Page 19 - OPTA Access Spring 2019

APTA National Student
Conclave Recap
Kayla Harris, SPT - The Ohio State
Being a member of the APTA and OPTA has exposed me to many opportunities for involvement within the association . One of those opportunities was the APTA Student Assembly Project Committee for National Student Conclave (NSC) . As a member of this project committee, I was able to work with fellow committee members and APTA staff to help create a conference experience in which students would find value and enjoyment. Working on this project committee pushed me to think outside of the box, gave me more experience with collaborating and gave me a greater appreciation for the work that the association does for its members and the profession .
Attending NSC and seeing the work of the project committee come to fruition was an extremely rewarding experience . Additionally, my experience at the conference was amazing . I learned so much and felt a tremendous amount of personal and professional growth spring forth from that weekend .
One of the biggest takeaways from that weekend was that people, purpose, and passion are the keys for transforming society . With people supporting our goals, holding us accountable, and providing resources and knowledge we can continue to advance our initiatives . With a clear purpose, we can be assured that our actions remain aligned with our motive . With passion as the driving force behind our actions, we can keep the fire aflame. Attending NSC connected me with people, called me to define my purpose and reaffirmed my passion.
I was also slated as a candidate for secretary for the Student Assembly Board of Directors (SABoD) . Attending NSC provides members of the Student Assembly an opportunity to meet the
(bottom left) National Student Conclave Scholarship Winner, Kayla Harris posing next to her Student Assembly Candidate statement.
(bottom right) Kayla with a few other student attendees at National Student Conclave.
candidates and vote for the incoming SABoD . Applying for this position was out of my comfort zone, but I decided to go for it, and I am so glad I did . I was elected secretary for the 2018-2019 SABoD and I have learned so much about APTA, networking, leadership, advocacy, organizational skills and much more!
My experience at NSC was invaluable . Attending conferences has expanded my knowledge and networking and professional skills . I strongly suggest that students attend conferences when able . Don’t be fearful of jumping right in!
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OPTA | March 2019 | 19