Many people envision a tour guide as someone with an overtly extroverted and bubbly personality, effortlessly commanding large groups and possessing an innate ability to project their voice. Perhaps you see yourself as more introverted, someone who doesn’t naturally seek out the spotlight, and the idea of leading a tour feels daunting. This was certainly the initial feeling when an email circulated around campus inviting students to apply to be tour guides for Dartmouth Admissions. Despite my reservations, and somewhat on a whim alongside friends, I applied, not truly expecting to be selected. To my surprise, after application statements and an interview, I was offered the position!
To illustrate my initial hesitations, my parents confessed that upon hearing about my tour guide role, they were skeptical it would be a long-term commitment. Starting training, conducted via Zoom in April 2021, amplified my anxieties. While I had some public speaking experience, the prospect of memorizing an hour-long route and delivering engaging content at each stop felt overwhelming.
However, my anxieties quickly dissipated upon meeting the Tour Guide Trainers, experienced guides dedicated to onboarding new recruits. Their enthusiasm and support were immediately reassuring. While the tour route has designated stops and key information points, I was relieved to learn the delivery is highly personalized. Of course, visitors receive essential facts about Dartmouth regardless of their guide. However, guides are encouraged to weave in their own Dartmouth experiences, showcasing the vibrant and multifaceted nature of the institution through a personal lens, rather than simply reciting statistics. Authenticity is valued; guides are supported in sharing honest perspectives, including challenges, if comfortable. The aim of a campus tour is to provide a genuine glimpse into student life, acknowledging that college, in reality, can be demanding in various ways. Training emphasized that the most impactful tour is an authentic one, not a relentlessly positive portrayal that lacks genuine depth.
Following training, I began giving tours, a role I’ve enthusiastically continued for three years. Although initial training nerves subsided, those first “real” tours were still nerve-wracking. No matter how prepared you are, unexpected questions will arise. It took a few tours to find my rhythm, thinking on my feet and providing helpful responses even when unsure of every answer. This ongoing process of learning and adapting, while never truly complete – even after my 70th tour last week I don’t have all the answers – is surprisingly rewarding.
A narrow aisle of Dartmouth library stacks, filled with books on both sides
Speaking of reflection, and while not a tour stop due to its quiet ambiance, the Baker Library Stacks are a personal favorite on campus, mere feet from a designated tour stop within the library. During my first year, I often found myself journaling on the top floor – the tranquility and panoramic view provided the ideal setting for introspection, both academic and personal.
In this instance, I proved my parents wrong; being a Tour And Guide became a sustained passion. It’s not only an opportunity to explore aspects of Dartmouth and its programs I might otherwise miss, but also a chance to reflect on my own growth through the eyes of prospective students in the position I was four years prior. My perspectives, ambitions, and involvements have evolved significantly during my time here. While much of the tour route and core information remains consistent, my delivery has undergone numerous iterations, each shaped by the various academic, social, and extracurricular facets of my Dartmouth journey.
Regardless of where you pursue your higher education, I wholeheartedly recommend applying to be a tour and guide at your institution, even if you doubt you possess the stereotypical “tour guide personality.” It’s an invaluable avenue for honing interpersonal skills, connecting with diverse visitors, and, importantly, fostering self-reflection and charting your personal development during these transformative years.
