SWASFAA friends, as this tumultuous year of 2020 draws to a close, I won’t take your time in attempting to rehash the ups and downs of this singular year. Suffice it to say that 2020 has brought with it stresses of the unexpected and the unknown, but it also brought opportunities for growth, experimentation, and new experiences, both positive and negative.

As we soon see 2020 in our collective rearview mirrors and greet 2021 with a cautious sense of optimism, I want to relaunch the SWASFAA blog to stay in touch with you all. Several years ago and on our old web platform, we had a blog that allowed the SWASFAA President the chance to keep the membership updated in terms of SWASFAA events, travel experiences, reflections on changes to our industry, and anything else that seemed relevant and interesting. I’d like to do the same!

We will all no doubt be striving to adapt to continued changes, both personal and professional. While obstacles will come, difficulties will arise, I believe this is our time to demonstrate our strengths. We wouldn’t have made it in financial aid very long if we weren’t adaptable, flexible people whose very natures are prone to helping others. And whether those people are our students, our staff, or one another, it’s simply part of what we do.

SWASFAA and those who serve as Board members or Committee Chairs are here for you. We want to hear what we’re doing well, where we need to step up, and what new ideas you have. In October and November, we successfully adapted our annual boot camp and conference events to a virtual format and for 2021 we’re looking at new ways to deliver training opportunities, networking events, and other ways to stay connected and learn from one another.

Be safe, stay healthy, enjoy the winter break, and for whatever you celebrate, happy and merry to them all!

Mendy Schmerer

SWASFAA President 2020 – 2021