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SACSA News > My SACSA Story > Justice Turner's Story

Justice Turner's Story

Justice Turner's Story

Justice Turner serves as the Coordinator for Student Staff Selection and Training at Georgia State University, where she oversees all training and recruitment processes for student staff positions in University Housing. In addition, she leads a department-wide committee responsible for developing training initiatives and coordinating monthly in-service programs for student leaders.

Her first SACSA conference was in 2021 in Norfolk, Virginia. As a new professional, she felt very nervous entering the space. She attended with her sister, Jalesha Turner, who encouraged her to participate in the newcomers session and introduced her to colleagues. Many attendees initially mistook them for twins and would call her by her sister's name. Despite this, she found the community to be incredibly welcoming—connections formed quickly and felt like family. She was also encouraged early on to get involved, signing up for a volunteer shift within the first couple of days. By the end of the conference, she was attending a MAC committee meeting and completing an interest form to serve as a subcommittee chair.

One of her most memorable SACSA experiences occurred in 2022 when she won a University of Tennessee basket at the silent auction. Having never participated in a silent auction before and being a proud Tennessee native and Volunteers fan, she spent the final 15 minutes actively bidding against others. She ultimately won the basket, paying more than she had originally planned, but felt it was worthwhile. She even brought the basket into a MAC committee meeting, enthusiastically sharing the story. While she acknowledged the cost exceeded her budget, she valued contributing to the foundation and stepping outside her comfort zone in support of other professionals.

Her advice to first-time attendees is to get involved—volunteer, introduce yourself to new people, engage with groups, and spend time in shared spaces like the hotel lobby. She notes that these informal settings provide valuable opportunities to relax and network beyond formal sessions, emphasizing that there is a place for everyone within SACSA.

Overall, her experience with SACSA has felt like home from the very beginning. The conference has provided opportunities to attend impactful sessions that have shaped her professional thinking and practices, while also strengthening connections built since her first year. She values the renewed energy and sense of purpose she gains, as well as the strong professional network she has developed—one she can rely on for both support and connection. For her, SACSA represents meaningful, enjoyable work beyond her day-to-day responsibilities.

Ultimately, what continues to bring her back to SACSA is the people. Each conference feels like a reunion, offering the chance to reconnect, celebrate professional growth, and engage with colleagues she may not see often. She also appreciates the organization's commitment to member involvement, noting that there are always opportunities to stay engaged and contribute.

Justice, we thank you for your dedication, commitment, and hard work in support of the organization, and most importantly, for your contributions to the field.

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