SAA/BSU Conference

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the SAA Conference in Chicago. It was an event that highlights the academic achievement of students from various schools within the Chicago area. These students are selected, based on their ACT/SAT/GPA, to become potential recruits for the 3 UofI i campuses (Chicago, Springfield and Urbana). I and another student (Charles Olivier) spoke to students about the University of Illinois at Springfield, more specifically, our major programs, the honors program and student life. A banquet followed after the fair, and at the banquet, we were introduced to the keynote speaker for the evening. Joseph B. White, the President of all 3 Uof I campuses was also present, he spoke with the students about their future aspirations and their schools of choice for college. The Keynote speaker who was, both a doctor and lawyer ( not kidding), gave and excellent speech about the rewards of hard work in her life. She explained how important it was for students to step outside of their comfort zone to try new things. Even though you may fall short at times, it is important to understand that an obstacle is not a point of failure, its a point of construction for your future. So challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and try new things, you have nothing to lose. I also had the opportunity to attend a conference in lincolnshire, IL it was the NBSU conference ( National Black Student Union Conference) this conference united all BSU across the nation in order to further the developement of each organization in their respective locations. From this conference we were able gain insight on programming/ fundraising ideas that would be benifical for us here at UIS. It was a wonderful experience, the keynote speaker who was also one of the founders of the Dusable Museum spoke at the final dinner. I enjoyed myself at both conferences during the break.