My FIRST Presentation at FAEA

So, the time is near.

In ONE or TWO days (depending on when you're reading this), I’ll be giving my FIRST-ever presentation! (AAAH!)

I’m incredibly excited. (Okay. Maybe a little nervous too… maybe a lot actually.)

I’m typing in my car, but by the time you read this, I will have checked in, gone to a few workshops, and my nerves will be jumping around in my stomach like worms. I might have gone to a reception and then practiced presenting with my father for the last time.

…you’ll know based on how late I’m posting this. Haha.

Biggest challenge? Speaking S-L-O-W and with C-L-A-R-I-T-Y. I guess this will come over time, as I build up my confidence.

This is my third year at the FAEA. If you’ve been following my blog, this is becoming one of my favorite times of the year, where I get to relax and rejuvenate my passions. (Which happens to be this year’s FAEA theme – Rejuvenation.)

A few snapshots from today… :)

FAEA Day 1

Main Highlight - Imagine Museum Reception and Adventure

It’s going to be a great conference, and as always, I’ll keep you all posted.

It’s been truly a fulfilling semester, and I still have to pinch myself that it’s my third year. I feel I’m finally getting my stride, finding my joy again in creating artwork.

If you’re at the conference, feel free to say hi! I’m always down for conversation.

I love meeting new people, and one of my favorite parts of these conferences is connecting with individuals from all walks of life. It creates an incredible sense of community and belonging.

This leads to the topic of my presentation. I feel incredibly blessed to have met the right people at the right times. Most of them are close to my mom’s age. Over the years, I’ve discovered that professors and elders often make the wisest and most trusted friends. I’m thrilled that two of mine, my mother and my mentor professor, will be at the conference with me! (Sign up for his VR sessions, he's amazing and it'll mean so much to him. I'll be in the painting one!)

Both him and my mom have inspired me to become a teacher myself so I can give it back to the next generation. Looking back, I’ve spent a great deal of time working with children, helping with childcare at Bible studies, Sunday school programs, and retreats before college. Later, I volunteered at a museum and an elementary school. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding and leave me with a deep sense of fulfillment. However, I’ve seen an increasing disconnect between older and younger generations. It saddens me because we once shared a much stronger connection. Rebuilding that bridge of understanding and community is a responsibility we all share.

In my presentation this Saturday morning, I’ll be sharing the three main barriers to building strong intergenerational relationships and some ways we can overcome them. I’ll also be bringing my newly designed stickers, transfers, and individually packed madeleines to share with everyone!

I hope to see some of you there, and/or connect with you at isasinspirations7@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, I need to hit the hay.

It’s going to be a grand day tomorrow!

Till Next Time (or See you Real Soon!),

Isabelle

"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’" ~ 1 Peter 5:5