Please follow these guidelines for the open-ended question in the application:

• In 200 words or less, describe how attending this conference will support your development.

  Your response must include both of the following:

  1. Professional Growth

     Describe at least one way the conference will support your academic, research, or career goals.

     Examples:

     • Learning new methods or skills relevant to your field
     • Making connections with researchers or professionals
     • Gaining feedback on your work
     • Exploring future academic or career pathways

     Be as specific as possible. For example, avoid only saying “to make connections.” Instead, state what kind of connections you hope to make and why those connections are relevant to your future path.

  2. Personal Growth

     Describe at least one way the experience will support your confidence, identity, leadership, motivation, or sense of belonging in your field.

     Examples:

     • Building community
     • Finding a sense of belonging
     • Exploring your personal identity
     • Connecting the conference to your experiences

     Be as specific as possible. For example, avoid only saying “to build community.” Instead, state what kind of community you hope to build and why that community is relevant to you.

• Make a connection to the conference theme, “The Strength of Community.”
• Use proper grammar and check your spelling. Organize your response so it is clear and easy to follow, with an introduction, main points, and conclusion.