The ALOHA Bears: Reflections on the NACADA Region 9 Conference

By: LaShonda D. King

What is UC Berkeley?

Why, only the top public university in the country, with a distinct reputation of excellence worldwide!

Who are the UC Berkeley Academic Advisors?

Why, only the backbone of the nation’s top public university. These Advisors are a dynamic group of professionals who exceptionally, diligently, and compassionately serve the Berkeley community and the beyond.

Who are The Aloha Bears?

The Aloha Bears are the group of more than 20 UC Berkeley Academic Advisors who traveled to Hawaii for the NACADA Region 9 Conference.

 

My Reflections on the NACADA Region 9 Conference

I had the opportunity to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii to lead a session at my very first off-campus conference.  I was beyond excited to share my research, passion and energy with other advisors across NACADA’s westernmost region. Before leaving, I was grateful for the collaborative support of the Music Department, the Advising Council and the L&S Deans office that supported me in attending.

 

The conference was in Hawaii, full of great people and great presentations. What made the most lasting impression on me you may ask? The Academic Advisors at UC Berkeley ROCK! (See, even Elizabeth Wilcox agrees!)

Take a glance at the Guidebook from the conference. What stands out? UC Berkeley advisors presented across all three days, in ten different sessions! Even more impressive, the Aloha Bears captivated groups in 3 of 8 coveted pre-conference slots. 

 

The Aloha Bears engaged audiences, captivated minds, celebrated birthdays and watched fireworks. We braved flight cancellations, accepted a regional award, shared the Aloha spirit and cheered as colleague was introduced as the next Region 9 chair!

 

The Aloha Bears of UC Berkeley most certainly made an impact at the NACADA Region 9 Conference; our presence was most certainly known and well-received. I am thankful I had the opportunity to present, learn, share, and most of all make a difference at this conference. I am certainly appreciative of the great advisors that I work with on campus and our representation in Hawaii continues to effectively demonstrate why Advising Matters!