This was my first NACADA conference and I feel very
fortunate that I was able to go. I
attended nine different sessions over three days. My goal was twofold: first to learn more
about specific student populations with whom I have not had much experience,
and second to learn ways to be better at the day-to-day details of my job.
To the first end, I attended four sessions focusing on
the populations of Transgender students, students with Autism Spectrum
Disorder, distressed students, and students entering school after having been
incarcerated. All four sessions provided valuable insight into the struggles
these students face, and the presentations were given in a good-humored yet
respectful manner.
Additionally, I attended sessions on time management,
ethics in advising, working with parents, and working to connect faculty with
their students. I found the session on
time management to be the most valuable one to me, because everyone in the room
was invited to share their favorite tips and there were some really great ones. In the session on parents, I was shocked
(SHOCKED!) to learn that today’s students are best of friends with their parents
and actually want to hang out with them. Of course I am from the “never trust
anyone over 30” generation, so this was big news to me.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to attend
NACADA this year!
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