CLM Major Knows Importance of Giving Tours with a Smile
By Ryan Clark
CHS Communications Director
Raven Cox had applied to more than 15 schools and hadn’t found the right one.
The Atlanta native wanted a university with a few certain things: A hospital on campus, a large sports culture, a private room. But nothing had the right feel.
“During about February of my senior year, I finally decided to come to Lexington on a whim,” Raven says. “I immediately fell in love with the campus camaraderie and very soon realized UK checked all my boxes.”
One of the major influences was her tour guide, a student named Heaven, who made the experience memorable.
Now, the 21-year-old Clinical Leadership and Management major (with a minor in Pharmacology) can do the same, as she balances her studies with her job as Student Director of Operations at UK’s Visitor Center. Her spirits always have to be high, but that’s something that comes natural to her.
Here’s 5 questions with … Raven Cox:
Why CLM?
The uniqueness of the CLM program stuck out to me and I have aspirations of owning and operating my own practice in the future, so it seemed like a great fit!
How’d you get involved with the Visitor’s Center?
During my freshman year I frequently remember seeing "Become a Tour Guide!" yard signs and they definitely sparked an interest as I remember how influential my tour guide was when I was touring UK. Unfortunately, my freshman year was cut short due to COVID, but immediately when we returned to campus the following fall, I applied for the position. Following a group interview, I was hired and began working at the VC with the Spring 2021 New Hire class!
How challenging is it to manage your academics with the job?
I would say it was a bit more challenging to manage the two during my new hire season as I was getting certified for working in office as well as tour. However, due to the flexible nature of the VC, we are able to work as little or as much as we want. At the beginning of the semester, we share our availability corresponding with our class schedule and any other conflicts and our schedule is based upon that. Also, when we are able to get things done in the office and have a bit of downtime, we are able to work on homework when needed.
What kind of mindset do you need to work in that office?
Working in the office can certainly become extremely hectic at times. During any giving year, over 32,000 prospective students, families and guests come through the Visitor Center annually. Even though we know each student will not attend Kentucky, we want each and every individual to leave with a positive, informing experience. With that being said, it takes a certain level of patience and poise to deliver that to provide that experience to everyone. It definitely can be overwhelming in the office when there are hundreds of confirmation calls, postcards and daily letters that need to get completed but we always keep the spirits high in the office!
What career do you hope to pursue?
Since the age of 3 I’ve wanted to be a physician. I have future aspirations in becoming either a neonatal or plastic surgeon. However, I’m keeping my options open.
And a bonus ... What would you tell someone who is interested in CLM?
I would tell them to absolutely go for it because CLM has provided me a host of opportunities and experiences that you do not traditionally get in most college majors.
Spend a day in the life of a CLM student to get a true immersive encounter. We all have such unique experiences and I think this would be the best way to reflect that!