Summer Institute
by Cub Reporter, Jennie Hernandez,
El Camino Community College

The first day we registered and received a big 3-ring binder with financial aid information on loans, Pell Grants, and other Title IV information. We were assigned dorms and then met in small groups and introduced ourselves. We shared our unique qualities, the surroundings of where we live, and our favorite pair of shoes. Kathy Campbell, Director of Financial Aid at Chemeketa Community College, was my group instructor. She was very humorous and kept the group active in participation. At the end of the day we had a barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, beans and corn on the cob. We had a very nice day. Night was a different story, I could not sleep due to a very hard, uncomfortable bed!

The second day started with a good breakfast and a lovely view of the mountains. The large group FAFSA Lecture was presented by Jack Millis (aka Verlene) of Mount Saint Mary's College. He definitely woke up the class and was very funny. Jack wore a pink wig and pink reading glasses and looked quite ridiculous, yet was an excellent speaker and succeeded in conveying his message (in a very comical way!).

During the Summer Institute we learned a lot of interesting information. There were sessions on student eligibility, cost of attendance, verification, the Quality Assurance Program. We also covered need-based packaging, loans, and professional judgment.

The third day we received a gift of toilet tissue (suitable for dorm life) first thing in the morning. We were expecting T-Shirts, but the gag gift got everyone off to a good start. This was the day we discussed diversity. Everyone wrote what they felt regarding different cultures and broke into groups to talk about it. The lesson was a good one and made us personally examine the way we perceive other ethnic groups and recognize how we are so much alike. We are all brothers and sisters; we all bleed red and we all sleep and eat. Remembering this helps us understand how much we have in common no matter how big or small; no matter what color our skin.

The Summer Institute finished up with a graduation banquet that was very nicely arranged and formal. We all dressed up and the evening was quite lovely. Overall I had a wonderful time and the WASFAA Faculty did a great job. Thanks to all!

Here are some comments from some other attendees:
"Great faculty with lots of energy. Thank you!"
- Patricia, Western Seminary, Oregon

"I have a few new answers and ideas now-and a zillion new questions."
- Martha, College of the Redwoods, California

"Wonderful learning experience. The Summer Institute answered a lot of questions and provided a great networking experience."
- Kari Mason, Alaska Pacific University, Alaska

"Learned lots. Met lots of nice people. Had a great time!"
- Edna Ong, California Student Aid Commission, California

"My brain is full with lots of information. The faculty were great-especially 'Verlene'. I can't wait to get started in this field (to start new job as Financial Aid Counselor in 30 days)."
- Julia Reisinger, Pacific University, Oregon