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Welcome to 10 Questions for an Admissions Counselor, an occasional series that spotlights some of the talented and passionate people who travel near and far to recruit new Wolverines for the University of Michigan.

Meet Robin Rivas, a senior admissions counselor in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She is going on her 4th admissions season and has worked closely with students from West Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. She also oversees the campus tour guide program, which is a great way for her to stay connected with current students. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and friends, spoiling her nephews, and traveling whenever possible.

What do you like most about your job?

I love being able to connect with students and help them navigate the college admissions process. It can be complicated and confusing, so I’m glad that I’m able to provide guidance for the students who need it.

What is your go-to travel snack when you’re on the road recruiting?

I’m a huge fan of the free breakfasts that you receive at hotels and then taking extras for my snacks throughout the day. Usually they have fruit or yogurt that’s healthy and easy for me to take.

What is something you wish you knew before your freshman year?

It’s ok to ask for help! When I first started college, I felt like I had to prove myself and try to do everything myself. The truth is that everyone is adjusting and trying to figure out their new environment. Your professors are there to help support you and there are resources all around campus ranging from the Sweetland Center for Writing to Counseling and Psychological Services.

What is a common question you are asked by prospective students?

The weather! Everyone always wants to know about the snow here in Michigan. As someone who is originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I love when there's a beautiful blanket of snow over the winter holidays. Quoting Elsa, "the cold never bothered me anyway." If it does, just make sure you get a nice winter coat and learn to use the Magic Bus app so you can hide indoors until your bus is about to arrive.

What is the most memorable class you took in college?

I took a class called Literary Explorations of Medical Controversies. Although I didn’t go into the medical field, this class was really interesting. The main paper that I wrote for that class was about the book My Sister’s Keeper and the legal and ethical implications surrounding the concept of savior siblings. It was probably one of my favorite papers to write.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Buying my first home! My family moved often when I was growing up, so having a place that I could officially call my own was a fantastic feeling.

Do you still keep in touch with any of your college roommates?

One of my college roommates was the maid of honor at my wedding! Alyssa and I met sophomore year of college and lived together junior and senior year. She lived abroad in Taiwan for 2 years after college and I was lucky enough to be able to go and visit her while she was there. She’s finally moving back to Michigan and I’m very excited to be able to see her again.

What is your favorite season?

Fall is probably my favorite season. There’s so much to do that time of year and the weather is usually perfect, not too hot or cold. It’s also when all of the students return to campus and you can see all the excitement of the new academic year.

What book, movie read/seen recently you would recommend and why?

Books are my favorite so I could probably talk about them forever. During travel, I spend a lot of time listening to audiobooks. Most recently, I finished The Woman in Cabin 10. I’m a huge fan of books that keep you guessing the entire time.

Coffee or tea?

I'm really not a huge fan of either. I'll drink the super sugary coffee drinks like Peppermint Mochas, but I know that they really aren't good for me so I try to limit how often I drink them.