As I’m writing this article, I’m coordinating with one of my previous students about where we’ll be getting brunch together tomorrow. To put it simply, being a Team Advisor (TA) for the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) is life changing. Nothing can describe the joy that I felt this summer when I was with my students. Even months of planning and a week of daily training did not prepare me for what an amazing experience being a TA would be.
During registration, I put on my biggest smile and used my most enthusiastic voice and I forgot how worried I had been before. However, as soon as I met up with my TA group and they were all nervous looking and staring at me, I felt a surge of worry as I realized, once again, that I was responsible for about fifteen kids for the next week. I had almost forgotten what it was like to be so nervous and shy on the first day and in an instant, I remembered that it was my role as the TA to facilitate conversation amongst our group. Getting the first discussion going in a new group was always a bit awkward but it never took long before we all became a little family, so comfortable with one another.
I’ll admit that I was extremely worried when I first got the week’s schedule: the hours were long and the activities seemed exhausting. At the time, I couldn’t fathom waking up so early, going to bed so late, and always having to be at my best. Surprisingly, though, it wasn’t so hard for me after meeting the kids. Whatever energy I brought to the activities was matched by my kids. After being told this numerous times, I finally felt like I genuinely understood how much of an effect my attitude had on those around me. It’s not easy trudging through the heat of summer in dress clothes, but it definitely would be a lot less enjoyable for both my students and I if I had let myself be so negative about it, so I didn’t.
As a TA, one doesn’t get to be negative or get tired, at least not in front of the students. How I was behaving would be reflected by my students and because I wanted them to get the most out of their experience, I had to ensure that the way I was acting was always positive and fun. By forcing myself to turn every negative conversation in a positive direction, I actually became more positive myself. It’s just like they always say, "Fake it until you make it!” I don’t mean to say that as if I wasn’t an energetic or positive person before this experience, just that my energy and positivity significantly increased afterward.
I had never imagined how happy all of the kids would make me. Seeing so many passionate, young people work so hard on all the tasks assigned to them was incredible. They all became friends so quickly and effortlessly and it felt like everyone was always surrounded with love and support. For the first time in life, I was the mentor to these amazing kids and they all looked up to me. They looked to me for kindness, support, and guidance and I was more than happy to give them all of that.
As if connecting with the students on such an amazing level wasn’t enough, I also formed such strong friendships with the other people I was TA with. Not everyone is lucky enough to make such an amazing group of friends so early on in his or her life, but we certainly did. It didn’t take long before we all knew each other well and felt like a little family. At every step of the way, I knew that the other TAs were there to support me and that I could reach out to them for help if I ever needed. There is no group of people I would have rather spent practically every second of every day with for a month and a half! As sad as it was to say goodbye to them at the end of the summer, I’m still overwhelmed with happiness. I knew that our goodbyes were not exactly goodbyes, but more of a “see ya later.” It’s such an honor to know all of them and to get to see what they do in life. I learned so much this summer and it is a large part of that I owe to them!
Being a TA for NSLC gave me the most amazing summer of my life. Never have I felt so influential and connected to others. This job is so fulfilling and I will never again doubt whether or not I have an effect on those around me. Being able to find another family both within my coworkers and students is a gift I’ll always appreciate. As much as I have tried, I truly will never be able to put into words how incredible this experience was, but I’ll remember it forever.
