I was pretty nervous the first time I went to SLIG – almost four years ago. I did not know anyone, although I knew my instructor Paula Stuart-Warren. A friend had also connected me, via Facebook, with someone else who was a first-timer and taking the same course.
I had been to Salt Lake City once before so had a bit of an idea of what to expect. But I landed in a snow storm, traffic was snarled and shuttles were cancelling. Fortunately, my shuttle was still running. I got in with one other person – who was going to the same hotel. Turns out she was going to SLIG, was in the same class and it was her first time too. We got to the hotel, checked our luggage and trudged through slush to spend the afternoon at the library. It was fun to know someone before class started – and we’ve been friends ever since. We’ll be in the same class again this year! (That Virginia course is going to rock!)
So what if you don’t know anyone? Once you’ve registered for a class, make sure you join the Facebook SLIG attendee group. Look for others who will be in your course and try to get to know them virtually before you get there.
Once you are there, be sure to introduce yourself to people. Most genealogists seem to be introverts – until they get in an environment like SLIG where you are surrounded by fellow genealogists.
If you are looking for someone to eat with, ask around in your class. Invite yourself along. Find fellow genealogists in the restaurant and ask if you can join them. Also, be sure to go to some of the SLIG events where you can meet others too.
I guarantee you will be overwhelmed. Pace yourself and be sure to get plenty of sleep (unless you have those nasty homework assignments). I often take the lunch break and go up to my room and take a short nap. But whatever you do, take the time to enjoy the whole experience.
Disclaimer – The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy has provided me a discount on my SLIG 2020 tuition for my participation as a SLIG ambassador. The opinions expressed are my own.
