At what point did reluctance become enthusiasm?
I don’t know, but here I am. I’m sitting in my room furiously researching service projects for large groups and pirate-themed decorations at 2 am on a school night. This is my life.
It is safe to say I am not the typical college student. However, in typical college student fashion, I must proclaim: The 2013 Jackson’s Mill YSA Conference is going to be the PARTY OF THE YEAR! No, really. There is going to be some seriously fantastic stuff happening from April 19-21. You definitely do not want to miss this.
We’ve been working on this for several months and I assure you all that there has been a great deal of thought, sweat, and prayer put into this year’s event-- especially the prayer part.
Let me take a moment to say this: Heavenly Father cares enough about our conference to answer our prayers. Early in this process, I prayed that we can find the right speakers and establish a friendly and loving environment, and I imagine my fellow planners have been doing the same. Funny how things work out—I believe our prayers were answered in the form of a series of emails between myself and a delightful LDS couple. Ladies and gentlemen, we have keynote speakers: Mara and Danny Kofoed, authors of A BLOG ABOUT LOVE and the hippest cats around. I, for one, am over the moon!
We also have a fantastic theme: Anchored to the Lord. Be prepared for an abundance of nautical puns (we’ve been working pretty hard on those).
Planning is hard. Organizing any group of people is hard, especially when they all have ideas and they all want to succeed. At least that’s what I’ve heard. I really wouldn’t know because the group of people behind this Conference is amazing. I am serious. They rock harder than a group of busy-body LDS college students should be able to rock.
We’ve been working on this for several months and I assure you all that there has been a great deal of thought, sweat, and prayer put into this year’s event-- especially the prayer part.
Let me take a moment to say this: Heavenly Father cares enough about our conference to answer our prayers. Early in this process, I prayed that we can find the right speakers and establish a friendly and loving environment, and I imagine my fellow planners have been doing the same. Funny how things work out—I believe our prayers were answered in the form of a series of emails between myself and a delightful LDS couple. Ladies and gentlemen, we have keynote speakers: Mara and Danny Kofoed, authors of A BLOG ABOUT LOVE and the hippest cats around. I, for one, am over the moon!
We also have a fantastic theme: Anchored to the Lord. Be prepared for an abundance of nautical puns (we’ve been working pretty hard on those).
Planning is hard. Organizing any group of people is hard, especially when they all have ideas and they all want to succeed. At least that’s what I’ve heard. I really wouldn’t know because the group of people behind this Conference is amazing. I am serious. They rock harder than a group of busy-body LDS college students should be able to rock.
But, you know, the nine of us planning this thing need some support.
What’s that you say?
What’s that you say?
“I don’t like YSA conferences,” you say?
“I HATE icebreakers,” you say?
“No way I’m giving up my weekend for this,” you say?
“I HATE icebreakers,” you say?
“No way I’m giving up my weekend for this,” you say?
Well, let me ease your worries right now. My nickname for this event is the “YSA Conference for people who hate YSA Conferences.” As it turns out, a lot of people hate YSA conferences, including yours truly. It’s like sitting through an awkward sales pitch, except you tend to leave empty handed. It doesn’t need to be a big weekend of awkward glances and uncomfortable human knots (though, I cannot guarantee these will not occur). Our main goal is to create an environment where friendships can be made, where our fellow YSAs can be spiritually edified, and naturally, where good, clean, fun can be had. If you try hard enough, you might just have a good time too.
Planning this Conference has been quite a journey. It has been an exercise in faith, in leadership, and in flexibility. I have loved every step of this journey, but now I need you to jump in and do your part!
Planning this Conference has been quite a journey. It has been an exercise in faith, in leadership, and in flexibility. I have loved every step of this journey, but now I need you to jump in and do your part!
I need you, my dear reader, to register, show up, and share this incredible weekend with us.
Registration is open until Wednesday. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
~ Kathryn
Registration is open until Wednesday. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
~ Kathryn
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