• Great Scott!! Another School Year is here!

    It is a sure sign that school is about to start when the shelves of school supplies seem to be vanishing by the minute! While I’m not sure where summer went, I can’t help but be excited for the new school year to be upon us. A new school year […]

  • Staying on Track: Attending the Annual NCCEP Conference Despite Airline Troubles

    Last month, I was all set to attend the annual National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) conference in Washington D.C. The conference is always an exciting and enriching experience with lots of opportunities for learning and networking. The conference featured a full agenda of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, […]

  • NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference (Reunion)

    NCCEP/GEAR UP Annual Conference (Reunion)

    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, […]

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    Here We Grow Again

    All I ever wanted to do as a kid was grow up! Adult freedom to go where I wanted, do what I wanted, and have no one to answer to was a huge desire of mine. I sought this independence a little too early, and like most young adults,  I […]

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    Chart Spark – Sparks my creativity interest

    Excitement does not fully explain how I felt when I received an email from Alli Torban about beta-reading her new book “Chart Spark” which just made its official debut on December 5, 2023. It was a Saturday morning, I had just poured myself a cup of coffee, and I received […]

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    Too Much on Your Plate?

    One of my most enjoyable Thanksgiving pastimes is meticulously crafting the perfect dinner plate. Interestingly, I’ve realized that balancing my Thanksgiving plate mirrors the delicate act of navigating the complexities of everyday life—both tend to be quite full. It’s a sentiment shared by many; our plates, whether laden with turkey […]

  • Fostering Team Appreciation and Gratitude: A Cornerstone to a Stronger Workplace

    Last month, I attended a White Coat Ceremony that marked the induction of students into the medical field. The keynote speaker, a highly esteemed and experienced physician, delivered an impactful speech. One particular aspect of his address caught my attention and serves as the focal point of this blog post, […]

  • The New FAFSA Application

    Financial aid often is the bridge which allows students to take their dream career to fruition. Federal financial aid assistance has had plenty of face lifts since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Higher Education Act of 1965. The most recent face lift for federal financial aid is the new FAFSA […]

  • Protecting Student Data: A Fundamental Responsibility

    October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). It is an initiative to promote cybersecurity awareness and education, which is essential in today’s digital age. NCSAM typically includes various activities, events, and campaigns to encourage individuals and organizations to take steps to protect their online information and systems from cyber threats. […]

  • Strategic Team Planning: Charting a Course for Success

    Last month, I got great satisfaction in meeting face-to-face with my team for our annual evaluation team strategic planning. Strategic planning meetings are crucial for team success and provide an opportunity for reflection. They are also very valuable for the development of a cohesive and comprehensive plan that is co-developed […]