Hello RMASFAA. What great opportunities I am having as your president. I have been able to attend three separate state conferences and an "Aid Directors Only" round table, all in the month of April. (My staff didn't recognize me when I came to work this morning.) What have I learned from this whirl wind month? Lots of things but I will just mention a few of them. These were things I needed reminded of and maybe some of you could stand the reminder as well.

At KASFAA we were all reminded of how important laughter is in our lives. David Naster showed us how humor can be found in all situations and how it can heal, motivate and inspire. No matter how serious we feel our jobs are we must keep our sense of humor.

I was unintentionally able to test this theory on my way to NDASFAA. After an unsuccessful appointment with my ear doctor in Gillette I had the opportunity to view a lot more of the country side around Bell Fourche Lake than necessary (long, but funny, story) as well as canceled room reservations and then a surprise roommate (almost). Once we looked for the humor it provided great laughs through out the conference.

One of the highlights was listening to Mary Louise Defender-Wilson portraying her Grandmother and talking to us as her Grandmother would have. This unique approach provided a glimpse into the Native American culture and a better understanding of the underlying philosophical differences that exist. It helps to be reminded that there are more ways than one to look at issues and more than one can be correct.

At the "Aid Directors Only" round table and at NeASFAA, re-authorization was the hot topic. It was driven home that there are many issues that could be addressed and that if we want to have things changed, we need to get involved and let NASFAA and the Dept. of Ed. Hear our ideas. What I found interesting, was how ideas built on ideas. Often discussions started slow but as soon as someone mentioned their idea more ideas came up. What this means is, even if you do not have all the answers, offer what you have and allow someone else to add to it. I even tested this by offering a fairly unpopular idea which was jumped on pretty quickly with lots of "better" ideas being offered. This works in open discussion among colleagues. I don't recommend proposing something dumb purposely to the Department of Education just to stimulate ideas. You may have a hard time convincing them later that you were just joking.

I have also developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for our Vendors and Sponsors. How they can do all that traveling, keep the hours that they keep and still be up bright and early every day, happy, energetic and eager to assist our organizations however they can. It is amazing. Be sure to thank them whenever you get a chance.

It is also very rewarding to witness what great state associations we have in our region. Leaders and leadership potential abound. I cannot imagine any other profession having better more caring membership than we have. Thank you for inviting me to visit your conferences. I look forward to a couple more in the future. I am sorry I will not be able to attend them all.

With that in mind, let me finish up by saying, if you get the chance, go to the Road Rally's presentation, try to take in the Summer Institute, and make sure you laugh at least once every day.