Danielle Paine, from Harding University, reflects on her experience at Summer Institute 2025:
Going into my first year at RMASFAA’s Summer Institute, I was excited to see what the week would look like. Spending an entire week on a different campus in another state is daunting, but I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to push through the initial nerves and take advantage of this experience.
The first day we arrived on campus, we were split into the teams we would be with for the week. The first session that evening was all about getting to know and becoming comfortable with each other, which only deepened the relationships we were able to build as the week went on. I appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and learn in an environment where my peers were at a similar level based on knowledge and experience.
Our teachers went above and beyond to make the information fun to learn through immersive activities and games. In addition to all the topics we discussed, each group included a day that focused on a specific NASFAA credential. After the Summer Institute, you have the opportunity to take the credential exam at no additional cost. My class, the “Budget Busters” learned about the Application Process. The Study Guide and test fee were already included in the Summer Institute tuition, so I was able to get my credential at no additional cost.
While the main focus of Summer Institute is certainly to grow knowledge of financial aid, the Summer Institute did a great job balancing both the educational and entertainment aspects of the week. I believe that the refining of our knowledge throughout the day was only enriched by the opportunities we were given to interact with other people in the financial aid profession, whether over shared meals or during activities like bowling or Minute to Win It. I was able to interact with people from several different states and various types of higher education institutions, and found real insight in being able to hear both shared experiences and differences among institutions.
I highly recommend anyone looking to expand their knowledge and understanding of financial aid attend the RMASFAA Summer Institute.
