GAVIN CHAIDIR

“I discovered SASE when I stumbled upon an Instagram page called UIUC SASE. Back then, the club was still in its early stages and there wasn’t much activity, but my curiosity was piqued. Around the same time, my girlfriend, who is involved with the USC Chapter of SASE, introduced me to the club’s overall mission and activities. Intrigued by what I learned, I decided to immerse myself in SASE’s events, fundraisers, study hangouts, and general meetings. I interacted with current members and SASE UIUC’s E-Board, and their warm and welcoming nature left a lasting impression on me. I quickly realized that SASE was more than just an organization; it was a community that embraced diversity and fostered a sense of belonging. SASE was the perfect fit for me, and I knew I wanted to contribute and be a part of its impactful work. 

I found the SASE Midwest Regional Conference [to be] an incredible experience, filled with valuable knowledge, team bonding, and an unparalleled strong support system. Along the way to the conference, my friends and I had the chance to explore new cities and discover unique local cuisines that we couldn’t find back at UIUC. Such adventure and exploration was thrilling! The conference itself was so memorable, and everyone was friendly, approachable, and genuinely interested in connecting and learning from one another. The conversations flowed effortlessly, and I learned a lot from attending workshops on professional etiquette and networking with industry professionals. 

SASE encompasses the comprehensive growth of its members, ranging from networking with professionals and gaining industry knowledge to landing a dream job or connecting with likeminded individuals who may share different experiences and cultures but support each other’s journeys and goals. It’s about building a community of individuals who uplift and inspire one another, creating a network of support that goes beyond professional aspirations. 

I encourage everyone to ‘be yourself.’ Share your culture and your interests with everyone. By being yourself, you not only have the opportunity to share with others your culture but also to learn from and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of fellow SASE members. Embracing that sense of openness leads to meaningful connections, friendships, and a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives within your SASE chapter. All this helps build a sense of camaraderie and creates a positive, inclusive environment.