No Good Deed Goes Unpunished by Bryan G. Nance

Billie Holiday said it best, “Them that’s got shall get, Them that’s not shall lose… God bless the child that’s got his own.” If knowledge is power, then good blogs elevate and transform their audiences into power brokers. For some time now I’ve been intrigued by all forms of communication and their effect on society, in particular that of minority populations. I’ve come to see the Internet (and now blogs) with a strong fascination, mild skepticism and much trepidation. My blog will hopefully give you a backstage pass to the theater of the absurd, better known as College Admissions.

I’ve resisted jumping into the fray until now for one simple reason: I didn’t feel that I had anything of substance to share. But the more that I speak to young people, the more I’m convinced that there is room for one more raspy and slightly nasal New York voice. Can we tawk?

DISCLAMER: THIS BLOG IS NOT THE PLACE TO WORK OUT POLITICAL OR RACIAL AGRESSION. IF THAT IS THE FIGHT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR, MAY I SUGGEST AM TALK RADIO.

Instead I will discuss real issues that affect minorities and the college application process. Does that mean that you have to be a minority to glean wisdom from, or participate in, this blog? Au contraire, mon frere! This is a place to recognize and support all diversity with particular sensitivity to the African American, Latina/o, and Native American communities. I can’t promise you the answers to all of your questions – remember, the only way out is to THINK your way out. Enough said. Let’s get down to business.

Who is This Guy?

Hey Skeech how did we get here? (Movie trivia #1) Good question! Please allow myself to introduce… myself. (Movie trivia #2)

I was born in Queens, New York and I’ve lived in Seoul, Republic of Korea; Tacoma Washington; Indianapolis, Indiana; Newark, Delaware and most recently Ithaca, New York. I am a graduate of Norfolk State University (Home of the Spartans!) and the University of Delaware, (Home of The Fightin’ Blue Hens AKA The Ass Kickin’ Chicken!). I served as an active duty US Army Officer (Adjutant General Corps) where I learned how to jump from perfectly good aircraft while in flight. (AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY!). Finally, I am married to Kristina with 2 daughters Lauren (13), McKinley (21 months) and a son due in early January.

I’ve always been interested in causes where I can make a difference. While in grad school at UD I had the chance to accompany a faculty member on a recruiting trip. I was blown away! I remember saying to the Professor a few weeks later, “I really enjoyed that recruiting thing last week – too bad you can’t do that as a job.”

His response was quite appropriate: “Well, Bryan, it’s not a job; it’s a profession – called College Admissions.”

Three weeks after graduation I entered “the profession” as an Admissions Counselor at Ithaca College. Since then I’ve held several positions, all related in some way to minority recruitment at Cornell University.

Fast-forward six years and I’m the new Director of Minority Recruitment at MIT. So tune in periodically; we’ll laugh, we’ll cry, we’ll dole out a hefty share of sarcasm.

Is the glass half empty or half full? Who cares, I ordered a pizza!