CIVSA’s 2024 Student Development Institute (SDI) was held in Atlanta, Georgia Jan. 4 to 6. Students from across the country flocked to SDI to experience student-driven educational sessions, immense networking opportunities, tours of nearby campuses and landmarks, and so much more. The weekend was full of community, education, and leadership.
Two students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill made the journey to SDI this year. Myself, Ellie Hamashima, and my coworker, Bryce Karczewski.
On our flight back to North Carolina after SDI, I reminisced on the fantastic moments I experienced in Atlanta. From connecting with students at schools different from my own to strengthening my perspective on varying scenarios I may face in the workplace, I continuously learned from the moment I arrived in Georgia.
While there is no way to rank what I learned, there are two lessons that I brought back to my workplace in Chapel Hill.
The first was the importance of connection.
Many schools at SDI shared that they offer tours and experiences geared to a visitor’s planned major, like intentionally matching a tour guide with a business major to a visitor interested in business. Our job is to make an unforgettable experience for those who visit Carolina, and integrating similar practices may benefit visitors.
The second was the importance of intentionality.
When touring the Georgia Institute of Technology, Bryce noticed that they gave stickers to those who asked questions during the tour. At UNC-Chapel Hill, guests may be intimidated by big groups. We notice that they may have questions but are too afraid to speak up. By providing intentional incentives, visitors may feel more comfortable.
We learned so much about the cultures and experiences of other schools, and CIVSA SDI 2024 was an outstanding opportunity for which I will forever be thankful.
