Hi everyone!
So, it's been a whirlwind since NASPA - apologies for the lack of posting! Here's some updates for you all...
I guess I should start with NASPA...it's kind of a big deal. I don't know that I can really summarize the experience accurately, but I'll do my best. I am so unbelievably happy I went; it truly was an amazing conference. First, I was very impressed by the selection of keynote speakers, particularly Dustin Lance Black. Him, combined with the central presence of a gender neutral restroom and the inclusion of PGP stickers with registration to put on our namebadges, really made a statement about the importance of LGBTQ issues within NASPA, and I was very excited to see that. Obviously there's always work to be done, but it was very refreshing.
Second, I definitely tailored my experience to focus on LGBTQ issues, and it was totally worth it. The sessions were very well put together, and there was a range of program topics even within my focus on LGBTQ issues. A cool side aspect...I totally felt like a celebrity a few times - I know, totally nerdy, but it was kind of cool. The LGBTQ student affairs world is small, and I presented on my summer internship project at another conference -- and then folks recognized me from it and asked about it and whatnot. It was very, very cool. It was also great to network with tons of new folks, including tons of other queer grads from across the country. I definitely need to grab my stack of business cards and start following up.
Third, though I've always felt that I'm far too introverted for conferences and that I'm terrible at networking, I think I actually did okay. I met a ton of new people, and collected/passed out lots of cards. It was so great to have conversations with such a range of cool folks doing different things in different places. By Tuesday evening I was pretty much completely exhausted and not ready to meet anyone else...fitting, since the session I ended up going to on Wednesday morning was on being an introvert in student affairs ;) Overall though, I think I'm learning.
Finally, I just really appreciated the opportunity to see so many people who care about generally the same things. The whole conference was a reminder of why and how I ended up in this field, and how excited I am to move forward. I connected with a colleague from undergrad, learned so many new things, and generally got some fire back in me about the work I and so many others are doing. The job search + work + school + everything else can really wear on you, so it was nice to have a reminder to bring back why I'm doing what I'm doing.
So, that's NASPA. Overall, very positive. The drive back...not so much. 1500 miles in just over a week was far too much time in the car. We were a little loony by the time we finally made it back.
Since returning...well, it's been crazy. Getting back to work, trying to clean out my inbox, writing a 10 page paper, preparing for a huge social justice program on campus that I'm co-running....all in a day's work, right? No. Totally exhausted right now.
I will say that the social justice program I am working on/running right now came together amazingly, and I'm so excited to see the overall outcomes. I'm sure I'll chat more about it later on, but for now I kind of want to turn my brain off.
As for jobs - starting hearing back from a few! Unfortunately, 2 were rejections....one I wasn't surprised by - I really don't have the experience they are looking for. The other was kind of silly - I didn't get through HR because I don't have my Master's yet...even though I will have it before the start date? And the HR department said I could reapply after I get my Master's if the position isn't filled yet? So strange. But I got put through to the hiring committee at one location, and I have plenty more I need to sit down and apply for once I make it through this week!
So, I'm going to wrap this one up for now -- enjoy :) Chat again soon!
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