When you think of Atlanta, you might picture the sparkling city lights of downtown, the playful splash of the Georgia Aquarium, or the sweet aroma of southern cuisine drifting through the streets. For me, Atlanta will always bring to mind two days filled with energy, inspiration, and connection at the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) Annual Conference. As the Communications Intern for the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), I had the privilege of attending alongside Emily Morales, Chris Lippelt, Katie Goodrich (KG), and Keira Amstutz (IH President and CEO)—a group that made the experience both collaborative and fun.
NSPA is a national network dedicated to advancing student success through scholarships, mentorship, and alumni engagement. While LSN isn’t a scholarship provider itself, we play a critical role in supporting Lilly Scholars and building community. Being at NSPA gave me the chance to step outside my day-to-day responsibilities, observe how scholarship organizations communicate impact, and explore strategies for fostering relationships and amplifying stories. I wasn’t the only student there—student interns and volunteers from across the country brought different goals and perspectives—but together, we shared curiosity, excitement, and a commitment to learning.
Tuesday evening, after checking into my hotel with KG’s help, I took a quiet moment to settle in, unpack, and reflect. The hum of the city outside my window, the anticipation of the days ahead, and even a little homework filled the space. By Wednesday morning, I was ready—coffee in hand, laptop in my backpack—to dive in. The opening keynote by Ron Clark, founder of the Ron Clark Academy, was electric. “If you’re gonna be here, be here,” he said, reminding us to show up fully, intentionally, and with grace. That advice followed me through every session, reminding me that small, thoughtful actions can ripple outward in meaningful ways.
The sessions were a whirlwind of ideas. Daniels Fund and Boettcher Foundation’s session focused on summer programs like Scholars Launch, showing how they don’t just foster social connection—they intentionally build skills, networks, and long-term growth opportunities for students. I could already see parallels with Collegiate Connect, and my mind was buzzing with ways to bring these insights back to the LSN team. At the end of Wednesday, the team and I grabbed dinner at Tyde Tate Kitchen, savoring Thai food that Emily and I were trying for the first time. We swapped stories about college life, travels, and our favorite takeaways from the day. It felt less like planning and more like simply enjoying each other’s company and sharing experiences that shape how we approach our work.
Thursday’s keynote by Dr. Joy DeGruy brought a reflective depth to the day. “I don’t change my standard because I don’t reach it—I move to meet it,” she said, and it hit me in that exact spot where motivation and self-awareness meet. Her words were a lens through which I approached every following session, from relationship-building workshops to social media strategy sessions.
Presenters from the Luckyday Scholars and Smith-Hutson Scholars programs shared strategies for mentorship, peer support, and leadership opportunities—tools that help students cultivate a true sense of belonging. Their session, “The Secret Sauce to Student Success,” highlighted how scholarships can intentionally build supportive communities. Seeing alumni engagement, mentorship models, and peer networks in action made me appreciate the tangible power of connection. Scholarships are more than financial support—they’re a way of saying, “we believe in you,” and the impact is felt long after funds are awarded.
Between sessions, I stole little moments to savor Atlanta—a Lemon Curd Sconut (half scone, half donut!) from Flaky Not Flaky (thanks, Emily!) and quiet pauses to reflect on the day’s experiences. I left the conference inspired by how scholarship programs intentionally nurture relationships and foster community. Experiencing these practices firsthand, and imagining how to bring them back to LSN, made me reflect on my own role as Communications Intern. Every story I share, event I support, and Scholar I engage with contributes to this larger mission, and being part of a team that helps Scholars thrive is profoundly rewarding.
As I boarded the plane home, I felt full of gratitude—for the knowledge I gained, for the people I met, and for the moments that reminded me why the Lilly Scholars Network matters. I left Atlanta excited to apply what I learned to future communications projects and to seek out more conferences that push me to grow. Walking through the lively streets, hearing the city hum around me, and thinking back on the incredible sessions and conversations, I knew this experience would stay with me—and I hope that, through my storytelling, a little bit of it will stay with you too.
