I’ve always said the NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference feels like a family reunion, but this year’s event—Living the Mission: Celebrating 25 Years of GEAR UP—was extra special. It was a joyous gathering of familiar faces where nostalgia filled the air. Whether catching up with old friends or making new ones, the conference was a heartwarming reminder of why we do what we do. The highlight? Definitely the heartfelt reunions. Whether it was the big bear hugs from old teammates or the “You haven’t aged a day!” compliments (which I made up for this blog), it felt like coming home. The conference was a blend of inspiring plenary sessions, valuable workshops, and networking opportunities.

My GEAR UP journey started in 2008 with the West Virginia GEAR UP state grant. I always say we grew up together. Many of us were in our roaring twenties when we started, and now “the math isn’t mathing” because we’re all in our forties. In 2017, I joined the GEAR UP Georgia state grant and was surrounded by a fantastic team of strong and dynamic women. Together, we helped each other navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and a forever-changed landscape. My role in GEAR UP has changed through the years, but the presence of encouraging and inspiring people in my life has not. As an evaluation specialist with Xcalibur, I have the privilege of supporting multiple state and partnership GEAR UP grants. It’s a special feeling when our clients present at conferences, and we get to cheer them on, knowing their work can help other grants. The same goes for cheering on current and former colleagues, showcasing their hard work, skillsets, and insights. There’s something magical about having our Xcalibur clients and former colleagues all in one place. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also stress how amazing it is to see my Xcalibur coworkers in person, too. I see them every day on Zoom, but nothing beats having all of us together under the same roof. We’re a family—a long-distance, often nerdy, but always passionate family united by a shared mission to inspire others to appreciate data and use it to create opportunities for students.

Like family, our GEAR UP coworkers and colleagues have been there for each other through life’s ups and downs. We’ve celebrated each other’s milestones and supported each other through tough times. Whether it’s a coworker turning into a confidant during challenging life events or a colleague becoming a cherished friend who knows your unique quirks, these connections deepen over time. Our bonds are built on shared experiences, laughter, and sometimes tears. We’ve seen each other through new jobs, relocations, personal losses, and even marital and parenting challenges. As family members witness and support each other through life’s transitions, so do we, as colleagues, celebrate and console one another.

This year’s conference was a chance to honor the collective history of GEAR UP and look ahead to the future, filled with hope and optimism. Leaving the conference, I couldn’t help but feel a little sentimental. We’ve come so far together, and there’s so much more to do. The shared friendships, experiences, and mission make this work incredibly rewarding. As we wrapped up the conference and said our goodbyes (until next year in San Francisco!), I felt grateful for this amazing community. Here’s to another 25 years of GEAR UP magic and to keeping the spirit of our family reunion alive in our everyday work. And thank you for helping me look for my driver’s license!