Every day, IU students volunteer their time between classes to give prospective Hoosiers and their parents a tour of campus.
Known as Discover IU Days, parents and students gather to learn more about IU.
Beginning at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, Binishi, a junior neuroscience major, led a group of about 30 students and their families to the Showalter Fountain.
While the eyes of his tourists drifted toward the fall colors in the background, they still laughed at his stories of chasing down celebrities at the IU Auditorium.
From the largest lecture hall on campus, Woodburn 004, to the tiny Beck Chapel with a two-year waiting period for wedding ceremonies, Binishi shares his knowledge of the history and traditions of campus to his guests.
“You’re not going to hear the same thing from every tour guide,” Binishi said. “I love the history of IU, and I really think it’s all about the experiences (this campus) has to offer.”
With every stop he makes on the tour, Binishi describes the full panorama of his surroundings. Questions like, “Which dorm is best?” or “Was the IMU a mansion for the Dunn family?” keeps the tour guide on his toes.
Freshman Rachel Gibson, a Hoosier Guide in training, shadows Binishi throughout his tour.
She says she must complete 10 tours in order to qualify for the position. However, after her third tour of shadowing, she will be able to give her thoughts on a couple of stops along the tours.
“The whole application process is extremely rigorous,” Gibson said.
Binishi said there are several steps to becoming an Office of Admissions campus tour guide. After the initial call-out meeting for all students, the Office of Admissions will send out applications to all those who are interested in becoming a tour guide.
“From there, we have a mingle for everyone to come together and to help decide who we think is tour guide material,” Binishi said. “We want people who are comfortable in front of large crowds and who work well with all different types of people.”
After the meeting, the admissions office sets up small group interviews to narrow down the semester’s applicants. Students who are selected begin the process of shadowing current tour guides.
Binishi said his ultimate goal is to help his tourists make the best possible decision they can when choosing a college.
He says he believes it is so important because a person will change so much in four years on campus.
An orientation leader last summer, current founding father of Delta Sigma Phi and avid La Casa events attendee, Binishi said he is very passionate about his involvement on campus.
“Could you imagine me being a dean or president or something?” Binishi said. “That would be a dream come true.”
Binishi said he sees himself someday working in higher education and student affairs.
He would want to be in direct contact with the students, like Herman B Wells.
“They say that if you shake his hand, you’ll have a 4.0 GPA all four years here at IU,” Binishi said as he invites potential Hoosiers to shake Wells’ hand in the Old Crescent.
Regardless of what they believe, the students smile and reach their right hand out to Wells, keeping with tradition.
