Chrysta Porter serves as the Student Activities Coordinator at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). In her role, she advises the UTA Ambassadors and supervises three members of the board—Mr. UTA, Ms. UTA, and the Program Coordinator. Additionally, she advises two members of the campus activities board known as EXCEL and coordinates UTA's Welcome Week events, collectively known as Maverick Stampede.

In 2023, Chrysta attended her first SACSA (Southern Association for College Student Affairs) conference, held in Atlanta. At the time, she was a graduate student who felt nervous and unsure of what to expect. She initially worried that everyone there would already be highly experienced and established in their careers. However, her experience turned out to be the opposite. Chrysta met many welcoming individuals and found the conference to be an invaluable opportunity to see firsthand how professional conferences operate. It allowed her to envision herself in the field and to determine whether this was truly the right career path for her.

During the conference, Chrysta made close friends and even secured an internship opportunity on the spot. She met Dr. Relius Johnson at SACSA and expressed her interest in moving to Dallas. Dr. Johnson offered her an internship, which eventually led to her current full-time position at UTA. Chrysta credits Dr. Johnson for playing a major role in helping her begin her professional journey in Texas.

One of Chrysta's most memorable SACSA experiences was attending the MAC excursion to an illuminarium. She recalls having a wonderful time dancing, socializing, and forming closer bonds with other attendees. The event allowed her and others to relax, have fun, and connect beyond a professional setting. For Chrysta, this experience was a highlight and one she looks forward to repeating at future conferences.

When offering advice to new attendees, Chrysta encourages others to take full advantage of conference resources and participate in programs such as SACSA's Newest and the Conference Orientation. She emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone and being open to new experiences. According to Chrysta, growth and opportunity often come from moments of discomfort. “If I had never sat down and talked to Dr. Johnson,” she says, “I wouldn't have the job I have today.”

She advises others to be confident in sharing their stories, engaging with others, and showcasing what they have to offer. Networking, she explains, isn't just about finding jobs—it's also about forming genuine connections and building a supportive community.

Chrysta's first SACSA experience taught her the value of community and mentorship. She appreciated how others ensured that new and first-time attendees, like herself, felt included and cared for. Now, she is eager to offer the same support to newcomers at future conferences.

To Chrysta, SACSA feels like family from the moment one arrives. The sense of belonging and shared purpose among attendees makes the conference a special place that she looks forward to returning to each year. Although she was unable to attend in the following year due to starting her new position at UTA, she remains determined to return. For her, SACSA has become more than a professional event—it's a place she considers her professional home and community.

Thank you Chrysta for all of the hardwork, determination, and love you give to the organization and the field.