Hey VASA, the one-and-onlys are back from Houston, TX!  YEEEE HAAAWWW!!! Here's what's
going to happen- all 7 trip-goers will be reporting, via listserv, on how well the training
was.  We will be answering the following questions/categories:

1. What was the BEST thing about the OCA Training/Trip?
2. What did you LEAST-LIKE about the OCA Training/Trip?
3. What was your OVERALL impression of the OCA Training/Trip?
4. What was your BEST MEMORY of the entire OCA Training/Trip?
5. What is YOUR RECOMMENDATION of the OCA Training?
6. Other (not refering to Race- more like "other comments")

To get things going, I'll start 1st.  Ahem, ahem, ahem...

1. What was the BEST thing about the OCA Training/Trip?
   I really like the size of the group there.  It wasn't as big as they probably wanted,
but it was the perfect size to get the most out of shared knowledge/exeperiences and allowed
 us to really bond. Big shoutout to my H-Town homies that ate lunch w/us Steven, Steven,
Jacob, Eddie, Sarah, and the ever-influential Asia.  One love.

2. What did you LEAST-LIKE about the OCA Training/Trip?
   It really sucked to be one of 2 drivers and have to drive down in 2 cars... so
essentially, always driving.  Tri, thank you sooooo much for coming with us to the training.
I know it was last minute notice for you, but you came through.  I love you man.  Oh, and
sorry about the lack of sleep, burning eyes, and aching gluts because of it.  Stay strong.

3. What was your OVERALL impression of the OCA Training/Trip?
   Well done.  The facilitators knew their information very well.  They were professional,
but at the same time didn't distance themselves from the students.  I salute them with a big
*pop*pop*pop* (inside joke- you had to be there =) For David and Eveline to fly down from
IL, and Tanya, from D.C.; for OCA to include all APAs in this training; and for State Farm
being one of the sponsors- it shows a lot about their commitment to the APA community and it
is very much appreciated.  We came down as mostly VASA members, but I got a real sense of a
TRUE coalition at the training.

4. What was your BEST MEMORY of the entire OCA Training/Trip?
   The ENTIRE weekend was the most fun I've had in a long time.  It's among the top in my
book.  My best memory would have to be the times spent hanging out with the group and
newfound friends in Houson- at the hotel, restaurants, club, outings, etc.  Oh, and in the
car... yeah, PJ's the best.

5. What is YOUR RECOMMENDATION of the OCA Training?
   I strongly recommend that VASA attend future OCA Trainings.  The facilitators are
top-notch and the leaders that you will meet can really inspire you.  I also highly,
strongly, empathetically recommend that AASA become an OCA College Affiliate.  I'm so
supportive of this that if I had the power, it wouldn't be a recommendation, it would be a
command.  Do it, now.  (See?  I do have a North side =)

6. Other (not refering to Race- more like "other comments")
   The ice breakers and activities were really fun and challenged us to think about
leadership and question ourselves in terms of what we say and what we do.  Sometimes we'll
talk the talk and forget to walk the walk.  I really had a blast this weekend.  I'm glad I
got to know Linh and Sean better.  Y'all are some crazy cats.  Duy-  you are a funny dude,
but you know how to have fun.  Lisa- when are you gonna buy a new CD? =)  Tri- thanks again
for driving, and next time remember to turn the A/C down when we're sleeping.  Linh- girl,
where do I start?  You are really cool and fun to hang out with... shiznit, you's craaazy!
I know you picked up a lot from this training and I hope you'll stay involved w/VASA.
Sean- you're a cool guy to talk to and have a lot of funny jokes... even though you took
cheap shots at me.  You need to go ahead and join VASA.  You know that shirt looks good on
you.  Pauline- ...is a big 'ol pimp, oh yeah!  ;)  I hope you, too, stay involved in VASA.
To ALL- you guys learned a lot from the training and from each other.  Whatever
you choose to do in the future, always remember that you've got a place in VASA.  Peace.

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That's all I have to say... for now.  For you guys that went, when you write your reports,
don't forget to put your name in the subject.

Peace,

Benson
"When I grow up, I'll be stable."