reflection.

Looking back on the conference, I have mixed emotions. Some workshops were great, while many were not. I think the workshops that I looked forward to the most ended up being the most disappointing, and the ones that I didn’t care about were surprisingly the best. 

• Lesson #1: Go into the conference with little or no expectations.

Networking with firms and agencies was interesting. To me, it was almost a tease when I had a great conversation with a potential future employer because I will not be graduating for a few more quarters. Either way, the experience is useful.

• Lesson #2: Work on schmoozing.

During the conference, I was able to stay at a hotel downtown with several other students. The experience was great!!! It was also nice to see what life would be like if I were to move DTLA in the future.

• Lesson #3: Take time to enjoy it.

It’s been two days, but I don’t think I will catch up on my lost sleep for awhile. Back to school we go when all I can think about is my future!

“Things are changing in this country. People are trying to stop it from happening, but they can’t. Are you planning for it?”

-Mitchell Silver, APA President on the changing face of the country. Excellent workshop on how we need to understand the greater context of planning in our community… Really glad I attended this one!