Steve Brown

Things have been pretty busy. Record numbers of applications have kept us going. Another thing that keeps us going is the countless number of phone calls regarding money.  The old adage “think before you speak” fits really well here.

This past week alone, I am saddened to say that I received phone calls involving comments like, “I am sorry you are stuck in your job” from a mother of a prospective student, and “How bad do you want me to come to your school?” by a prospective student.  To be honest, we are happy to help families through the admission process, but are happier to know that a student finds the best opportunity for them.  Everyone has felt the effects of this economy, and what will help get us through it is caring for one another and treating each other with respect.  That is why I like the team that I work with, like my job, and like helping families though this process.

We understand that things look bad right now and trust me, we are doing our best to help everyone as best we can. However … if we funded 100% of your education, there wouldn’t be a UNH for students to attend! By all means, please contact us so we can help you.

Ok … phew … I am off my soap box. Now on to something I really enjoy: spring travel.

Where in the U.S. is Big Steve? Well friends, this spring I will be in the normal areas of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.  However, you can also look for me in Maryland (where I am right now!!), Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and California. Please, please, please stop by and say hi. California is new for me as I have never been there before. I will be ok as long as the ground doesn’t move below me. No worries though.

Spring is almost here and I am ready to get out in the yard. Since my wife and I have had the outside of the house remodeled last year, it is now time to work on landscaping. My tree I bought in Maine last spring has died … RIP my $8.00 tree. I am thinking flowers and rocks and maybe more grass seed. Simple yet beautiful, you know? Oh, then there is the garden. Tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans and maybe green peppers will be filling my kitchen this summer … I hope.

Well kids, it is time for me to close! I am almost ready to head north up to PA. Keep up the good work in school, keep your eyes out for outside scholarships, and remember the May 1^st deadline for your deposit.

Until next time …

It has been awhile since my last post, as Gil has so politely told me. I have a lot to write about since I have been across many time zones and back again. Fall travel is coming to a close with a huge PHEW from me. The rental car odometer tells me I have driven almost 14,000 miles this fall. Too bad enterprise doesn’t have a mile for mile program. Think of the vacation I could take!!

I have to say that this fall I have met some great students and their families on the road. I know I posted before that the favorite part of my job is meeting YOU!! Over the past 10 years I have become friends with so many students and their families. This year is no exception. I even have a mom who has invited my wife and me to an Italian dinner at her home!! Don’t you worry; I am taking her up on her offer. Oh and a side note, her son was accepted before the offer. Bribes don’t work with me unless they are cash, ha-ha.

One of my last final hurrahs for the fall travel is my bi-annual trip to Hawai’i. It was great to see my fellow colleges and all the school counselors I met last year. I also had the pleasure of interviewing two great kids. It was a great trip that I hope will yield some great kids. I sure did see enough of you!! My Hawai’i always falls on my birthday. When my wife asked me what I wanted this year I told her a luau while I am in Oahu. Well I found myself at Paradise Cove on November 13th (now you all know my birthday, cards and gifts accepted, ha-ha). What an experience!! The people, show and food were all excellent. The luau was something I have always wanted to do and I am very happy I experienced it. I always find some time for sight seeing and side trips. One of my favorite spots is Volcano National Park on the Big Island. This time though, I took a ride up at night to see the glow from the lava flowing through Kailua. Dark is an understatement when I tell you it was a dark drive up to the volcano. One would think I would bring a flashlight. Nah, what fun would that be!!! I brought a friend with me and we carefully walked close to the wall following it to the front of the Jager Museum where you can get a good look at the crater. The view and the glow were awesome. Again, something I have always wanted to see. I have been to the park before but never at night. While we are standing there my friend tells me there is somebody in the window looking at us. Remember this place is pitch black. There is very little light in the museum. Chicken as I am, I told her, “ok, let’s get out of here.” We weren’t doing anything illegal but it just gave me the creeps that somebody was looking at us and didn’t say anything. Well the next day we went back. As we turned the corner we looked in the window where Donna saw this person. There stood a silhouette of a park ranger. We busted out laughing!! People thought we were nuts. If they only knew………..

I spent Thanksgiving with my in-laws in Mississippi. I have been very lucky and that I have a great mother in-law. My father in-law passed away two years ago but was just as great as mom is. I am a huge UConn basketball fan, so when Diana Tarizzi shot the 3 pointer from half court, you bet your life I called Dad and asked if he saw that.  All he would say is "luck luck luck". HA-HA I replied, more like skill. Anyway, my brother and sister in-law have twin boys, 10 months old. They are the cutesiest kids and definitely know who Uncle Steve is.

Now I am back to the grind at the office. I cannot believe how many applications there are!! Keep up the good work and enjoy your senior year. Just in case I do not get another post out Happy Holiday’s to all my fans!!!!

Until next time…………………………

Hello again my followers. I apologize for the delay in getting this blog posted. Things in the life of Big Steve have been pretty crazy these past few weeks. Two wakes and a funeral are not my idea of a good week. Enough of that depressing stuff and on to the good stuff!!

Where have I been during these past two week you may ask? Well, let’s see, I have spent a lot of time in the Boston (love it!!) and the Manchester New Hampshire areas. I-93 and I know each other by first name!! This past weekend I flew to Virginia to cover some programs for Tommy. It was great to see my friends from the Mid-Atlantic region. From the sounds of it Tommy is doing a great job. Not a surprise if you ask me!

The rest of this week will keep my in the Boston area once again. I love the T; red line to the green line. So easy to zip in do my visits and zip right out. And that Charlie Card (can you hear my fake Boston accent??)!! Soooooo much better than tokens. Way to go MBTA!!!

I have had a great time meeting with the different students that have signed up for my regional interviews. What a great way to get to know more about UNH. If you are interested there are still some dates and locations available. Check them out today!!

There come a time when I have to get something off my chest. Well this looks as if it were as good a time as any. As I said in a previous blog my colluges and I spend countless nights in hotels and many hours driving around meeting those students who are looking at the University of New Haven. A HUGE pet peeve of mine is when a student is at my table and we are having a great conversation; then the cell phone rings. “Hello, yeah I am at the college fair bla, bla, bla, bla………” Soon the cell phone has won out over me. What ticks me off even more is fellow counselors on their phones or texting while at a fair. UGH!!!!! Is this what society is coming to???? Ok, now I feel better. Thank you for letting me vent.

Well this is it folks. I will try to get another post in on Thursday to make up for my absence last week. If you are wondering how I found the time to write this blog today? My friends, it is simple. It is called a one hour five minute flight gate to gate from BWI-BDL on my friends at Southwest Airlines. HA-HA

Take care everybody and break out those winter jackets. Did I hear correct, snow flurries?????? OH NO!!!!!!!!!

Until next time………………………………………………..