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This story is part of our April 2022 CoSIDA 360 package, to view more stories,
click here.
From the Desk of CoSIDA President Cindy Potter – Making the convention a priority
by Cindy Potter – 2021-22 CoSIDA President
Columbia College (Mo.), Senior Deputy Director of Athletics @CougarCanuck
For many years, CoSIDA was a one-week-a-year organization. We revolved around the convention and members were on their own the rest of the year. Of course, that was before technology was such that we could video chat, share ideas digitally and before CoSIDA hired an Executive Director and staff. Now CoSIDA is a 24/7/365 organization that provides support, networking and professional development to its members, which has been crucial during the pandemic. But in 2022, the family reunion is back and will be better than ever!
If you know me at all, you know that this organization has changed my life. The opportunities it has provided, the friendships I have gained, the knowledge I have acquired…all came at the hands of attending my first CoSIDA convention in 2006. I am very aware how fortunate I was to attend convention back then, but it only took a few days that summer to realize how important it would be for me to continue attending every year. So, I worked hard when I returned to make sure my administration knew this had to be a priority every year and that me attending was just as beneficial for my institution as it was for me personally.
The timing every year of convention was not ideal, but it was a priority. The financials weren’t always there, but it was a priority. The priority has turned into passion and when you become passionate about something, you want to share it with everyone.
So, as I sit in my hotel room in Minneapolis at the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four, a trip I am on solely because of CoSIDA, I’m reflecting on everything CoSIDA has provided for me, all because I made it a priority in my life. I challenge each of you reading this to make Las Vegas in June a priority. I promise you won’t regret it and it just might change your life!
Cindy
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