School Scene
Spring 2018
Volume 12 Issue 2

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In This Issue
Getting Down to Business by Aala Nasir, National TSA President
4 Tips for Decision Day by Jessica Strait, National TSA Vice President
Cheers to 40 Years! by Shanda Manasco, National TSA Secretary
Making Connections by Simon Jolly, National TSA Treasurer
Atlanta Awaits by Yoshi Torralva, National TSA Reporter
You Can Never Be Too Prepared by Preston Crawford, National TSA Sergeant-at-Arms
Getting Down to Business
by Aala Nasir, National TSA President
The 2018 National TSA Conference is just around the corner with fewer than 80 days until we are reunited in Atlanta, GA.  Now it is time to polish your knowledge of parliamentary procedure in preparation for the annual business meeting, where we will vote on an amendment to the TSA bylaws.
 
It is of utmost importance that TSA voting delegates attend the business meeting every year. One of the advantages of being a member of TSA is that it is a student-run, student-led organization--meaning that the membership has a say in the decisions being made. Be sure your chapter's voting delegates attend the business meeting so your chapter is represented.
 
To prepare, utilize the resources available on the national TSA website, such as the "Parliamentary Procedure Guides." You can find these by clicking on the For Students tab, then clicking on Resources in the dropdown menu.
 
These beneficial guides come in two versions: basic for beginners and advanced for those who want to dive a little deeper. Parliamentary Procedure can seem a little intimidating at first but being able to follow all motions posed at the business meeting will make it a lot more meaningful.
4 Tips for Decision Day
by Jessica Strait, National TSA Vice President
  
As college decision day draws closer, TSA seniors across the country are determining which college is right for them. Many students are wondering how they will choose among multiple universities. As I have embarked on my own college search, I have discovered some useful tips that may help you:  
  1. Location matters. Some students may want to travel away from their hometown or stay close. Some may want to attend a school with thousands of undergraduates, while others may be much happier attending a smaller, private college. Consider where you can see yourself living for the next several years and visit campuses when possible.
  2. Keep your options open. If you are not 100 percent certain of your major, look into schools offering a wide range of programs. You may even find your ideal field, after taking elective courses. 
  3. Talk to alumni or current students. There is no better way to learn about a college than from someone who attended. Many universities have current students or recent alumni working in the admissions office to help prospective students.
  4. Home away from homeAs TSA members, we understand the sense of belonging that comes with involvement in an intracurricular organization. Look into these opportunities at your university. You might find your "home away from home" while you are in college by joining a new club or team. 
No matter what university or place of higher education you choose, you will always have a place in TSA.
Cheers to 40 Years!
by Shanda Manasco, National TSA Secretary

We have come a long way since 1978 including a name change, a motto change, and many other notable achievements. Our membership stretches across the country and is now at an all-time high of 250,000. Add the alumni and and we total millions of individuals who are "learning to lead in a technical world."

TSA strives to help members who are interested in STEM careers to develop their skills in a fun, challenging, and competitive environment. Exciting opportunities are introduced continually, such as our leadership program LEAP, which was launched in 2016.
 
Over the years, TSA has entered into many partnerships with organizations that have helped make our association stronger, such as AEOP, VEX Robotics, Unite, the Verizon Foundation, and most recently-- CompTIA-- the leading, non-profit trade association for the global technology industry. We thank our partners for their dedication to TSA.
Making Connections 
by Simon Jolly, National TSA Treasurer 

Throughout the school year, chapter meetings and regional and state TSA conferences provide a continuous connection between you and your fellow chapter members. It is this bond that inspires creativity and innovation while tweaking and improving your competitive events, as well as strengthening a social link among your peers.

It's a busy time of year for TSA members, as they now find themselves between the conclusion of their state conferences and the opening session of the 2018 National TSA Conference, followed by the summer ahead. So how do chapter members maintain connectivity with TSA this time of year? 
 

Further develop and refine your competitive events so you are prepared to compete at the National TSA Conference. Even if you finished in first place at your state conference, it is important to remember that you will be competing against the best in the nation.


Meet members through chapter social events in the spring and summer. The best teams are the ones that connect not only on an academic level, but on a social one as well. This is also an ideal time to create and promote membership recruitment ideas and make plans for another great year in TSA.


If your chapter remains connected now and through the summer months a celebration of success surely will be yours.

Atlanta Awaits
by Yoshua Torralva, National TSA Reporter
   
Now is a great time to plan your chapter's excursions throughout conference week. There are many attractions in Atlanta within walking distance from either the conference site at the Georgia World Congress Center, or from your hotel. Consider these:
 
  • Interested in Art History? Visit the High Museum of Art to view a wide range of pieces from different art movements in history.
  • Interested in History? Learn a legacy at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic site and the Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum.
  • Interested in News? Go behind-the-scenes at CNN and see what's making headlines.
  • Interested in Sports? Catch a tour of the College Football Hall of Fame.

In addition, take in other popular attractions such as Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta Zoo and Centennial Olympic Park. For more details, visit the conference page of the TSA website.
You Can Never Be Too Prepared
by Preston Crawford, National TSA Sergeant-at-Arms 
    
In fewer than 100 days, TSA members will meet once again at the 2018 National TSA Conference. It is going to be a really engaging conference and I cannot wait to see chapters come together from across the country to compete and learn!
 
Online national conference registration is now taking place. When preparing your events, it is important to remember that it is the responsibility of each participant to know the rules and guidelines for competitions. Advisors and students should routinely check the national TSA website for the latest updates

Pack all necessary materials for your competitions and bring them with you to the conference. And finally, always arrive early to any competition that requires a turn in.

Best of luck to all TSA competitors!
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The Technology Student Association enhances personal development, leadership, and career opportunities in STEM, whereby members apply and integrate these concepts through intracurricular activities, competitions, and related programs. 

School Scene (ISSN 1066-341X) is published three times a year by the Technology Student Association..
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