WASFAA XXX - Learning in Paradise
by Gina Marshall, Lewis-Clark State College

Day 1: Monday, April 26, 1999
I awoke this morning to the peaceful sounds of the water rushing up against the beach just outside my room. San Diego is beautiful! What a wonderful place to celebrate WASFAA's 30th Anniversary!

My WASFAA experience began at registration. Shortly before 8am, I was greeted by a most helpful and happy volunteer at the registration booth. (Everyone is so helpful! Volunteers help make WASFAA great!) I quickly hustled across the parking lot to the executive suites, where I attended a group session on quality assurance. At 9am, I retreated to the ballroom for a Newcomers' Welcome session, led by President Ted Malone. We began by playing Newcomers' Bingo. To some people's surprise, no one in attendance had any body parts pierced (ears were excluded), or at least no one would admit to it. It was during this session that I agreed to be Cub Reporter #4 for the WASFAA Newsletter. I was presented with my Cub Reporter pack, which included such great amenities as: M&M's, bubbles, an official WASFAA camera, and a WASFAA diary.

Shortly after the Newcomers' Welcome, I attended a very informative session on IFAP. For those of us who are still relatively new to the profession and its enormity of regulations, this was a welcome and informative meeting about "Information for Financial Aid Professionals."

I came to the financial aid profession after working in student services for two years. Amongst other entities, one thing I admired about the financial aid office was how much they always ate. The hallways of Reid Hall often carry the sweet aromas of popcorn, cookies, or a variety of delectables from various local drive-throughs. Since joining the profession, I have noticed that this habit is not merely institution-specific, but rather profession-wide. The WASFAA Conference did a wonderful job of making everyone feel at home. After each session, there was a refreshment break. Cookies, coffee, sodas, candy, fruit, and ice cream. The list goes on. Of course, this is on top of the wonderful meals and entertainment.

DeeDee Myers: what a great surprise! She spoke on a variety of political and emotional issues. She shared many of her political experiences with us and described many of her mentors. People most of us only know as names or faces, she has befriended. DeeDee was a great inspiration and a wonderful choice for our keynote speaker.

The President's Reception was quite fun. There was some pretty wild dancing. I've never seen people move like that before! Following the entertainment and the surprise visit by Marilyn Monroe, I retreated to my room in preparation for a new day.

Day 2: Tuesday, April 27, 1999
Tuesday morning was as lovely as Monday. Though I did not take advantage of the yoga sessions offered, I did walk briskly around the many vendor booths. Great exercise! I must mention the extreme enthusiasm of the Smart Card group! Wow! I thought those clothes were only found in the movies. Actually, all of the vendors were great! I only wish I had room in my luggage to bring home more of those great post-it notes and rulers!

We joined together at noon for lunch with the executive council and Gwendolyn Dungy of NASPA. Ms. Dungy spoke to us on education and gave us an inspiring speech on heroes. It was also a privilege to listen to Ted Malone, as he thanked everyone he worked with over the past year in the WASFAA organization.

Tuesday's sessions were again very helpful. By late afternoon, I was beginning to feel a bit of sensory overload. However, the refreshment break did give me that sugar charge I needed to go one more!

And then of course, there was the luau. Alooohhhaaa! (I think in Idaho you can be arrested for moving like that.) The dinner was scrumptious and the entertainment was great! But to top it all off, the fireworks were fantastic! I have to hand it to the Conference Committee - not only was this conference educational - it was fun!

Day 3: Wednesday, April 28, 1999
Today started early for me, with a discussion on direct loans. The session ended just in time to join everyone in the tent for a wonderful breakfast. Dallas Martin, NASFAA President, and Judy Schneider, NASFAA Chair, updated us on all that is happening in Washington and thanked NASFAA's western representatives for our dedication and hard work over the past year.

There was one last session to attend and then a refreshment break before the federal update with Jeff Baker. As expected, there was a plethora of information on reauthorization to absorb. It was a great help.

At last it was time for the finale, a presentation on WASFAA 2000 in Alaska. Janine Amon presented slides, described the beauty of Alaska, and gave away numerous door prizes.

WASFAA XXX was wonderful! It was educational, inspirational, and a whole lot of fun. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it such a success. A very special thanks to IASFAA and Lewis-Clark State College for making it possible for me to be a part of this event. Thank-you to Miriam and Marlene for letting me participate in the Cub Reporter entourage.

This is Cub Reporter #4 signing out. Hope to see you all next year!