2022 First Timer Annual Session Scholarship Recipient Reflections

Dea Rash, Oklahoma

Thank you for the opportunity to attend the 2022 NEAFCS Annual Session by providing me with a First-Timer’s Scholarship.  At the conference, I had the opportunity to network with FCS professionals from other states, attend informative educational workshops where I learned many new programming ideas, and be recognized for my efforts by receiving the Distinguished Service Award.  I attended the sweet potato farm tour and that was not only interesting but very educational and something I could relate to as I come from a farming background as well.   I was inspired to become involved in NEAFCS by joining the Awards Committee.  I especially enjoyed attending the First-Timer’s Luncheon as well as all aspects of the conference and I look forward to attending future NEAFCS Annual Sessions in the future.   

Rosie E. Stewart, Arizona

Thank you, NEAFCS, for the opportunity to attend the in-person 2022 NEAFCS Annual Session in Raleigh, NC. I am very grateful to have been a recipient of a First Timer Scholarship. The week-long Annual Session provided me with a wealth of knowledge and opportunities. I had the opportunity to present a breakout session with a team of my Arizona colleagues. I was also able to meet and work with members of the Public Affairs: Advocacy subcommittee for which I am now the Chair-Elect. I networked with other NEAFCS members who are implementing similar programs across the country. I found the ability to connect with these individuals from other states and discuss our similar programming extremely valuable. I look forward to continuing to build and foster these connections. The keynote and breakout sessions were very beneficial and provided ideas, strategies, and insights on diverse topics. Learning from others and seeing their success along with discussing challenges faced in their programming were invaluable. I appreciate NEAFCS providing this avenue for professional development and the opportunity to learn from others. I am very excited for the next Annual Session in Providence, RI in 2023. I look forward to seeing you all then.

Chi Catalone, Pennsylvania

I would like to express my gratitude for receiving a First Timer Scholarship to attend the NEAFCS 2022 Annual Session in Raleigh, North Carolina.  I was hired in April 2021 at Penn State Extension in their Food, Families, and Health Unit.  I currently sit on their Health and Wellness and Family Well-being Teams.  I found the annual session to be very energizing and an excellent opportunity to connect with other educators across the country.   One of my favorite components was the in-depth session.  It provided me the opportunity me to expand my knowledge base and receive a curriculum to use in my community.  I felt there was a vast variety of choices for each track of sessions, and look forward to attending next year’s session in Providence, Rhode Island.