I debated a long time about attending the SAA annual meeting this year in San Diego. I wasn?t sure what it could offer a first year graduate student and if it would be worth the time and the money it would take to get there. Now that I?ve been back for a couple weeks and I?ve had the chance to reflect on the experience, I can say that it was definitely worth it. It was even worth a cancelled flight and a hilariously expensive last minute hotel room in downtown San Diego. The fact that it was held in the fish taco capital of the United States didn?t hurt either.

As a student who isn?t quite sure what direction I want to take in this field, joining SAA has been helpful in giving me access to the variety of activities and roles available with this degree. The annual meeting was a way to experience and celebrate the work of my peers and to see and hear the archivists I look up to in person. It was a great opportunity to come into contact with aspects of the profession that are not taught in graduate school and similarly rewarding to see how the theories and skills we learn in class translate to the real world.

I was able to attend sessions on donor relations and outreach to undergraduate students and to see that my interpersonal skills and previous work experience do in fact have a place in this profession. Hearing the advice offered in the donor relations lightning talk was so valuable for me because it illustrated several ways that my interest in working with the public can be applied to working in archives. And hearing Robin Katz describe her work with undergraduates at the Brooklyn Historical Society was also really energizing. It was great to see that there are opportunities to work with young minds and to share our passion for primary sources.

My advice to any students thinking of attending SAA next year in New Orleans is to just go. Sign up and take advantage of the fact that it?s cheaper for student members and that you?re still young enough to not mind sharing a room with 5 other budding archivists in a hostel full of drunk tourists. Another piece of advice is to attend SAA with an archivist buddy; someone you can debrief with at the end of sessions and someone to see the local sites with when you need a break. The receptions can be really overwhelming but if you have someone with you that you?re comfortable around it makes networking easier and more natural. This ties into my last bit of advice – go to SAA with the idea that you?re there to learn and to make friends. It will make you more relaxed and infinitely more likely to make valuable professional connections and feel that your experience was worth the investment.