Happy New Year, AFA Family!
As we turn the page on 2024, we’re reflecting on an incredible AFA Annual Meeting that served as the perfect bookend to a memorable year. We welcomed 1,135 individuals to Indianapolis, surpassing our registration goals by 10% across membership categories. Among those attendees, 27% were first-timers—a testament to the need for AFA to provide resources and serve as a professional home to those doing and supporting this work. The feedback we’ve received on the educational programming and professional development opportunities has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear our time together ignited meaningful conversations and connections.
Now, as we round out the first month of 2025, we may be tossing around a familiar mantra of “New Year, New Me.” But to set bold goals for ourselves, we must also create habits that make those goals sustainable. For our profession, this means finding ways to integrate balance into our lives. How do we build routines that prioritize not only the success of our students but also our own well-being?
Well-being isn’t just about physical health—it’s also about investing in your own growth and development. Whether exploring new competencies, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship, taking time to enhance your skills is an act of self-care. As we navigate the whirlwind of “retreat season” and the start of a new academic semester, let’s commit to not only supporting our students but also strengthening ourselves. Carving out time to rest, recharge, and refine your craft ensures you’ll be prepared to meet challenges with energy and confidence.
As we embark on this new year, know that AFA is here to support you in reaching your professional development goals. We remain steadfast in our commitment to empowering you to thrive in your work while fostering a sense of belonging within this incredible community. Together, we’ll continue to elevate the impact of fraternity and sorority advising while ensuring that we, as professionals, grow alongside the students we serve.
Here’s to a year filled with purpose, progress, and balance. Thank you for being part of this vibrant community—I’m excited to see all that 2025 holds!
