Life University Leadership Weekend - Valeria Martinez

Hello, my name is Valeria Martinez. This year, I had the opportunity to go to Atlanta, Georgia, with other students for a leadership conference. This experience was one to remember because of all the memories I was able to be a part of. We visited Life University for the first time, and the conference was very informative. All the speakers shared their stories about how they got into the university, what they went through, and how they started. It was all very emotional, as everyone began on a rocky path.

The conference focused on chiropractors, and thanks to Dr. Javier del Hoyo, we were able to experience it. The friendships we created were unforgettable, as all the students connected quickly. We arrived at the airport at 5 in the morning and had already created many memories just by having conversations about our common interests and how each school's FHLA club operates.

Meeting the university president, Dr. Robert Scott, was a fantastic experience and an opportunity that not many people get. The university was unlike any other. As soon as I walked in, we were greeted by many amazing people and offered everything we could need. Apart from listening to keynote speakers, we met new people and students who are starting at the university this year. Doing hands-on activities with them and sharing where we come from and what FHLA is and what we do was an amazing feeling.

The most important part of this trip was that the students made it all possible. We were a team of 14, consisting of four advisors and ten students. We started from scratch, planning fundraisers to pay for our food and souvenirs. Despite our busy schedules this summer, we made time to meet as groups and put on events like a car show and raffles.

In conclusion, I am extremely grateful and will continue to say thank you to our advisors for this amazing opportunity that not everyone gets. Thank you to all the students who went on this trip. We truly created a family over the summer. It was an amazing memory that will hold a place in my heart forever because not everyone can say that they went to Atlanta, Georgia, for a conference with a group of FHLA students. Thank you!