In the midst of all the “Congratulations” tweets that went out this weekend to accepted students, there were many from alumni reminiscing about when they were accepted. Student volunteers in our office described the exact second when they found out Holy Cross would be their home for the next four years. Many alumni and students wished they could go back, open their acceptance letters, and come to Holy Cross all over again.
The excitement of your initial acceptance and the welcoming arms of the Holy Cross community never really go away. Getting accepted is only the beginning. It leads to four years on a beautiful campus surrounded by driven, eager, and social peers. Hundreds of students volunteer their time in our office not only because they love this place but also because they are excited to tell others just how much they love this place.
Eventually, you become a fond alum who still remembers their acceptances because it was the catalyst that spurred those friendships, memories, and connections on this campus. Of course, this is common on many college campuses; what makes Holy Cross a special place, however, is that these connections don’t end when you accept your diploma. Lifetime friendships are formed, passions are discovered, and lives are changed.
If you think I am being dramatic, I dare you to speak to Holy Cross graduates who aren’t eager to share their experiences — and perhaps also tell you how they found their spouse, best friend, mentor, colleague, and calling here. I think they would back me up.
So that feeling you had when you saw the word “accepted” in your letter? That feeling doesn’t go away.
Ashley Johnson
Admissions Counselor
