My First TASFAA….A new TASFAA attendee experience
Submitted by Shannon L. Crossland, Assistant Director – NCAA Compliance, Office of Student Financial Aid, Texas Tech University

Shannon joined the Office of Student Financial Aid at Texas Tech University in April, 2006. Prior, she worked for an oil and gas company in Dallas. Shannon received her Associates Degree from Amarillo College and her Bachelors in Science Degree from Texas Tech University.

In early May 2006, I was briefed on attending the 2006 TASFAA Conference in San Antonio and also being a presenter. This would be my first time to attend the TASFAA Conference as well as my first time to present on NCAA and Athletic Financial Aid. I was excited but also nervous as I had only been involved in Financial Aid for one month. Throughout the summer, I attended the New Aid Officers Workshop, received internal training on the CORE NASFAA materials, and attended NCAA and Big 12 Rules Seminars. This training, coupled with the tremendous support I consistently receive from the financial aid staff and athletics compliance staff at Texas Tech University, was excellent preparation for my topic of discussion at TASFAA. Indeed, by conference time, I had a solid understanding of the connection between financial aid and athletic financial aid.

Attending and presenting at the 2006 TASFAA Conference in San Antonio was one of the highlights of my career. Each session I attended provided me information that will enhance my professional and personal development, and will allow me to continue to advance in my career. I have met so many genuine people and learned something from each of them. The conference was one of the most organized, informative, and fun conferences I have ever attended.

Having been on the other side of the fence as a student at Texas Tech University and now an employee in the Office of Student Financial Aid, I have a high respect for every single person in this field. I would never have been able to pursue my degree had it not been for the Office of Student Financial Aid. Financial Aid Officers coast to coast help students achieve their dreams and goals. The students truly benefit each day from the guidance, service, and help they receive, and the Officers know that they are making a significant difference in the life of another human being. I want to give back to other students what I received, the realization of a dream and the chance of a lifetime.

I love what I do. I wake up every morning excited to come to work in the Financial Aid Office at Texas Tech University. I could not ask for a better group of colleagues, not only here at Texas Tech University but throughout the financial aid community. In the short time I have been involved, many people from various institutions have helped me without hesitation. I look forward to attending and presenting at more conferences and especially TASFAA.