Open Sky’s Youngest Team Member
Sometimes we forget we are role models. Or maybe we choose not to think about it. I find myself being reminded of this on a daily basis. My daughter, Lucy, almost 2, has been exposed to the world of wilderness admissions from birth. She hears the Open Sky phone ring and knows that means business. At times she will sit down beside me and listen intently to my side of the conversation. Other times she will go about the business she has, eating cheerios, coloring or reading a book. It is hard to tell what she is taking in about the process, until she mimics me, talking on the phone, pausing to listen or hold space as I do. At times, I will hear her say things like yoga and Open Sky and take care and I am reminded that each phone call holds a specific significance. From the first call to get information about our program, the family telling their story to the dozen other phone calls answering questions, tying up loose ends and finalizing the process.
The other day I was having a discussion with Stephanie, my admissions partner, about where a particular student was going to be placed when they arrived in the field. As the conversation went on, I noticed Lucy was listening in, so I asked her where she thought this student should go. Sure enough, after all was said and done, Lucy was correct. Not that we have Lucy make these major decisions for us, but it is nice to have some support, someone who agrees with me. It is also great to be able to look at Lucy and see her technique and realize maybe I am doing an ok job, both on the phones with parents and as a parent myself.
Lauren Lollini, Admissions Director
