<p>Hello, I have to post this thread because i am super nervous. I've been accepted to my college and was awarded one of the top awards.
It is really fancy and I have to accept it at a golf tournament that sponsers the scholarship.
So that is great and all, but prior to the tournament, tommorow actually, i have to meet with the dean.
I'm not really good at meeting people for the first time, i get nervous and usually either say dumb stuff or say nothing at all.
I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice for this meeting, either things to relive my stress, or things to talk about, or either recommendations on what to wear.
Thank you for reading this whole thing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Just relax and have fun. This won't be the first time your college Dean has meet with a nervous student!</p>
<p>It's a real honor for you. Be proud and enjoy the moment. There's nothing to be nervous about.</p>
<p>Deans tend to be nice people who enjoy talking with students, including students who are nervous about meeting a dean for the first time.</p>
<p>Ask the dean for advice about how to take the best advantage of the college. Ask the dean what the dean enjoys about their job and about the area the college is in. Ask the dean about his/her own college experience (where the dean went to school, major, ECs) and whether there are things s/he would do differently if s/he could do things over. </p>
<p>I suggest wearing something like khaki slacks with , a button down shirt and a tie. More than likely, there will be pictures taken for the college's press office, so you'll want to look nice. I don't suggest wearing a suit or sports jacket because of the heat.</p>
<p>Have a good time. Congratulations!</p>
<p>See if you can get someone to role play with you before you go. Practicing will make you more comfortable and you can try out some of Northstarmom's excellent conversational suggestions.</p>
<p>Congratulations and remember to enjoy the moment!</p>
<p>Remember to shake his hand and have good eye contact. Even if you are nervous, good eye contact gives a good first impression as does a good hand shake. If you are not used to shaking hands, practice with another adult. And have fun!</p>
<p>I used to get nervous in these kind of situations too, and then got a job where I had to talk with lots of people I didn't know. What worked for me was to tell myself that while I may not personally do well in these situations, 2blue the (Job Title) did. It was a role I assumed to do what I needed to. It gave me the emotional distance I needed to overcome those exact things you described.And of course, with practice it became natural. I really like all the suggestions you've been given. </p>
<p>Let us know how it goes. I think you'll do great.</p>
<p>Congrats on the scholarship! The above advice is very good, so I won't add to it. Deans have a "meet with people" job and are generally very likeable. You'll be fine. Enjoy!</p>
<p>Hi Lots-a-lots. I'm a college Dean. I spend virtually my whole work life with college students and would rather hang with college students than do anything else.</p>
<p>Some college students I spend my time with have problems. Some have complaints. Some have hovering parents. Some want to negotiate something. Some just want me to sign something. I love working with all of them, but granted, working with some is more fun than with others.</p>
<p>Meeting a brilliant new student and having a bunch of money to give her for elevating the level of the peer group at the college? That's about as good as it gets! That'd be the highlight of my day. You don't have to do anything to make it work out well - just be enthusiastic and appreciative.</p>
<p>Now - when you get home, look up the Dean's work address and write him or her a thank-you note for the scholarship and for taking the time to meet you. You will then be able to ask this person for a letter of reference four years from now. S/he will still remember that you were the one gracious enough to send that thank-you note.</p>
<p>"... look up the Dean's work address and write him or her a thank-you note for the scholarship and for taking the time to meet you."</p>
<p>Sounds like great advice to me!</p>
<p>"S/he will still remember that you were the one gracious enough to send that thank-you note."</p>
<p>No kidding. I've been on lots of scholarship committees, and have been involved in handing out scholarships. I can count on one finger the number of recipients who were appreciative enough to send written thank-yous.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your responses. These are all really great suggestions, i'm excited to start my college jouney with a good note. Thanks a bunch, and i'll check in to post how it went.</p>
<p>First of all, congratulations! You've gotten great advice already. I'll just add that if you're nervous about things to talk about (whether with the Dean or one of the many other people I'm sure you'll be meeting), think about an interesting book you've read lately, a great article you saw, or take a look through news stories in the morning. Silly and strange news stories are often easier to talk about than serious ones because you don't need to take a position and don't need to do much talking besides explaining the story. If you can get people laughing, that's always a plus. If you're quiet and someone is trying to engage you in conversation, they'll probably ask you about your high school, family, hobbies, and hopes for college. If you want to avoid talking much, think of some general, open-ended questions that you can ask during conversations. People love to talk about themselves, so ask open questions, and you'll come across as a great conversationalist (without actually doing much talking!). Appearing happy, relaxed, confident, and gracious is probably the most important thing.</p>
<p>Share your excitement with the Dean--Tell him/her that you are thrilled to be starting your college adventure! Re: the previous post suggesting that you ask the dean how to take full advantage of all the school has to offer you (Post #3)...What dean wouldn't be impressed by a student who asks such a good question!! One big part of the dean's job is to promote the school whenever possible! </p>
<p>You've worked hard to earn this award--enjoy the whole experience!</p>
<p>I also second the idea of writing a thank-you note. This is a very gracious thing to do and certainly appropriate!</p>
<p>Lots
Congrats on the scholarship! and great advice from the Dean gadad who answered your question.
Try to remember to smile, shake his (or her) hand and make some eye contact.I'm sure the Dean will attempt to make you comfortable.
Most likely your picture will be taken, so dress in something you ..and your parents...would enjoy seeing yourself in in the picture afterwards!
Business casual would work,khakis for a guy,polo or botton down shirt,nice slacks or skirt for a girl.Demure type top if you're a girl,no cleavage or spaghetti straps!!</p>
<p>Great advice. As far as conversation, try to keep it relevant to the situation. Talking about the school, freshman dorms, whatever. Since at a golf tournament, you could discuss your experience, or complete lack of experience with the sport. First time at a golf tournament or that golf course? Comment on it. Others will take it from there. You are going to do fine. Just relax as much as you can and remember it will all be over in a few hours.</p>
<p>Figure that the dean is there to schmooze with people that he hopes will donate $$ to the university, so your time with him may not be that long.</p>
<p>All these suggestions are wonderful, but overcoming panic in a young person is very difficult. Take the advice and write the note. You will feel as though you know the person better. And when you meet the Dean, be honest. Thak him for the opportunity (in those few words and then tell him/her that you are very nervous meeting someone of their stature, and tend to blabber. He/she will probably laugh, and talk to YOU, getting you to feel more comfortable. That's their job. They are good at making people feel comfortable. You will be surprised how easy it goes from there. Open up, be yourself and be honest. Don't try to impress. I appreciate it when kids are honest with me in situations like this.</p>