54/365 - One of the reasons I love my job

Every now and then, I make a phone call that changes a kid's world. As an admissions counselor with the School of Music, Theatre & Dance at the University of Michigan - which is among the top five performing arts programs in the country, I might add - I'm one of the lucky ones that gets to share the news, "You're in!"

While I know the part I play is minuscule in the grand scheme of their artistic journey, it's incredibly fulfilling to be part of the process that helps these young kids embark on a path to following their dreams. For some, the call I make is a welcome pat on the back, but it may not be all that earth-shattering if they are sought-after by other major institutions or if UM isn't their first choice school. But for those who have their heart set on studying music, theatre or dance at Michigan, that phone call may be the first glimpse they get of their dreams becoming a reality.

Today, I made one of those life-changing phone calls. Mom answered and, not knowing who I was, was understandably guarded when I requested to speak to her daughter. "Who is this?" she asked suspiciously. I replied with my name and mentioned the University of Michigan as a point of reference. Mom's tone immediately changed, "Oh my god. Yes. Yes, she's here." I smiled and knew, at that moment, this would be a fun one. Daughter came on the line, "Hello." I reintroduced myself and then I gave her my "You're in!" spiel, including some snippets of the glowing comments from faculty just so she knew we really meant it. All the while, I can hear Mom and Daughter squealing hysterically in the background. The daughter manages to mumble out some thank you's and OMG's before Mom snatches the phone away and asks me to tell her the news myself. So I get to repeat it all over again. Mom starts crying, and then Daughter comes back on the line laughing and crying, and I'm laughing and crying right along with them.

And so, for this girl, it really begins...