My first encounter with Yale University’s campus was much like many prospective students – as a high school junior on a spring break college tour. Truthfully, Yale wasn’t initially on our list of must-see schools. It seemed almost mythical, and like many others, I joked with my mom about the slim chances of acceptance. However, a missed train unexpectedly placed us closer to New Haven, Connecticut. We figured a campus tour wouldn’t hurt. By the tour’s midpoint, I knew I wanted to apply to Yale, and by the end, I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else.
Fast forward two years, and here I am, a Yale Tour Guide, leading tours for high school students now in the very position I once was.
Yale students juggle diverse on-campus jobs. From a suitemate in cancer research to another at the Payne Whitney Gymnasium, and a third becoming a Peer Liaison for incoming first-years, opportunities abound. Having never held a job in high school, I was initially apprehensive about finding employment at Yale, even harboring an unfounded fear of being fired. After exploring various options, I applied to become a Tour Guide last January.
The Tour Guide application process is more extensive than most student jobs, unfolding over three months in the spring semester. It starts with a written application, progresses to a panel interview, followed by two individual interviews, and culminates in an audition tour with actual visitors. While daunting, this rigorous process was incredibly informative. Each stage deepened my knowledge of Yale’s and New Haven’s history. Did you know New Haven lays claim to the first hamburger in North America? Or the Frisbee? And that America’s first army spy was a Yale alumnus? Tour guides aren’t expected to master 300 years of history, but each interview offered glimpses into the buildings I had already called home for six months.
My own Yale tour as a high schooler illuminated the university as a potential home for diverse students. This is the core message I strive to convey in my tours now. Transitioning from tour attendee to guide has given me a fresh perspective on the pivotal role campus tours play in college decisions. Conveying the breadth of Yale’s offerings and essence within a 90-minute tour is a significant challenge. Rather than reciting historical facts and class size statistics, I focus on sharing an authentic student experience – my own. I share my successes and setbacks at Yale, the aspects I cherish, and the areas I’d like to see evolve. This personal approach allows visitors to connect with Yale on a deeper level. Sharing the nuances of my college journey has been surprisingly enriching and a valuable exercise in self-reflection.
Furthermore, as student jobs go, guiding tours offers the delightful perk of regularly strolling through Yale’s beautiful campus and appreciating New Haven’s charm. Indeed, a beautiful workplace makes the work itself beautiful.
