BOSTON, Mass. -- Last month, Simmons sophomore Nafeesa Connolly (Natick, Mass.) attended the NCAA National Convention held in Indianapolis, Ind., where she represented Simmons, the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) and the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) as a National Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member. Connolly is a Communications major and a member of the Simmons Volleyball team.

The following is a conversation about her experience at the Convention:

Tell us about your time at the NCAA Convention:

My time at the convention was amazing! It was a lot of work but a lot of fun as well. The convention was my first NCAA convention and was also my first time meeting my "DIII SAAC PAAC."

At times I felt overwhelmed only because it was my first EVERYTHING, but my happiness of just being there trumped the nerves. The couple times I felt nervous was when I had to meet with my conferences, the GNAC and the NEWMAC. Thankfully, all the athletic directors and commissioners were welcoming. One day, President Mark Emmert came to our DIII SAAC meeting and you could tell he needed water. I actually got up to give him a glass! A little nerve wrecking but at least he quenched his thirst.

What were your days like during the Convention?

The first few days we met in our own conference room and had several presentations. By Wednesday, we had all had at least one meeting together as a "paac" and attended several other meetings such as the issues forum. One day we split up and attended a couple education sessions. I went to "Budgeting for Success" and "Education-Impacting Disabilities."

We all went to lunch in the ballroom where the food was amazing! The lunches were great because we could mingle with fellow DI and DII "SAAC'ers." There were keynote speakers at the lunches: My favorite was Mr. Gregory Howard Williams, author of "Life on the Color Line."

After lunch we'd go back to meetings, have another event like the trade show or a networking dinner with DIII presidents. On Friday we had our individual meetings with our conferences. Mr. Joe Walsh for the GNAC and Mr. Patrick B. Summers for the NEWMAC both welcomed me to the conference meetings, where I gave my personal and "SAAC" opinion on legislation. After all the work was over, we went back to the hotel to relax as a "paac" before going out for dinner.

What was the highlight of your experience at the NCAA Convention?

The 2012 Honors Reception was my favorite: it was a nice, fun way to end a hardworking week before heading home. I loved hearing about the athletes, whether professional or collegiate who are successful off the court. I love stories with passion, and each one of the honorees had more than enough. What's better is that the attendees got to meet and talk with recipients.

I had the pleasure of meeting Doris Burke, David Robinson, Kevin Johnson, Danielle Robinson, Sam Acho, Will Allen, Brittany Viola, Kelsey Bruder, and Jill Costello's parents. They were all extremely influential, but speaking to Mr. and Mrs. Costello was very touching. My friend and I caught them right at the end and had a personal conversation about their wonderful daughter, Jill.

What did you learn/takeaway from this experience?

I feel silly saying this but I learned the power of networking. It's one thing to be taught it but when you're actually doing it, it can be fun and scary! It doesn't always have to be about getting a job, internship, business card, etc. It's also about conversation, the experience, and letting people know who you are as an individual.

I learned the importance of the DIII partnership with Special Olympics thanks to Special Olympics Athlete, Jason D. Plante – such a great guy and an amazing public speaker!

I also grew a bigger appreciation for the amount of work our presidents, chairs, AD's, faculty, and student-athletes put into their athletics program, especially in Division III.

SAAC in general is an amazing group of individuals who truly care about the well being of student-athletes. I hope more people begin to appreciate the hard work its members put in as well.

What are you excited to bring to the Simmons Chapter of SAAC?

I'm really excited for Simmons Athletics to start working with Special Olympics. Simmons SAAC participates in a lot of charity work with The Boys and Girls Club, the homeless shelter Rosie's Place, and fundraisers for the American Cancer Society. I want to keep working hard with those organizations.

Simmons SAAC and I want greater involvement for Simmons Athletics with students, student-athletes, and faculty because as a small institute with strong women, we have so much potential to do great things

Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?

My mom. She's the person I go to for advice, comfort, constructive criticism, everything. She's always honest with me and that's what I want from her. My mom's been sick for over 10 years now with a rare disease. Indirectly, she taught me that everyone is going through something whether we see it or not. I experienced what it's like to take care of someone at the age of 9 and although it has had its challenges, it's a life lesson that I value. Everyday's a blessing and we shouldn't take what we have or don't have for granted.

Where will we be in 10 years?

I'm not really sure where I'll be in 10 years, but I do know that I want to work in public relations/marketing with sports, non-profits or hospitals. A dream job would be sports broadcasting doing sit down interviews with athletes. I really like giving back so any industry I end up in I want to do charity work. I've also always wanted to go to beauty school and open up a beauty salon since my mom closed hers when she became sick. As long as I'm happy, have my health, and like what I'm doing – what more could I ask.

Is there a teacher or teachers who have had a particularly strong influence on your life?

At Simmons, in particular, I really benefited from my classes with Professor Darren Graves, Mary Shapiro and former Simmons Professor, Vonda Powell. I took valuable lessons from each of their courses such as the racial stereotypes that surround us, how to be a strong and fair manager/leader, and that my creative voice can help me in my career.

My athletic director in high school Coach Tom Lamb is/was a great role model for all students at Natick High School, and I really benefited from learning good sportsmanship from him. I truly believe good sportsmanship can help on the court or in an office.

How is Simmons preparing you for life after college?

Simmons has opened a lot of doors for me professionally and personally. This position on the National SAAC is just one example. Simmons is shaping me into a better learner, listener, and female leader. Coming here to further my education was one of the best decisions I've made. I appreciate all my professors and what they've taught me, as well as the lessons from peers, teammates, and coaches. I look forward to another two years here!