kellenhanley

[kellenhanley]

Application Tips

Sunshine Tip #2679: “Go the Extra Mile--it’s Never Crowded” 

This is best piece of advice I’ve gotten in life. If you know me, you know that I am almost always pushing myself to do more, to be better and to try and be the best person I can possibly be. Often times, though, I tend to sell myself short in worrying that I’ll be bragging. On an application though, everything changes. Here are my tips and tricks on writing a killer application: 

Finish the Common App Before Coming Back to School 

The Common Application contains the basic information that a majority of schools will ask. Things like your name, year, intended majors, financial status, who your parents are, etc., are all things that you fill out once and are done. Easy, right? 

Don’t be scared to submit your application

There’s no harm in submitting your application early (especially if you know that you want to go to a school). In fact, it can give you the opportunity to really go over what you have written and that leads us to our third point...

CHECK YA GRAMMAR

I’m just going to leave this here. Do it. Spell Check. Three times. Forty times. Just do it. 

Ask for those letters of Recommendation sooner, rather than later...

Here’s the thing: everyone is busy. I know I am. I know you are. Heck, the guy sitting on the side of me quickly flipping through his amino acids looks ridiculously busy. So why not ask sooner rather than later? It helps you by getting it out of the way, and it helps out the teacher or person writing the letter by giving them enough notice to write a good one! 

KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES 

For whatever reason, I didn’t appreciate my binder and my planner until recently. But try and keep dates and important events tracked somehow--maybe on Excel, write it on your white board, your wall or even have your phone send you a reminder. Whatever it is that you need to do, don’t be afraid to do it. 

In terms of keeping yourself sane, my number one piece of advice would be to remember that you can do this. 

The only person in the way of you achieving your dreams is you--and as Abraham Lincoln once said, Commitment is what transforms a promise into a reality. 

[kellenhanley]

What I do on a Weekend

Weekend’s at WAC are usually for relaxing and recuperating from the week. 

Friday’s after class lets out, similarly to HS, is one of the best feelings and usually I can have a big sigh of relief when I realize I am done for the week. 

Friday nights are usually spent going to the movies in Middletown (although the movie theatre is opening back up in Chestertown soon!), going out to dinner at Cafe Sado, the AMAZING sushi place in town, or just generally hanging around the dorm. Usually, I spend my time with my friends, choosing to watch a movie or to try and get a head start on work for the weekend (if I know i am working Saturday night, Friday’s are used for this especially). 

Saturday mornings are usually spent with sisters--this past weekend we took a trip to Lockbriar Farms, a local farm right in town. They have pumpkin patches, picking your own flowers, and even D E L I C I O U S ice-cream that was easily the best Ice-cream I had ever had. Usually once we get home, we all start doing our homework and readings for the week, hanging out in our common room, or when its nice out, heading outside to do some work. 

Saturday nights, I usually work Safe Ride, a student run service that runs from 9:00-2:30 AM on weekends, driving students around town to make sure they are safe! 

Sunday mornings are reserved specifically for homework. My Big and I usually run down to Rock Hall, which is only about twenty minutes from campus, and is right on the water, where we go to a coffee shop (Known as Java Rock) and get as much work done as possible. Then, we’ll come home, meal prep and do our laundry, catching up on our shows, before heading to dinner at DHall, and then turning in for the night. 

Although its a small town, there is almost always something to do in Chestertown--you just have to be looking in the right places! 

[kellenhanley]

Dining Hall (aka DHall)

My favorite part of Dining Hall (aka DHall), is getting to see different people at different times of the day. 

Usually, I eat breakfast in my room or on the go, usually opting for a cup of coffee and some sort of granola bar. Some mornings, if I manage to drag myself out of bed in time, I’ll stop by Java George and get one of their iced lattes, which always brings a smile to my face. At Java George, they have a variety of food and drink, including smoothies, scones, muffins, espresso drinks and even the ability to get a $1 coffee if you bring your own mug (uh hello, sounds like a dream). 

For lunch, if I have time to eat it, I’ll usually stop by Create, the sandwich shop downstairs in Hodson, if I am not going upstairs to the actual dining hall. I get the same sandwich every time--a Reid (which has turkey, provolone, lettuce and my personal favorite, the tangy and oh so great pesto mayo) on a flatbread, opting for red onion instead of cucumber to really zest up the sandwich. Oh, and my recommendation is to always toast it.  

When I do go up to DHall, there is a sandwich station, and omlette station, a salad bar, and a hot bar station. There always is a cereal bar, though, so sometimes, if I am feeling like having a more low key, quick meal, I’ll grab a bowl of cocoa puffs, and call it a day. There is always bagels in DHall, and you almost always have the option to get the food you want to eat. There’s usually something for everyone in DHall! 

Some days, they have more in DHall, bringing in a special chef for a themed night (a few weeks ago, there was an asian theme for the night, and they had these really amazing bao buns, as well as having boba tea!). 

There really is something for everyone in DHall! 

[kellenhanley]

Biggest Changes: HS to College

I went to the same school from 6th until 12th grade. 

To say I had gotten very comfortable within my campus and within my community would be an understatement. 

I lived an hour away, was on a Varsity sport, president of five clubs, heavily involved with leadership on the campus, as well as somehow managing to be a Merit Scholar and graduate with over a 3.7 GPA.

Coming to college, I wish someone had told me that it was ok (and actually necessary to take a breath).  To say that last year I absolutely 1000% overloaded my schedule and became too busy, would be the understatement of the year. I was constantly going and going, and on weekends, I felt absolutely burnt out. I was taking five classes, rushing, joining clubs and trying to balance a social life all on top of everything. 

I was losing integral parts of who I was. 

Because college isn’t HS. Responsibilities grow. There are more of them. There are more pressures. More things to do. A thousand and one things and places to see, people to meet. Even at a small school like this, there is an endless stream of things you could do. 

And with that, there can be a lot of freedom, and there usually is. But sometimes, and every so often, it can also be ridiculously hard to find that balance. 

It’s something I still am trying to find. 

But with that being said, college is liberating. 

There are so many things you can do. And so many people you can become. You have the opportunity to become the person you want to be. And that’s one of the main differences between HS and college--you get the opportunity to explore your options. 

[kellenhanley]

Parents Weekend

Whenever my parents come to visit me at WAC, I get extraordinarily excited.

Being from Florida, my parents don’t get to come visit often. But, when they do, I am always reminded of WHY I chose Washington College--it’s a phenomenal place to establish yourself.

My parents came in on Friday, and I took them to Rock Hall, a town about twenty minutes outside of Chestertown. We then had lunch on the water and caught up with how our semester was going.

We then went to Middletown and went grocery shopping (something I always look forward to!). We enjoyed walking around and talking about classes and particularly how my dogs are doing ( I miss my little furry guys more than anything!).

Panhellenic Hosted a Tailgate after the Phi Delta Theta Crab Feast (Which was amazing, as usual), where the Shoresteppers got to preform. There was free ice cream, corn hole as well as amazing s’mores! Parents were able to meet women from each sorority and to get to know Fraternity and Sorority Life a little more!

Also going on that weekend was the cardboard boat race. It was so fun getting to see everyone compete and get really into their roles!

[kellenhanley]

Top 5 Things in the Dorm

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Clubs at WAC!

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Back into Class!

[kellenhanley]

Exams!

In High School, AP Exams always seemed ridiculously stressful. 

I remember pouring over pages and pages of notes, eyes practically falling out of my head as I stared and tried to memorize every possible word, every scenario and more. It wasn’t that I was underprepared--or even that I wasn’t smart. I just wasn’t studying smart. 

One of the perks of Washington College is the fact that there are so many resources to help you feel prepared. Many courses offer course mentors, who hold sessions once or twice a week, to help you understand cirriculum. There are also tutors for almost any subject able to be given out by OAS. 

If you are struggling on certain topics, such as writing, you can make an appointment at the writing center with one of the tutors (come see me next fall!) and they will help you go over the parts of your paper you aren’t feeling sure on. 

Another benefit about Washington College are the quiet study floors found on the first and third floors of the library. Often times, you could find me here studying for Biology or chemistry, doing my best to try and understand the material following a chapter meeting or a course mentoring session. There are even group-study rooms complete with white boards so you can study with friends to try and understand the material! 

All in all, you have every opportunity to feel prepared for exams at Washington College, and it just takes some work to get there! 

[kellenhanley]

Pre-Orientation

Pre-Orientation single-handedly made me confident in my choice in WAC. 

Coming off a 14 Hour Road Trip with my mom (of whom I missed dearly), I was ridiculously nervous coming to campus. I had signed up for the “WAC’d Out Service” Pre-Orientation group. To say that I wasn’t sure how I felt about it all, would be an understatement of the year. I had no idea who anyone was and even, at the time, I was nervous about how being myself was going to be perceived. 

And then the first night was absolutely amazing. I remember being nervous walking up the steps to Hodson, and then I walked in and saw a table with a little card that said “WAC’d Out Service”. At the table were 8 of the girls who would go on to be my best friends. Amazingly, we were all so different--people ranging from New York to Texas, me in Florida all the way through Maryland and Delaware. 

We were led by the President and VP of Habitat for Humanity respectively, Justin and Ben, as well as their advisor Maria. They were absolutely amazing and really ensured that we as a group bonded, as well as got to know the Chestertown area. 

The first day we went to Echo Hill, and we completed a series of team building activities, which was super fun and really helped to solidify our group. We also got to see how good we would work together as both a team and as a friend group. It was amazing to see how good we all worked together and it was a good indicator of how we would do the rest of the week. 

On the second day, we repaired the docks down by the boathouse, and truly it was one of the best days. It was really fun to be able to work on the water with my friends, as well as learning how to use power tools, which was super empowering to learn how to use. It was also the day of the eclipse, and i accidentally dropped my paper glasses in the water and my friend Erika ripped her paper glasses in half, so I could stare the eclipse. 

Also, major side note: this is the day I took about four times the amount of Robitussin to take (I had come down with a really bad cold) and I remember my entire pre-orientation group almost dying with laughter as I groggily walked into the dining hall that morning. Moral of the story: read the label on how much cough medicine (or any medicine) is ok for you to take. 

On the third day, we went to a farm near Chestertown and helped to pick cherry tomatoes and potatoes. We were also combined with another group and I made some of my really good friends within that group! 

Oddly enough, two semesters later, a majority of my best friends are from my pre-orientation group. Not only was it amazing to get to see one of the most amazing on-campus clubs (Check out Habitat for Humanity on Campus when you get here--its an absolutely amazing group of people!) 

[kellenhanley]

To Younger Me

One major thing I think I would remind myself is that its ok not to be perfect. 

Often times, I look back on my High School years and I think ‘How did you do it?’. I was president of three clubs, did two sports, was involved in campus leadership in various ways, and also managed to take 5 AP classes my Senior Year. 

And throughout all of this, I learned how to time manage, yes, but I also was ridiculously stressed and often times found myself almost on the verge of a panic attack. Why? Because I was always striving for perfection. In my head I had this idea what the perfect school was--an ivy league, with a full ride, and just for everything to be perfect--4.0 right out the gate. 

But what I was missing was that life often has a way of getting in the way. We have this idea of perfection--or rather, what we perceive as perfection--because we see social media and the reality shows (Hello Kardashians) and we are so prone to believing that that is perfection. 

But what we are missing in these moments is the idea and the belief that perfection are the imperfect moments. The moments where we learn from what we are going through--our failures. If you do poorly on your first biology or chemistry exam, struggling with the math in your first calculus class, the first paper of your writing class not being your best, or even not knowing how to do laundry (the first week of school, a boy came up to me in the laundry room and asked if he should put his clothes in the dryer first and then wash--I kid you not). 

And sometimes, things don’t turn out exactly as you planned. There’s a saying that I often adhere to--Tell God your plans, and hear him laugh. Things happen sometimes that you can’t control. I developed anxiety, IBS and an insulin issue. I battled depression. All of these are ideas that aren’t exactly what I had planned out for myself. But they are the things that are helping me to grow. 

And the best part about Washington college is the ability to grow. The small campus allows for growth and personal development. You can find yourself through both the successful moments and the failed moments. You can learn to love your imperfections and to grow from them, rather than allowing them to get you down. 

If you want to see this growth, Enroll now at www.washcoll.edu/enroll 

[kellenhanley]

Why Enroll

236 I think there is an important (and absolutely amazing) quality to be found within a small liberal arts school.

I’m from Florida--954 miles away from here, exactly. I lived and breathed the state for almost 18 years (I spent the last two weeks up here actually, before turning 18 on the day before classes). And honestly, I had no idea where I was going to go even days before I had to make my decision. But I think my heart knew--I knew coming to WAC was the right choice.

It was the right choice for a thousand reasons. The campus is beautiful--a pristine green. The brick pathway to let you know the age and history found within the campus, but also blending together older buildings with a more modern Gibson or Hodson Hall. Sassafrass dorms and Corsica, two of the newer dorms on campus, being relatively close to Smith or even West, Middle and East Halls. There’s history here--George Washington deciding that the ‘town at Chester’ was simply so beautiful, that he would like to settle a school there. 1782 to the present. 236 years of students. Multiple wars, two world wars. Times of racism. Times of sexism. This school has been around for it all--and throughout all of it, Washington College has dedicated itself to change, to growing and creating educated leaders; leaders who seek the good, and promotion of human rights and equality.

There are benefits to a liberal arts college too--smaller class sizes, a close knit community, the ability to found and form quality, lasting relationships with other students and even faculty. These are opportunities that simply cannot be found at a larger school.

But, walking onto the campus that first time in February of 2017, I knew. Somewhere, deep inside of my heart, that Washington College, was the place for me to be. It felt like home--the smiling faces of the students and staff, the opportunities that were presented (all that I could take advantage of, if I so chose). I could see myself walking to and from class. I could see myself being successful and doing well. I could see myself growing--as a student, as a leader and most importantly as a person.

If you can see yourself being at Washington College, enroll now at www.washcoll.edu/enroll

[kellenhanley]

Clubs at WAC!

For my Pre-Orientation, I was put in the WAC’d Out Service group--run by the president and VP of Habitat for Humanity! Not only did I meet some of my best-friends (a semester later and I think we’re all closer now than any of us could have imagined), but I got to see a super cool preview of one of many amazing clubs that WAC has to offer. 

WAC has about a thousand different clubs for a variety of interests--habitat is just one of many service clubs. There’s also Caring for Kids (one that i have a special place in my heart for), Best Buddies and even a Relay for Life Club! It’s amazing to see when these organizations get together and often times what they produce. 

Every fall, there is a big club fair in the middle of Martha Washington Square, and you are able to see all of the amazing clubs, including ones that are orientated towards activity and sport--rugby, men and women’s varsity rowing (which takes a lot of walk-ons), as well as Greek life, Republicans and Democrats and more. There are even education based clubs like the Math Club or Physics club, which often allows members to help each other within classes and to work on projects generated towards the sciences. There’s also the Student Environmental Alliance or SEA, that has projects geared towards helping the environment. 

Garden Club also runs, and often does cool events, like candle or soap making, and even offered a chapstick making day. All in all, the clubs are amazing and there are a variety for almost any interest. Music and dance, to the environment, to rugby and rowing and beyond, there is home for everyone here at WAC! 

If you want to join this community, enroll now at www.washcoll.edu/enroll 

[kellenhanley]

Admitted Students Day

I only got to visit Washington College twice before move in day--once in February, two weeks after I had been accepted, and once after I had already decided i was going to come to WAC, for Summer Advising. 

I always wondered if I had gotten to visit more, if I would have been more sure about WAC during my first semester, but often times, I am glad I got to start here as I did--completely unsure of where almost anything was (including the nearest Chipolte or Target), and knowing nothing about Maryland. However, I know that’s not the way for everyone. 

I think one of the benefits of Admitted Students day is making sure that WAC is the place for you (I, of course, think its a place for everyone, but I am also super biased). A lot of times, people come on Admitted Students day, and decide right then and there if this is truly the place for them. They get to see the campus in action--or as action as it usually is on a Saturday morning. You all get to decide if you could SEE yourself living here, joining our community. It’s an opportunity for those on the fence to decide if this is really a place where they can see themselves being. Usually there are tables for people to talk with us--tours, guides, sessions, the whole lot. But I think, and I truly believe that this is a day about deciding if you can see the community. Chestertown is thriving (as it usually does on a Saturday) and you can decide if this is something you can really see yourself doing! 

Looking back at it now, I think Admitted Students day might have sped along my choice to come here, but I think I knew (secretly) the moment that I got my acceptance letter, that I was going to come here. I truly believe and think that when you see WAC, when you get to know the college and the people at it, you understand what we mean when we say “community”. And that’s just what admitted Student’s Day is for! 

If you want to join our community, enroll now @ www.washcoll.edu/enroll 

[kellenhanley]

My Favorite Things About Chestertown

My friend group and I have started a ritual every Saturday.

Usually, I’ll wake up somewhere between 8-9 (about an hour later than I do on weekdays), and get dressed, before grabbing my backpack (full of homework) and a water bottle, and I’ll meet either a sister or a few friends, and we’ll take the short walk into the center of town. Every Saturday, from 8-12, a farmer’s market takes place. Vegetables, Cider, pastries and different types of bread are sold here, along with cool knick knacks (around the Harry Potter Festival, there seems to be a trend of Harry Potter items), such as paintings, carvings, wool goods and even some jewelry and blankets are sold. It’s truly a sight to behold. Usually, my friends and I would run across the street to the Dunkin Doughnuts, take out some cash, grab a coffee or something to drink, and look at all what was being sold at the market. Usually, we would walk towards a particular stand that has different types of breads and scones, and I always found myself reaching for the whole grain rolls (which rock when it gets colder outside, because who doesn’t like a nice bread with some soup?). My friends always love the scones, but those usually sell out within a couple of minutes!

After that, we would usually walk around Chestertown--thrift stores (which often have some really amazing finds at good prices), the flower store (where I bought a few of my succulent friends), and popping into a particular store called She She on High. This store carries some cool clothing, as well as awesome cards and homeware. And on certain days, there’s a pet pig named Augustus who you can say Hi to as well!

Often times, I would then head to Play it Again Sam’s or Evergrain to do some homework and grab a bite to eat. In fact, just earlier today I was there to do some work with a Zeta Sister! It’s a really nice, comfortable atmosphere to do some work in, and I always find myself being productive there! I really enjoy being able to be with my friends and enjoy a good coffee at the same time (an iced caramel latte with extra caramel is usually a good bet at Sam’s and at Evergrain, they have an AMAZING nutella latte!)

Although small, Chestertown is not without things to do. And, when it’s especially nice out, you can even go down by the water and do some homework--something I am planning on doing Tuesday.

If you want a chance to enjoy small town living, Enroll now!

Enroll at www.washcoll.edu/enroll

[kellenhanley]

Projects I’ve Worked on!

As I mentioned earlier, I was fortunate enough to join a sorority this spring, and I am even more blessed to say that I found my home in Zeta Tau Alpha. To say I love these girls would be a massive understatement, but truly I have found a home within this sorority. One of the perks of going Greek, or joining any club, is always seeing a friendly face around campus, and truly, its amazing to have a ZTA always nearby! 

This week coming is our Pink Out Week! Pink Out Week occurs once in the fall and once in the spring. Pink Out Week is meant to serve our Philanthropy--Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. I remember last fall being absolutely enamored with the pinking out of the campus and was absolutely blown away by the beauty. Every inch of campus was covered in pink ribbon, chalked out, decorated and embodying Breast Cancer Awareness. It truly was beautiful. Raffles were done, signs were made, and true sisterhood was spread throughout the campus. 

This year, being able to be apart of Pink Out Week, is absolutely amazing. Today, we were tasked with decorating the campus, and truly it was beautiful. Streamers, balloons, chalk and banners were all put around campus. It was amazing to be able to decorate every inch of campus and to really feel the sisterhood between ZTA! To truly see and understand the philanthropy for the first time was an absolutely amazing experience. 

If you want to experience Pink Out Week in the Fall (GET HYPE!), Enroll now! www.washcoll.edu/enroll 

[kellenhanley]

Spring 2018 Semester

As the semester winds to a close, I am now reflecting on all of the joys I have been blessed with in 2018. The second semester opened with a bang, with me rushing. I truly am blessed to say, that joining Greek Life (I rushed Zeta Tau Alpha!) was one of the best choices of my life. Not only was I able to find my home away from home, I was able to find the people that I would ultimately grow and flourish with. I spend almost every weekend with these girls, and spending time throughout the week with them is often one of my favorite things to do. Moving on with that, one of the best things about having 50+ girls at your back, is that there is always a friendly face around campus. There is always someone who wants to support you and someone who wishes the best for you. There is always someone to run to the store with, or go to Sam’s with. There is someone who wants to see you succeed as much as you want yourself to. There is an entire group of people who truly and genuinely wants the best for each other at every turn and it was and is the best decision I have made so far at WAC. I truly have grown to love these girls as family, and I can’t stress enough how grateful I am for their continued love and support in my life. 

Another amazing part of this semester has been really settling into WAC as a whole. I know I have stressed about a million times that the campus itself is stunning--old brick, blooming cherry blossoms (which smell amazing, by the way), pairing that with the sense of community that comes with settling into campus. I think there’s something to say about finding “your people”. For some people, thats the stage, or for me, its Toll and Greek Life. But one of the perks about being on a small campus, is always having a friendly face to wave at you. As SEB says, Experience is Everything, and at WAC, experience is truly what you make it. If you want to be involved on campus, there are ways to be involved! There are ways to grow and flourish as an individual, too. Going for leadership positions as well as seeking to understand how to be the best version of yourself, are all things that you have the oppertunity to do at WAC. If you want to see and understand for yourself, Enroll Now! www.washcoll.edu/enroll