During my freshman year, I felt like I was stuck. From academics and being away from home for the first time, I felt like I was just juggling too much. It is a lot to take in at once; going to classes with a full schedule, completing the homework, and trying not to stress out. Which makes it hard to not get stuck in a routine of simply going to class and then sitting out in your room, not taking in the college experience. So here I am, sitting in my dorm, feeling like I am missing out on so much when I decided I need to try and do something with my spare time other than Netflix, when I thought, “Maybe I should volunteer on campus.” After all, it would look great on a resume, I would be out doing something with my life, and I can feel like I contributed something into the campus community.
  There are so many different clubs and organizations to choose from on campus, but the only one that stuck out to me was MAP. So I grabbed a few of my friends and decided to attend one of their weekly meetings, just to try it out. After the first meeting, I was hooked. The events they were planning for the semester sounded so great and it made me want to participate in them even more. After a couple more events though, I realized the events were not the reason I came back again and again. Joining MAP was like finding a whole new set of friends that you didn’t know you had. I have changed a lot during my time at Stevenson, but it was MAP that has really helped me come out of my shell; become more confident in myself and proud of who I am. 

Shayne Stockslager
Senior
Computer Information Systems (CIS) Major

  My favorite part of NACA was during CAMP when all of the performers and organizations would come and try to interact with you and actually make an effort to explain how they can help our campus. My favorite memory was when I held the front row spot for the last CAMP and we all tried to rush to the best stations! The best act for me was Backtrack, which was an a Capella  group that had great talent and were very creative and lively.
  I originally thought NACA was going to be a bit bigger when it cam to the stages and showcases but everything else was something I was expecting. The CAMP and the building it was located in was all very nice and open for people to meet one another.
Mike Jesus
Mappie

  I really enjoyed NACA because I got to experience the behind-the-scenes events that go on in choosing who to bring to Stevenson. Getting my mind blown by magicians was pretty fun too. 
My favorite event was this lecture called "Happy Hour" led by this man names Matt who talked about how to lead a happier life. He taught us how it takes six seconds for the endorphins in our brains to be activated during a hug and had us hug three people for six seconds. It really worked! Now I wear a pin that says "six seconds" so that when people ask me, I can demonstrate. I love hugs. 
  NACA was a wonderful, if not very different, adventure for me. It's enchanting to see all of these talented people find a place to shine! 
Ralph Black
​Mappie

  Finally Back from NACA! Of the whole conference my favorite parts were all the showcases. Showcases are times where various performers were able to present what it is they bring to college campuses. This allows our board to select specific acts for events we see best fit and plug in all the dates to fill a semester like puzzle pieces.
  My best memory of everyone all together was when we would regroup after CAMP, a key chapter of NACA where schools can directly talk to performers and agents about deals, specials and dates, but also bring home a TON of free stuff. Aside from everyone stuffing bags full of unique collectables and Knick Knacks, everyone was able to converse about every singe booth they made it to and share with the MAP board the kinds of deals and offers companies had, while also getting a sneak preview of what it is these companies do, whether it be mini golf, jumping into a ball pit all the way to painting a picture.
  The best act I saw was an Acapella group called “Backtrack” consisting of 1 bass, 1 beat boxer, 2 sopranos, and 1 artist who hit every high and low note in between.
  I imagined NACA a large chaotic conference with a bazillion other colleges scrambling to get to every single scheduled event. In reality it was extremely organized, and everyone got to where they needed to go! 
Joey Byrd
Program Director