By Chloe Stanley, NASFAA Communications and Engagement Assistant
As she walked into the convention center alongside dozens of fellow attendees, Sarah Freestone, FAAC®, didn’t know what to expect as a first-time attendee of the NASFAA 2025 National Conference in Anaheim, California. A senior assistant director of financial aid at Iowa State University, Sarah is well-versed in handling the unexpected. However, in aid offices, those surprises typically present challenges. At NASFAA 2025, Sarah was able to foster professional connections and participate in community outreach.
“I was very excited to meet so many other people from around the country that do what I do,” Sarah said.
From the moment she checked in, Sarah felt the positive energy of the conference. Attendees were buzzing with conversations about upcoming sessions, reconnecting with colleagues from across the country, and sharing their hopes for the days ahead. For Sarah, the sheer size of the conference was both exciting and a little overwhelming, but it didn’t take long before she found herself settling in.
“There were several different ways to engage with NASFAA staff,” Sarah said. “I was really impressed with how accessible they were.”
NASFAA’s Communities’ Charity 5k Pre-Race Social – a laid back, poster-making extravaganza – offered Sarah her first opportunity to connect with colleagues before the conference officially began. “It was a great way to get to know other people, talk to the charity representatives and learn more about their cause,” Sarah said.
For Sarah, getting to know Higher Ground and learning more about the work they do for the community made participating in the Charity 5K run the following morning even more fulfilling. “I was very impressed with this charity as it ties so closely to the mission of our work as financial aid administrators. Higher Ground does amazing work in the Anaheim community,” said Sarah.
On the first official day of the conference, Sarah attended the First-Time Attendees Kick-Off Networking Event & Dessert Reception.
“I really enjoyed the networking event and found so many new people to connect with, including my conference mentor,” Sarah said. She recalled how she recognized many of the peers she met at the First-Time Attendees Kick-Off Networking Event & Dessert Reception as she connected with them again during other events and sessions throughout the week.
The Perspectives of Belonging event left a lasting impression on Sarah. “I left this event with a whole new perspective on the humanity of the students who are or were previously incarcerated,” Sarah said. “This is definitely a population of students that deserves more attention and advocacy!”
The dynamic Opening Session with Keynote Speaker LeVar Burton set the tone for the rest of the week. “The opening session blew me away! It truly surpassed my expectations and really inspired me to return to my office reinvigorated!” Sarah said. The energy and insights offered during the opening session reminded attendees like Sarah why investing in professional development opportunities like this matters.
Community and connection were at the heart of the experience, with the Welcome Reception in the Innovation Hall providing a fun, inclusive space for attendees to gather after the opening session. “The welcome reception was very fun and it had plenty of room and options for everyone. I really loved the theme,” Sarah said. Decked out with carnival games, tarot readings, a caricature artist, and even a relaxation station, the Innovation Hall offered plenty of ways for attendees to relax and connect before diving into sessions.
For Sarah, networking opportunities remained a consistent highlight throughout the conference. “My favorite thing about conferences is consistently networking and meeting new people; it always leads me to better information, resources, and connections,” Sarah said. “I was also really impressed with the accessibility and friendliness of all the NASFAA staff. I’m not surprised by it, but I am definitely impressed!”
While the sessions were insightful, finding community made a big difference in Sarah’s first NASFAA national conference experience. “I suggest everyone takes advantage of every opportunity,” Sarah said. “I’m glad I knew people to eat with in the evening and went to the lunches that were offered.” These moments of connection turned busy days into opportunities to learn from peers as well.
As she settles back into her office, Sarah feels invigorated and inspired by the experience. “I am definitely most excited to follow up with connections I made and implement some of the knowledge and ideas,” Sarah said. “The memories are something I’ll keep for a very long time!”
Publication Date: 7/17/2025
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