2009-04-4
The CC goes to Cali
Hard to believe it’s this far into the Spring semester already. With five weeks or so of classes left, job applications and grad school interviews on the horizon, I’ve hopped a plane with Tamra and Sara to meet Patrick here in Anaheim for the Annual ACUI Conference. During my first year on the CC staff, the professionals in 106 hooked me on a Student Affairs future by bringing me to an Association of College Unions International Regional Conference. Since, I’ve attended another Regional Conference, joined the Regional Leadership Team, and geared myself up for this annual conference where all the Regions come together.
After a long day of planes and somewhat sketchy vans getting us to the hotel in Anaheim, we’re settled and just about ready to start up tomorrow. (Meaning, Tamra and Sara are zonked out in bed at what is 8:00pm for us here but is 11:00 at home.) Tomorrow there are a few meetings, maybe some looking into the Career Center, and the opening keynote address.
I’m looking forward to a good selection of Ed Sessions about Student Unions, what we can do better. It’s always fantastic to just hear from others, to learn what others are doing, to see what else there is. I also just love meeting people and making connections. There are some really fantastic people in this field and traveling to a conference like this is the perfect opportunity to meet them. I used to be nervous about conferences and meeting people and choosing the right sessions, etc. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit nervous about this conference (what with possible employers around) but I’m a lot more at ease and the idea of getting to learn more about what I want to do is enthralling.
So, I guess, I’d like to leave this cracked-out, thirteen-hours-of-travel and three-hour-time-difference blog by imploring other Smithies to travel and to experience. It is Smith that has encouraged these things for me, so you take advantage of it to. Travel while you can and while you can get funding. Find good mentors who can stand by you but also push you a bit closer to the edge of the cliff that you’re just gonna have to jump off of soon.
Wish me luck, folks. See you back at Smith in a week. EAM