Sometimes it is difficult to put into words how thankful you are for the people, experiences, and things in your life. It is easy to say “thank you,” but 
those words have so much more impact when supported with specifics. Thank you to all of our readers and browsers, but also to those who took a minute out of their day to spread their appreciation:
Do you have fellow Iowa ACAC members close to your office from another college? Looking to start a holiday tradition? Why re-invent the wheel;
just follow in the footsteps of the Kirkwood Community College Eagles and the Mount Mercy University Mustangs. Each December they compete for the “StangEagle” Award to see which Admissions Office has the best bowlers. As you can see from the picture, the trophy resides at Kirkwood…which side of the Cedar River will the trophy call home for 2018?? Stay tuned!
The trick to buying gifts is realizing who you're buying for. Every person has different likes and dislikes, personalities, talents, annoyances and preferences. That's why there isn't one perfect gift for everyone. Even though we all think money is a perfect back-up plan, it also shows a lack of effort and attention to the receiver.
Shalon Frye has come full circle. She started as an elementary teacher in 2000 at Independence 
Community Schools, and after three years decided to go back to school for her school counseling degree at UNI, which eventually brought her back "home" to Independence.
Why should high school counselors be involved with Iowa ACAC? Being involved with Iowa ACAC has been one of the best professional 
development activities I have ever done. The reality is, as high school counselors we are also college admissions counselors. Iowa ACAC is a great support for high school counselors. Here is how I got involved:
Have you wanted to attend one of our state or national conferences, but didn’t have the funds? Maybe you have a great program in mind you’d like to start at your school, but need some help getting the financial wheels rolling? Or maybe you simply would like to be a member of both organizations, but the membership fees to renew or join are not in the budget?
Being thankful has a positive effect on many parts of our lives. Studies have been telling us for years just how beneficial gratitude and recognition are in the work place, in our relationships, and towards our mental and physical wellbeing.
Ashlee Duimstra is in her fourth year as a school counselor at East High School in Des Moines. Before that, she was a school counselor in 
Knoxville, Iowa, for three years. She says being a member of Iowa ACAC helps keep her in the know on what's happening in college admissions, so she can share those resources with her students...and some of those resources came from her making time to take one step.
We all know communication has changed. Twenty years ago, as an Admissions Representative, I received letters, postcards, and flyers in the mail from Iowa ACAC...you know, that stuff that comes on paper by a person who delivers it through rain, hail, sleet or 
snow...with information on college fair registration and the individual fairs, spring conference, and the Scenes newsletter. I'd open each and every item, save as needed, note on a calendar, or throw in the trash can. We do all of those same things today, but electronically. Unfortunately, we sometimes feel inundated with email and get overwhelmed. Then we become selective. Then we overlook. Then we miss out.
The fall can be a crazy time of year - our road warriors are out and about recruiting students and our in-office friends are helping cover visits. With 
the lack of down time, stress levels tend to be a little higher than normal. Therefore, it is even more important to find time to de-stress. For me, this involves using my mind in a more creative manner. Unfortunately, the examples I am providing today are not my personal creations, but hopefully they inspire you to add some school spirit to your existing pumpkin traditions – or make something new for your office!
Three ways you can answer the call to share your knowledge or simply show thanks:
After 10 years of teaching history and government, Jedd Taylor switched gears. He completed school counseling training, and became school counselor for grades 11 and 12 at Glenwood Community High School (Glenwood, Iowa). With the exception of one semester as a long-term substitute, he has spent all 15 years at Glenwood.
At the 73rd NACAC Conference, the Iowa ACAC Assembly Delegates were part of a historical and defining vote. 
The 15th Annual R.I.D.E. (Rediscovering Iowa’s Diverse Education) took place June 11-14, 2017, in eastern Iowa. Thirty-one high school and independent counselors from throughout the state of Iowa visited Kirkwood Community College, Northeast Iowa Community College (Peosta), University of Dubuque, Loras College, Clarke University, Cornell College, Mount Mercy University, and Coe College. The participants toured the various campuses, learned about admission requirements and heard from faculty, current student, and several college presidents about the unique mission of each institution. A huge thank you to the host institutions for their amazing hospitality including providing meals and giveaways, coordinating the many details of the visits, and providing overnight accommodations. Partial funding for the R.I.D.E. was also provided by an Imagine Grant from the National Association for College Admission Counseling. All attendees expressed how beneficial this free event was for their professional knowledge and well as the many students they serve! Thank you to these wonderful counselors for taking time to join us. 
On the evening of July 19, 2017, 39 new Admission professionals embarked on their Iowa ACAC journey. Iowa ACAC member institution, Coe College, hosted the yearly ACU professional development opportunity. The fun kicked off with an evening cheering on the Cedar Rapids Kernels, and newly formed friendships weathered a storm of biblical proportions. 
My husband and I made our biennial sojourn to the Iowa State Fair this year. Our walk through the Varied Industries Building always brings back memories about the many years I worked there, while in college admissions. Most noticeable change for me? The number 
of colleges with displays in the Varied Industries Building.
