Two Desks, One Conference

The Annual Conference wrapped up on Friday with an Endnote Panel that had candid conversation with leaders from both sides of the desk.

By Katherine Matthews
Northside College Prep

Two desks – and still an amazing resource in the IACAC Conference. From 2004-2008, I had the pleasure of serving as the Assistant Director of Admission at Valparaiso University. As a part of my lovely Illinois territory, I had the privilege of being a part of IACAC and attending conference, learning valuable advice from the admission side of the desk in terms of college counseling. The relationships formed, topics learned, and advice gained was fantastic.

This past May, I had the great fortune to attend the IACAC Conference from the other side of the desk as I am now a school counselor at Northside College Prep in Chicago. I don’t think I realized how much I missed the camaraderie, professional development, and amazing colleagues until the conference started.

Attending sessions on being a working mom, supporting undocumented students, working with students with anxiety and depression, as well as learning about fabulous collegiate partnerships was so worthwhile. It was such a great opportunity for reflection in finding an organization that is still so meaningful and so helpful no matter which side of the desk. I hope to continue being an active part of the IACAC and look forward to future conferences!